Antonio Josh Medina Brings Beloved Characters to Life While Building a Future in Film, Live Entertainment, and Storytelling

Actor and filmmaker Antonio Josh Medina continues to make his mark in entertainment by reprising the iconic role of Monkey D. Luffy during Universal Studios Hollywood Fan Fest, creating unforgettable live experiences that connect deeply with fans around the world. Drawing from his work across acting, immersive entertainment, and filmmaking, Antonio has developed a dynamic creative approach rooted in authenticity, improvisation, and emotionally driven storytelling. As he looks toward the future, he is focused on expanding into film, television, and original productions that challenge audiences, inspire self-belief, and reflect his passion for stories centered on courage, identity, and the pursuit of dreams.

Antonio, you recently had the opportunity to reprise the role of Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece during Universal Studios Hollywood’s Fan Fest. What was it like returning to such an iconic character for a second year and connecting with fans through live performance?
Returning as Monkey D. Luffy for a second year was a heartfelt honor, joy, and a responsibility I embraced wholeheartedly. Luffy is a beloved character that inspires people around the world. Not only his optimism, courage, and loyalty but the unwavering belief in following your dreams.

Having the opportunity to step back into his sandals and bring that spirit to life once again was incredibly rewarding. But what makes the experience truly special is the opportunity to connect directly with fans. Some guests remembered me from the previous year, while others were meeting Luffy for the very first time. Seeing their excitement, hearing their personal stories, and sharing those moments with families, lifelong anime fans, and newcomers alike reminded me why live performance is such a powerful art form.

There is something incredibly meaningful about watching a character that has inspired millions suddenly become real for someone standing right in front of you. Whether it was a smile, a laugh, a heartfelt conversation, or a memorable photo, each interaction carried its own magic. Those moments reinforced the impact that storytelling can have and reminded me that sometimes, even for just a few minutes, we can help bring a little wonder, joy, and inspiration into someone’s day.

Bringing a globally beloved character to life requires balancing authenticity with your own performance style. How did you approach portraying Luffy in an immersive theme park environment?
My first priority was always honoring and staying true to the character fans know and love. Luffy has such a unique and inspiring personality. At the same time, live entertainment requires spontaneity. Unlike film or television, every interaction is different, so I focused on understanding the spirit of the character rather than simply recreating scenes. Something I always had present was that Luffy sees the best in people and never gives up on those he cares about. It was important to me that fans felt they were truly meeting the Luffy who has inspired them through his journey for so many years. And of course adding that energy of excitement he brings to every adventure in the story.

Fan Fest gives performers a chance to interact directly with audiences through improvisation and real-time engagement. What were some of the most memorable moments you experienced with fans?
There were guests who traveled long distances just for the experience, families dressed as the Straw Hat crew, and fans who shared how much One Piece had meant to them during different stages of their lives. I especially loved meeting younger fans who genuinely believed they were meeting Luffy. Watching their faces light up when they showed me their straw hats, posed for photos, or joined in on the adventure was incredibly rewarding. Seeing that pure and raw emotion fuels my my love and creative performance to new heights every time. Another highlight was interacting with international guests. One Piece is a global phenomenon, and being able to connect with fans from different countries and cultures reinforced how storytelling can bring people together regardless of language or background. I even got to learn some Japanese and said the iconic phrase I’m going to be king of the pirates for Japanese fans. Japan has definitely stolen my heart. Can’t wait to visit.

You’ve built experience across acting, live entertainment, and filmmaking. How have those different creative disciplines influenced one another throughout your career?
Acting has helped me understand character, emotion, and storytelling on a deeper level. Live entertainment has sharpened my improvisation skills and taught me how to connect authentically with audiences in real time. Filmmaking has given me a broader appreciation for the collaborative process and the work that happens behind the camera. As a filmmaker, I think more deeply about story structure and visual storytelling when I approach a role. As an actor, I bring empathy and character perspective into my creative projects. And live performance has taught me adaptability, which is essential in every area of entertainment. Honestly and proudly I feel like I’m ready to take on any role in my career. Looking forward to the opportunity on the big screen.

Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals as a performer, filmmaker, and storyteller, and what kinds of projects are you most excited to pursue next?
My long-term goal is to continue telling meaningful stories that entertain, inspire, and leave a lasting impact on audiences. As an actor, I would love to take on more complex dramatic roles, compelling villains, action-adventure projects, and character-driven stories that challenge me creatively.

As a filmmaker, I want to continue developing original projects while collaborating with talented artists who share a passion for storytelling. I’ve always been fascinated by stories that explore courage, redemption, identity, and the choices that define who we become.

Ultimately, I hope to build a career that spans film, television, live entertainment, and production while creating work that resonates with people around the world. Whether I’m portraying a beloved character like Luffy or developing original stories of my own, my goal remains the same: to inspire others to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams, and never stop moving forward. I’ll end with my personal quote “it’s better to live a life believing than living in doubt.

Links:

• Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYdfxreGgOU/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• YouTube and Podcast Interview: https://youtu.be/kzmUfkwmecQ?is=_ttLroGJuYstjn-j