‘Madriliendre’ Musical Series Creator Javier Ferreiro Interview

As the highly anticipated Spanish musical show “Mariliendre” gears up for this week’s world premiere at the Málaga Film Festival, screening at France’s Series Mania and an April 27 debut on Atresplayer, Variety sat down with the show’s creator and director, Javier Ferreiro, to discuss his debut series.

A six-episode musical dramedy, Mariliendre – produced by Spain’s hottest filmmaking duo Los Javis (Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi) at Suma Content (“Veneno,” “La Mesías”) – explores themes of friendship, LGBTQ+ culture, body positivity and the power of music in shaping identity.

Set in Chueca, one of the most vibrant and gay neighborhoods in the Spanish capital and likely the world, “Mariliendre” – a common Spanish nickname for the woman best friend of a gay man or group of gay men – follows Meri Román, a former queen of Madrid’s gay nightlife. Now, at 35 years old, those days of recognition are in the review mirror for Meri, a dethroned diva who can’t let go of the past and is bored by her mundane present.

The high-concept show follows Meri as she investigates a side of her father’s life that she never knew about while he was alive. Her investigation into the past is paralleled by the audience’s uncovering of Meri’s own troubled past and the truth about why her group of friends are no longer part of her life.

Variety: First off, congratulations on the world premiere. As a filmmaker, what does it mean to debut “Mariliendre” at Málaga?

Ferreiro: It’s such an honor. This series has been in the making for over five years, from the initial idea to the intense filming process and post-production. A musical requires tremendous effort, from choreography to securing music rights, and Málaga’s recognizing that effort means the world. Plus, it’s an amazing platform for promoting the show. As my debut as a series creator and director, I’m both nervous and excited to see how the audience responds.

Musical series are rare in Spain, especially with such an ambitious format. How did you develop the show’s musical identity?

We knew from the start that music had to be deeply woven into the narrative. The songs aren’t just performances; they drive the story forward. We use a mix of original songs and covers from the early 2000s, a period that resonates with the LGBTQ+ community and evokes nostalgia. The challenge was choosing songs that fit naturally within the story and securing the rights, which, luckily, worked out in our favor.

The first two episodes have different structures. The premiere feels like an introduction, while the second plays more like an investigation. Can you elaborate on this approach?

Absolutely. Structurally, I was inspired by “Broken Flowers,” where Bill Murray’s character revisits people from his past. “Mariliendre” follows a similar structure, as the protagonist, Mari, reconnects with figures from her youth. The first episode sets the stage, revealing the past, while the second establishes the ongoing mystery. As the series progresses, the structure shifts — Episode 4, for example, diverges significantly. We wanted to keep audiences on their toes.

The show uniquely blends reality with fantasy. Some musical numbers are rooted in realism, while others reflect Mari’s imagination. How did you balance these elements?

I love musicals that push boundaries, like “La La Land,” and we wanted to play with different tones. Some numbers, like the one-shot sequence in Episode 2, are grounded in reality. Others, like Mari’s imagined interactions with her father, are heightened fantasy. These moments reflect her inner conflicts, helping audiences understand her emotional journey.

You have an impressive cast, including “Operación Triunfo” alum Martín Urrutia and “Élite” star Omar Ayuso. How did you approach casting?

Casting was crucial. With a musical, you always ask: do we cast singers who can act or actors who can sing? Of course, in the end, everyone needs to be adept at both. We explored both avenues, watching countless musicals, series and films, and even considering established musicians. More than just talent, we wanted actors who embodied the essence of their characters. Blanca [Martínez], for instance, is a Mariliendre in real life. Her chemistry with the cast made her perfect for the role. Martín was a risk — coming straight from [Spain’s popular singing competition series] “Operación Triunfo,” he had no acting experience—but he has incredible presence and proved to be a natural performer.

Friendship is at the core of “Mariliendre.” It’s rare to see musicals centered around platonic relationships. How did you develop that dynamic?

That was intentional. Most musicals revolve around romance, but “Mariliendre” is about friendship and community. The cast became close in real life, which made their on-screen chemistry effortless. They bonded off-set, which translated beautifully to their performances. Episode 3 has a scene in a bar where the characters interact so naturally that you feel like you’re eavesdropping on real friends.

The series is told from Mari’s perspective but also incorporates the voices of her gay friends and explores diverse identities. How important was representation in the writing process?

It was essential. The writing team included women and LGBTQ+ individuals, each bringing different generational perspectives. This allowed us to create well-rounded, authentic characters. But representation wasn’t just in the script — it extended to the crew and the cast. Many of our actors openly identify as LGBTQ+, and we made sure to foster an inclusive environment on set.

You mentioned that a real-life Mariliendre inspired the show. Has she seen it?

Yes! She even has a cameo in Episode 1. Her reaction was deeply emotional — watching the show helped her reconnect with her past. It was a powerful experience for both of us.

Atresplayer has been a home for LGBTQ+ content, from “Veneno” to “Drag Race España.” How has it been working with them?

They’ve been incredibly supportive. I had complete creative freedom, and their feedback always enriched the project. Their commitment to LGBTQ+ storytelling is clear, and it was the perfect platform for “Mariliendre.”

This interview was translated from Spanish and edited for clarity and length.