Interview: Efren Ramirez Praises “Character Driven” Approach of ‘Seven Cemeteries’

Efren Ramirez stars in “Seven Cemeteries” as Miguel, a zombie who teams up with parolee (Danny Trejo) to take on a ruthless drug lord (Sal Lopez). Directed by John Gulager, “Seven Cemeteries” is basically a zombiefied version of “The Magnificent Seven.” Ramirez, whose credits include “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Due Justice,” talks about his latest feature.

Efren Ramirez enjoyed the script, penned by John Gulager and Joel Soisson. Also being a fan of Gulager’s previous work, Ramirez was ready to sign up for “Seven Cemeteries.” “There was a moment where I was able to sit with both of them and discuss and flesh out my character and go ‘what’s his history,'” said Ramirez. “And ask questions like ‘what was he like before he died?’ It helped me define his behavior in such a way that really worked. It allowed me to have a great dichotomy with Danny Trejo.”

Though “Seven Cemeteries” has its share of action, the movie also is pretty funny, and Miguel’s (Ramirez) unpredictable behavior as an undead is part of that humor. Trejo is the film’s lead, and he does a great job anchoring the narrative. That said, the colorful performances by the ensemble (most notably Emma Ramos as a salty luchadora), make “Seven Cemeteries” a highly engaging watch.

**Check out Eric Holmes’ interview with “Seven Cementeries” director John Gulager:

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“When I met Vincent M. Ward and Lew Temple, they really brought these characters to life,” said Ramirez. “I thought ‘Seven Cemeteries’ was going to become more because it is a character driven story. Even Richard Esteras and Emma who play luchadors – Richard is in ‘The Bear’ and Emma is a Broadway. To be able to watch them work objectively from a distance and to say ‘I’m a part of this cast.’ It was pretty cool to recognize. I had to remember and remind myself to bring my ‘A’ game as well.”

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