Michelle C. Bonilla steps into the spotlight with Cross and Gotham’s return.
Michelle C. Bonilla brings nearly three decades of film, television and voice acting experience to her latest roles. A proud Chicana born and raised in Hollywood, Bonilla has built a career with more than 170 credits while also using her platform to support LGBTQ advocacy and tell stories rooted in identity, resilience and representation. Now, she continues that momentum with Cross Season 2 and her return as Renee Montoya in Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2.
In this full conversation with Nerdtropolis, Bonilla reflects on her latest roles, working alongside Aldis Hodge, navigating fast-paced productions like 9-1-1: Lone Star, and what still remains on her bucket list.
On Cross Season 2 and Playing Clare
Bonilla didn’t hesitate when asked what excites her most right now. “I’m most excited right now about what’s airing on Amazon Prime, the second season of Cross,” she said.
She plays Clare, a woman shaped by hardship but driven by love, particularly for her niece Rebecca, whom she raised. “I play a very fantastic character… her name is Clare Matthews, and I play the aunt,” Bonilla explained.
What makes the series stand out, she said, is how closely it reflects real-world issues. “Seeing what’s going on in the world right now… how parallel this season is with what’s happening… it’s powerful,” she said.
She pointed to storylines involving human trafficking and systemic struggles as especially meaningful.“It’s an honor to portray a Mexican woman in a storyline like this that is so relevant,” Bonilla added.
Her character exists in a morally complex space, exploring themes of justice and revenge. “I’m on the other side of that… this idea of vigilantism… an eye for an eye,” she said.
Reuniting With Aldis Hodge
Bonilla’s connection with Aldis Hodge goes back years, and their reunion on Cross brought things full circle.
She recalled how she landed her role in Clemency after reading the script and insisting on being part of the film. “I read the script and said, ‘I have to be in this film. It’s so beautiful,’” she said.
That determination led to her booking the role and meeting Hodge for the first time. When they reunited on Cross, it felt like a natural continuation. “You can’t shake me, Aldis. I’m gonna be in your hemisphere for a while,” she joked.
“It’s just a pleasure… to be able to work with him again,” she added.
Entering the World of 9-1-1: Lone Star
Bonilla also reflected on joining 9-1-1: Lone Star, a franchise known for its fast-paced storytelling and technical precision. “I absolutely adore Ryan Murphy… his worlds are so diverse and accurate,” she said of Ryan Murphy.
She credited her time on ER with preparing her for the show’s demanding dialogue. “You’ve got to speak super fast and get a lot of information out,” she explained. The physicality of filming also stood out, with intricate camera movements and blocking. “You’re really dancing with cameras… it’s quite a ballet,” Bonilla said.
She even joked about potentially returning in another spinoff. “My bags are half-packed if they ever need me,” she said with a laugh.
Returning as Renee Montoya in Batman: Caped Crusader
Bonilla is also stepping back into Gotham in Batman: Caped Crusader as Renee Montoya, a character with deep roots in DC fandom. “Yes, there’s a season two… and it’s getting all shiny and wrapped in a bow,” she teased.
She described the emotional experience of seeing early animation for the new season. “I’m crying because it’s so beautiful… the colors and everything,” she said.
A longtime comic book fan, Bonilla connected with the role on a personal level.
“I was collecting comic books… I worked at a comic book store,” she shared. Renee Montoya’s personality is a big part of what draws her in. “She’s not afraid to go toe-to-toe with Batman… she’s one of the good ones,” Bonilla said.
She also highlighted the character’s loyalty and strong sense of justice. “I’m loyal too… I have that internal streak of justice,” she added.
The Freedom of Voice Acting
Bonilla’s voice work spans animation, video games, and beyond, and she sees it as one of the most rewarding parts of her career. “I can do and be anything that I want… all you have to do is believe,” she said.
At the same time, she emphasized the importance of authenticity. “You can hear when you’re not connected… you want your audience to believe everything,” she explained.
What’s Still on Her Bucket List
Despite her extensive résumé, Bonilla still has goals she wants to achieve. “I’d love to play a leading lady with a love interest… with a little bit of sass,” she said.
She wants to explore roles that lean into glamour and romance while still maintaining depth. “I’d love to wear beautiful dresses… and maybe flirt a little,” she added.
Michelle C. Bonilla’s career continues to evolve across genres and mediums. From tackling grounded, real-world stories in Cross to stepping into Gotham as Renee Montoya, she brings authenticity to every role.
And as she looks ahead to new opportunities, one thing is clear—she’s only getting started.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
