Netflix introduces a fresh face to the world of romantic comedies with La Dolce Villa, directed by Mark Waters (Mean Girls, Freaky Friday). At the heart of this swoon-worthy film is Giuseppe Futia, a queer Italian actor who brings effortless charm and charisma to the screen.
From Shy Performer to Rising Star
Futia, an Italian-born, New York-based actor, has been captivated by storytelling since childhood. His journey began at just eight years old when he starred as Pinocchio in a school play. “I was a very, very shy kid, but I enjoyed watching performing arts,” Futia said. “I thought, ‘Maybe I could do it too.’”
His career has since flourished, landing roles that showcase his range. One standout project was an Italian soccer film, despite his lack of experience in the sport. “I got bullied a lot because I didn’t know how to play soccer in my younger years. And now I was playing a goalie who was an expert at it. This is why I love this craft,” he said.
Bringing Romance to La Dolce Villa
La Dolce Villa follows businessman Eric (Scott Foley) as he travels to Italy to stop his daughter Olivia (Maia Reficco) from restoring a crumbling villa. But Italy has other plans, especially when Olivia crosses paths with Giovanni, a charismatic chef played by Futia.
Giovanni is a character filled with passion, particularly for cooking. Futia connected deeply with this role, comparing Giovanni’s dedication to food to his own devotion to acting. “I love when a person is obsessed with something they love. Giovanni has that with cooking, and I have that with acting,” he shared.
The romance in the film is just as rich as its setting. When asked about his own advice for charming a crush, Futia joked, “Eye contact is key. Just enough to make them wonder what you’re thinking. Maybe don’t look at them too long, but long enough to make them slightly embarrassed.”
Filming an Italian Fairytale
For Futia, working with director Mark Waters was a dream come true. “I couldn’t believe he cast me. He’s so iconic,” he said. “What I loved about his directing style is that he’s very fatherly, making sure everyone feels comfortable. He always made sure to crack a joke on set.”
Filming in Italy added another layer of magic to the experience. Between takes, Futia and the cast took cooking classes from top chefs, immersing themselves in Italian culture. “I looked in the mirror and thought, ‘Dude, you’re lucky. You’re back in your country, filming this amazing project, and getting free cooking classes,’” he said. His favorite dish? “Pici, this sort of Tuscan pasta, which is like a thicker spaghetti. So tasty, so simple, but great.”
The Importance of Queer Representation
Futia, who is openly queer, understands the impact of representation. “For so long, institutions told people that being queer was wrong. Artists can change that narrative,” he said. “We need to unlearn what we’ve been taught for centuries, which is that being gay is wrong.
“It’s just a cultural shift. And if people look at the history… it’s just a couple of institutions that decided that they wanted to tell people that it’s not okay to be that. So we need another institution. And artists can be that. They can be a sort of institution letting people know that it’s okay to be queer. So that’s the only main reason why I think it’s important to be vocal about it.”
While he values his privacy, he embraces his role as a visible queer actor, helping audiences see themselves reflected in mainstream media.
What’s Next for Giuseppe Futia?
Futia has ambitious goals beyond rom-coms. He dreams of working with Martin Scorsese and starring in a Tarantino-style action film. “I love psychological thrillers and complex characters. I want roles that challenge me,” he said. “I love action movies with a lot of gore. I know it’s different from La Dolce Villa, but that’s also me.”
For now, Futia is captivating audiences in La Dolce Villa, bringing romance, charm, and authenticity to Netflix’s newest feel-good film. Keep an eye on this rising star—his journey is just beginning.
Watch the full interview with Futia here:
