Tony Dalton, celebrated for his compelling portrayal of Lalo Salamanca in "Better Call Saul," discusses his latest role as the formidable Ray Vega in "Sugar." He delves into the nuances of transitioning between these complex characters, the intense physical demands of filming a fight scene with Colin Farrell, and how his previous work continues to shape his career opportunities, including his involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Legacy of Lalo and the Birth of Ray Vega

Tony Dalton reflects on the indelible mark left by his portrayal of Lalo Salamanca in "Better Call Saul," a role that garnered him immense recognition and praise, even from seasoned actors like Jonathan Banks. The character's charismatic yet terrifying presence set a high bar for antagonists. This success directly led to his casting in "Sugar" as Ray Vega, a corrupt L.A. sheriff, showcasing Dalton's versatility in inhabiting villainous roles with distinct characteristics.

Dalton shares an anecdote about Jonathan Banks' high praise on his final day of shooting "Better Call Saul," calling him the "best bad guy" Banks had ever worked with. This sentiment deeply affected Dalton, highlighting the profound impact of Lalo Salamanca on audiences and peers alike. When offered the role of Ray Vega in "Sugar," Dalton sought Banks' advice, who strongly encouraged him to accept, citing showrunner Sam Catlin's exceptional writing. Ray Vega, though different from Lalo, presented a new challenge for Dalton, allowing him to explore the complexities of a character entangled in law enforcement corruption, drawing inspiration from Denzel Washington's character in "Training Day."

Behind the Scenes: Fight Sequences and Career Trajectory

The conversation also covers the demanding physicality of filming "Sugar," particularly a climactic desert showdown with Colin Farrell. Dalton vividly recounts the accidental punch during an intense fight sequence and the camaraderie shared with Farrell, emphasizing their dedication to their craft. He also touches upon the challenge of avoiding typecasting as a "cartel leader from Mexico" following his success in "Better Call Saul," and his deliberate efforts to seek diverse roles like Jack Duquesne in "Hawkeye" and "Daredevil: Born Again."

Dalton elaborates on the rigorous filming of the fight sequence with Colin Farrell in "Sugar," describing it as an intense experience that left him bruised but satisfied. He commends Farrell as an exemplary scene partner, noting his professionalism and generosity on set, particularly during an interrogation room scene where Farrell stayed extra hours to assist other actors. Dalton acknowledges the significant career boost from "Better Call Saul," which opened doors to various projects, including his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He expresses a desire to diversify his roles, consciously steering away from playing similar cartel characters, exemplified by his choice to adopt a distinct accent for Jack Duquesne to differentiate the character from his past performances.