Sara Sampaio makes Hollywood debut
After Joaquim de Almeida, Daniela Sampaio, Diogo Morgado, among others, Sara Sampaio is the latest Portuguese actress to feature in a major Hollywood production.
Portuguese supermodel Sara Sampaio takes a major leap into Hollywood with her role in James Gunn’s Superman, which premiered on Thursday in cinemas across Portugal.
Sampaio stars as Eve Teschmacher, the stylish and seemingly superficial assistant to villain Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, turned love interest and right hand.
Teschmacher is a fairly new character to the Superman universe, having first appeared in the 1978 film Superman: The Movie.
Because Teschmacher lacks the detailed comic-book lore of other characters, Sampaio sensed an opportunity to “give her depth” in the film.
“It’s obviously a dream,” said the 32-year-old actress to PÚBLICO, describing her experience on set as “incredible” and beyond expectations.
In Gunn’s version, Eve starts off as a glamorous social media influencer with “the best outfits in the film,” but gradually reveals deeper layers and plays a crucial role in the plot.
Gunn, praised by Sampaio as “an amazing collaborator,” asked her to create a larger-than-life Eve who still felt grounded and real.
From angel to movie star
Known for her modeling career, especially as a Victoria’s Secret angel, this marks her biggest acting role to date.
After she was discovered at age 16 in a local modeling contest, Sampaio’s career hit warp speed when she walked her first Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2013.
She quickly gained official Angel status and spent most of her 20s as the face of the brand.
But in 2018, she decided to move to Los Angeles to get back to her original dream.
Most recently, she starred alongside Monica Barbaro, Diego Boneta and more in Paramount+’s rom-com At Midnight, helmed by Jonah Feingold.
Other past credits include dramedy The Clapper with Ed Helms and Amanda Seyfried and Showtime’s Emmy-winning drama Billions.
Portuguese actors in Hollywood
Portuguese actors in Hollywood are no longer a rarity, with an increasing number gaining recognition on international screens.
Among the most iconic is Joaquim de Almeida, who moved to the U.S. in the 1970s and built a long career in films like Clear and Present Danger, Desperado, and Fast Five.
Diogo Morgado, known in Portugal for his romantic leads, rose to global fame portraying Jesus in The Bible and Son of God, earning the nickname “Hot Jesus.”
Daniela Ruah, though born in Boston, was raised in Portugal and is widely known for her role as Kensi Blye in NCIS: Los Angeles.
Alba Baptista made history as the first Portuguese actress to lead a Netflix series (Warrior Nun) and recently married actor Chris Evans.
Daniela Melchior debuted in Hollywood as Ratcatcher in The Suicide Squad and has since starred in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Fast X.
Jani Zhao, born in Leiria to Chinese parents, joined the cast of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom as Stingray.
Also notable are Maria de Medeiros, internationally known for Pulp Fiction, and Nuno Lopes, acclaimed for his roles in White Lines, Saint George, and Bad Living.
The movie
Superman is Warner Bros. and DC Studios’ biggest release of the year, with a $225 million budget and a star-studded cast including David Corenswet (Superman), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), and Nathan Fillion (Green Lantern).
The first title in a revamped DC slate, the James Gunn-directed Superman: Legacy follows Superman as he looks to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.
He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned.
Gunn also penned the script, drawing on characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. DC Studios co-boss Peter Safran produces the pic slated for release on July 11, 2025.
The film opened on Thursday in over 30 theatres across Portugal.