After nearly 18 years away from the spotlight, Angélica Rivera, famously known as La Gaviota from the beloved telenovela Destilando Amor, is making her much-anticipated return to the screen. The actress, who also held the title of First Lady of Mexico from 2012 to 2018 due to her marriage with former President Enrique Peña Nieto, will star in the upcoming series Con Esa Misma Mirada, set to premiere on March 21, 2025, on ViX.
During her years away from acting, Rivera transitioned from the glamorous world of television to the responsibilities of public life, but now she is ready to embrace her true passion once again.
This new series marks her triumphant comeback and promises to tackle pressing societal issues, particularly focusing on the dynamics between mature women and younger men—a theme first explored decades ago by the Colombian telenovela Señora Isabel, which was later adapted in Mexico as Mirada de Mujer. Rivera emphasized the importance of this narrative, stating, "Desafortunadamente no es algo que en esta época haya cambiado todavía. A mí me gustaría que esta historia quedara aquí y los hombres tomaran un poquito de consciencia en lo que es perder a una familia, lo que los hijos sufren," reflecting her desire for the series to resonate with contemporary audiences.
Con Esa Misma Mirada centers on Eloísa Obregón de Hidalgo, played by Rivera, who is portrayed as a strong and empowered woman facing the stereotypes surrounding middle-aged women. Rivera shared her excitement at being part of the project, saying, "Esta serie la conocemos desde hace muchos años, pero hay un cambio en los personajes, en cómo la mujer se empodera, se reivindica. Esta historia sigue siendo la misma porque, desafortunadamente, el tema sigue siendo el mismo." Her character navigates love, betrayal, and self-discovery at the age of 50, providing a narrative bridge for female empowerment and representation on screen.
The series not only aims to empower women but also to challenge outdated perceptions about aging and relationships. Co-star Diego Klein, who portrays Eloísa's romantic interest, remarked, "Los hombres con mujeres más grandes están hermosos. En este caso, Angélica parece más joven, pero en una relación lo importante no es la edad, sino estar abierto a enamorarse cuando debes estarlo." This sentiment echoes the show's overarching theme of love transcending age differences.
Adding to the familial dynamic, Rivera's daughter, Sofía Castro, also stars alongside her mother. Sofía expressed her excitement about working together, saying, "Parte de que yo soy actriz es la admiración que tengo por ella. Fue un reto para las dos porque es una relación totalmente diferente a la que tengo con mi mamá," emphasizing the unique opportunity of collaborating with her mother and the impact it has on their relationship both on and off screen.
The production is backed by Argos and TelevisaUnivision, committed to delivering modern narratives featuring strong female leads, emphasizing the resilience and empowerment of women. Rivera mentioned, "Estamos viviendo un momento muy importante en el que esta historia reivindica mucho a la mujer. Creo que hay que quitarse ya esos estereotipos de que una mujer de 50 años o una mujer adulta no tenga la capacidad de enamorarse. La mujer tiene, en esta época, más ahora, la libertad de ser feliz."
Viewers can expect to see well-crafted storylines filled with love, authenticity, and emotional depth when Con Esa Misma Mirada airs, with its premiere sure to spark discussions about the empowerment and agency of women today, as well as the relevance of these narratives to modern society.
With Rivera's return to acting, there is certainly excitement surrounding the new series, not only for her fans but also for those who appreciate the evolution of themes related to women's experiences over the years. The premiere on March 21 will mark the beginning of what many hope is a new era for Rivera and the representation of women on screen.