Arian S. Cartaya is a rising Cuban-American actor who has captured international attention with his breakout performance in the 2025 HBO supernatural horror series It: Welcome to Derry. As a pivotal member of the young ensemble cast, Cartaya portrays Ricardo "Rich" Santos, a character that serves as a bridge between the haunting history of Derry and the personal struggles of its youth in the early 1960s. His transition from smaller roles in streaming comedies to a lead position in a major Stephen King franchise marks a significant milestone in his professional trajectory.

The Role of Rich Santos in the Stephen King Universe

In It: Welcome to Derry, the narrative functions as a prequel to the 2017 and 2019 IT films directed by Andy Muschietti. Set primarily in 1962, the series explores the origins of the malevolent entity known as Pennywise the Dancing Clown and the curse that plagues the town of Derry every 27 years. Arian S. Cartaya’s character, Rich Santos, is introduced as a "band kid"—a relatable, music-loving youth who finds himself thrust into a nightmare far beyond his comprehension.

Rich Santos is not merely a victim in the story; he represents the resilience and camaraderie essential to surviving Derry's supernatural forces. Cartaya has described Rich as an affectionate, witty, and friendly individual, traits that mirror the actor’s own personality. This authenticity has resonated with audiences, providing a much-needed emotional anchor in a series defined by psychological and visceral horror. The character's development is closely tied to his friendship with Will Hanlon (played by Blake Cameron James), forming a bond that echoes the "Losers' Club" dynamics seen in the original IT novels and films.

From Audition to Derry the Casting Journey

The path to landing a lead role in an HBO blockbuster series involved a rigorous audition process. Arian S. Cartaya began his journey by auditioning specifically for the role of Rich. During the initial readings, he felt an immediate connection to the character’s background and temperament. The production team, led by casting director Rich Delia, was looking for a specific chemistry that could carry the weight of the series' emotional subplots.

A critical turning point in the casting process was the chemistry read with Matilda Lawler, who plays Marge Truman. The synergy between Cartaya and Lawler was evident from the start, convincing the creators—Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs—that they had found their core group. Upon receiving the news that he had secured the role, Cartaya joined the production in Toronto, where the series was primarily filmed, beginning a transformative year of professional growth.

Navigating the Horror of The Black Spot Episode

One of the most discussed installments of the first season of It: Welcome to Derry is the penultimate episode, titled "The Black Spot." This episode is significant not only for the plot but also for its historical and emotional weight within the Stephen King lore. For Arian S. Cartaya, filming this sequence was both a technical challenge and an emotional journey.

"The Black Spot" refers to a nightclub founded by Black soldiers that was burned down by a white supremacist group, an event mentioned in the original IT novel as a manifestation of the town’s inherent evil. The filming of these scenes required extensive rehearsals to ensure the coordination was precise, given the intense action and high emotional stakes involved. Cartaya has noted that working under the direction of Andy Muschietti during these sequences was an education in visual storytelling. Muschietti’s meticulous attention to detail meant that the actors had to deliver peak performances while navigating complex physical blocking. The tragic elements of Rich’s journey in this episode showcased Cartaya’s range, moving from his usual lighthearted portrayal to a more vulnerable and intense state of mind.

Behind the Scenes with the Muschiettis and Bill Skarsgård

Working on a production of this scale provided Arian S. Cartaya with the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most prominent figures in modern horror. Andy and Barbara Muschietti, the creative engines behind the IT franchise, fostered an environment that was both demanding and supportive. Cartaya has frequently praised the Muschiettis for their imagination and their ability to care for the young actors on set, ensuring they felt safe despite the dark subject matter of the scripts.

The experience of facing Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise is perhaps the most unique aspect of the production. To maintain the authenticity of the children's reactions, the production team often kept Skarsgård hidden from the young cast until the moment the cameras started rolling. Cartaya has recounted the genuine terror of seeing Skarsgård in full Pennywise regalia for the first time. The physical presence of the clown, combined with Skarsgård’s unsettling performance, meant that the screams and expressions of fear seen on screen were often unscripted, natural reactions from the cast. Despite the on-screen terror, Cartaya has expressed deep admiration for Skarsgård’s craft and the professional growth he experienced while working alongside him.

Early Career and the Road to Breakout Success

While It: Welcome to Derry is undoubtedly his most high-profile project to date, Arian S. Cartaya’s career began several years prior. He made his initial mark in the industry in 2021 with the short film Un Pequeño Corte, followed by Birdhouse in 2023. These early projects allowed him to hone his skills in a smaller, more intimate setting before moving to television.

His first significant television exposure came with the HBO Max series Gordita Chronicles (2022). Set in the 1980s, the comedy follows a Dominican family that moves to Miami. Although the series was short-lived, it served as a platform for young Latin/Hispanic talent and gave Cartaya his first taste of working on a major streaming production. Following this, he appeared in the Telemundo series Juego de mentiras (2023) and the Apple TV+ series Bad Monkey. Each of these roles contributed to a versatile portfolio, demonstrating his ability to handle both comedic and dramatic material across different languages and cultural contexts.

Cultural Heritage and Personal Influences

Arian S. Cartaya’s Cuban heritage is a cornerstone of his identity and his acting career. Born on February 14, 2013, in the United States, he grew up in a bilingual household where Spanish was frequently spoken. This cultural background has influenced the roles he chooses and how he interprets his characters. In the case of Rich Santos, the character’s Cuban heritage was a point of personal connection for Cartaya, making the performance feel more authentic and meaningful.

Beyond acting, Cartaya is a multi-talented individual with interests that inform his creative work. He is an accomplished drummer, a skill that aligns with his character’s "band kid" persona in Welcome to Derry. Additionally, he is an avid baseball player, a sport he has stated he would have pursued professionally if he hadn't chosen the path of acting. These hobbies provide him with a balanced lifestyle away from the cameras, which is essential for any young professional in the entertainment industry. He has also cited Denzel Washington as a major professional influence, admiring the veteran actor's intensity and commitment to his craft.

The Importance of Representation in Mainstream Media

The casting of Arian S. Cartaya in a lead role within the IT universe is part of a broader trend toward more diverse representation in mainstream Hollywood. As a Cuban-American actor, Cartaya represents a demographic that has historically been underrepresented in the horror genre, particularly in period pieces. By placing a Cuban-American family and their experiences at the center of Derry’s 1960s history, Welcome to Derry expands the scope of Stephen King’s world to reflect a more inclusive reality.

Cartaya’s portrayal of Rich Santos challenges stereotypes by presenting a character who is defined by his wit, his musical talent, and his bravery, rather than just his ethnicity. This shift is crucial for young audiences who see themselves reflected in high-stakes, imaginative storytelling. The success of the series and Cartaya’s performance suggests that audiences are eager for fresh perspectives within established franchises.

Production Logistics and Life on Set

Filming a series like Welcome to Derry is a massive undertaking that involves months of location shoots and studio work. For Cartaya and his young co-stars, the experience was akin to a summer camp, albeit one with supernatural clowns. The cast spent significant time in Toronto, Canada, as well as Savannah, Georgia, and Los Angeles.

Living in the same building during the Toronto shoot allowed the young actors to form a genuine bond that translated into on-screen chemistry. Cartaya has shared anecdotes of sleepovers, FaceTime calls, and exploring the city together, which helped create a support system while filming intense horror sequences. This camaraderie was particularly important during the production of the "Standpipe" scenes, where the cast had to balance the technical requirements of the set with the emotional demands of the script. The laughter and friendship shared off-camera provided a necessary reprieve from the dark atmosphere of Derry.

What is the Future for Arian S. Cartaya?

As the first season of It: Welcome to Derry concludes, the industry outlook for Arian S. Cartaya is exceptionally bright. His ability to lead a major franchise at a young age has placed him on the radar of top directors and casting agents. While he remains focused on his current commitments, the versatility he showed in moving from Gordita Chronicles to the horror of Derry suggests he is capable of navigating various genres.

Future projects for Cartaya are highly anticipated, with many speculating that he will continue to seek out roles that allow him to explore complex characters. Whether he remains in the realm of high-concept television or moves into feature films, his foundation as a disciplined, bilingual, and culturally aware actor will serve him well. For now, he continues to balance his education with his burgeoning career, maintaining a sense of normalcy despite his rising fame.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arian S. Cartaya

How old is Arian S. Cartaya?

Arian S. Cartaya was born on February 14, 2013. As of the release of It: Welcome to Derry in 2025, he is 12 years old.

What is Arian S. Cartaya’s ethnicity?

He is of Cuban descent and identifies as Cuban-American. He is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish fluently.

What character does he play in Welcome to Derry?

He plays Ricardo "Rich" Santos, a "band kid" and one of the central youth characters in the 1962 timeline of the series.

What other shows has he been in?

Before his breakout in It: Welcome to Derry, he appeared in Gordita Chronicles, Juego de mentiras, and Bad Monkey. He also starred in several short films like Un Pequeño Corte.

Does Arian S. Cartaya play any instruments?

Yes, he is a drummer and has a deep interest in music, which helped him relate to his character Rich Santos.

Where was Welcome to Derry filmed?

The series was primarily filmed in Toronto, Canada, with additional locations in Savannah, Georgia, and Los Angeles, California.

Summary of Career Achievements

Arian S. Cartaya’s ascent in Hollywood is a testament to his natural talent and the opportunities afforded by the current golden age of streaming television. By securing a lead role in It: Welcome to Derry, he has not only joined the ranks of actors who have faced Stephen King’s most famous monster but has also established himself as a prominent young voice for the Latin/Hispanic community in entertainment. His portrayal of Rich Santos—blending humor with heartfelt bravery—ensures that he will be remembered as a standout performer in the expansion of the IT franchise. As he continues to grow as an actor, his early work provides a solid blueprint for a long and successful career in the global film and television industry.