With a career spanning acting, producing, and stunt performance, Elena Sanchez has built a path defined by versatility, physical presence, and constant reinvention. In this interview, the actress reflects on her connection to Detective Keyes in Neglected, the balance between major franchises and independent productions, and the excitement of stepping into a new professional chapter shaped by complex characters and stories that challenge both the artist and the audience.
You have built a wide-ranging career across acting, producing, and stunt work. How do those different sides of your work complement each other in your artistic identity today?
Each of those aspects of my work has taught me something valuable. Stunt work gave me discipline, resilience, and a deep respect for preparation. Producing has helped me better understand the bigger picture and how many moving parts it takes to bring a story to life. Acting is where it all comes together for me emotionally and creatively. Having experience in all three areas has made me a more collaborative artist and, I think, a better storyteller.
In Neglected, you take on the female lead role as Detective Keyes. What drew you most to this character and to the world of the film?
What drew me to Detective Keyes was her integrity. She’s grounded, capable, and deeply loyal, but she’s also navigating complicated moral territory. Those are always the most interesting characters to play. I also loved the tone of the script. It had that gritty, psychological thriller quality that reminded me of Se7en and immediately pulled me in.
The film brings together names like Dylan Sprouse, Josh Duhamel, and Til Schweiger. What was it like working with such a varied cast within an action-thriller setting?
It was a fantastic experience. Everyone brought something different to the table, which always makes the work more dynamic. Josh was incredibly generous as a scene partner, Dylan brought a really compelling intensity to his role, and as a German, it was especially fun to work with Til. There was a great energy on set, and I think that chemistry really comes through in the film.
Your career includes everything from major franchises like The Hunger Games and Avengers: Endgame to independent productions. What changes for you as an artist when moving between projects of such different scales?
At the core, the work is always the same because the character doesn’t know the budget. My job is still to tell the truth. What changes is the environment. On larger productions, there’s an incredible scale, precision, what seems like an endless budget, and better catering. On independent films, there’s a wonderful sense of intimacy and resourcefulness because the crew is smaller and people are wearing multiple hats. Both challenge you in different ways, and I genuinely enjoy that variety.
Beyond acting, you also have a strong background in action and stunt performance. How does that physical experience influence your screen presence and your approach to character-building?
Physicality is such an important part of character. How someone moves, carries themselves, or reacts under pressure can tell you a lot before they ever speak. My stunt background has made me very aware of that. It also gives me a lot of confidence on set, especially in physically demanding situations, which allows me to stay fully present in the performance.
You will be attending Cannes this year at an important moment in your career. How do you see this phase of your journey, and what excites you most about this new chapter?
It feels like an exciting moment. After doing this for so long, it’s nice to see new doors opening. I’ve spent many years learning, growing, and building a foundation, and now I’m really looking forward to seeing where that leads. Cannes is such a celebration of cinema, and I’m honored to be part of it. What excites me most about this new chapter in my life is the possibility… the people I’ll meet, the conversations I’ll have, and the stories still ahead.
Looking at everything you have built so far, what kinds of roles and stories are you most interested in exploring next?
I’m drawn to complex, layered characters. Women who are intelligent, flawed, resilient, and full of contradictions. I love stories that challenge me and that stay with audiences long after the credits roll. Whether that’s drama, thriller, action, or something completely unexpected, I’m always looking for work that pushes me to grow. That’s what keeps it exciting.
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