We were joined on the Popternative show by John Leguizamo, Barbie Ferreira, and director Tracie Laymon to talk about SXSW award winner Bob Trevino Likes It. The semi-autobiographical movie had its release on March 9, 2024 at SXSW and will release in theaters on March 21, 2025.
The film stars Leguizamo as the titular Bob Trevino, Ferreira as Lily Trevino, French Stewart as Robert Trevino, and Rachel Bay Jones as Jeanie.
Bob Trevino Likes It is inspired by Laymon’s personal experiences, both in the real world and online. After being cut off on bad terms with her estranged father, Lily Trevino begins going on Facebook to find a way to reconnect with him. However, after coming across an account of the same name, Lily encounters a different, childless man who begins liking her posts. Through gradual interactions, Lily and Bob begin developing a real-life relationship as Bob becomes a father figure in Lily’s life.
Given how Leguizamo and Ferreira are portraying real life figures, it can be difficult to embody someone who was real. However, the challenge for both actors was also increased given how recent and personal the entire story is.
“It depends on what the approach is,” Ferreira said. “You had to get Tracie’s likeness. What was great was that Tracie and I, we were really interested in recreating her as a character, right? So we’re trying to make this third thing that has both of our emotions and our heart in it, but it also made sense in the context of the film.”
“So yes, it is really daunting to have someone’s beautiful piece of art that they wrote about their life. The responsibility is on you to portray it. And thankfully, Tracy made me feel really safe and supported.”
Furthermore, Leguizamo went more in-depth into how he was able to resonate with Laymon’s story and Bob Trevino as a character.
“I was trying to find the parts in me that are really vulnerable and unjudgmental and unconditionally loving,” Leguizamo said. “I have my own kids, so it’s easy. They teach you that. Kids make you a better parent. So I was trying to bring that in my relationship with Lily as Bob. How can this guy open up to the stranger and care for them and nurture them?”
In addition, Ferreira also reflected on her role as Kat from Euphoria and how the idea of toxic relationships, with friends and families, connected with Lily’s journey in Bob Trevino Likes It.
“Both of the characters really are kind of like online beings,” Ferreira said. “I tend to always… It’s like a repeating thing in my life.”
“I mean, there’s definitely this connection of finding hope through the internet and not finding community with the people right around you. And I think both of those characters, Kat and Lily, have this loneliness. They’re very different in every other way, possibly, after that. But I think the way that they seek this kind of community and understanding is very similar.”
Watch our conversations with John Leguizamo, Barbie Ferreira, and Tracie Laymon down below.
Bob Trevino Likes It releases in U.S. theaters on March 21, 2025.
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.