Summary
American viewers know her asUgly Betty, but before America Ferrera graced our lives, Ana María Orozco lit up the screen in the smash hit Colombian seriesYo soy Betty, la fea. Created by Fernando Gatán in 1999, the telenovela took hold of not only Latin America, but the entire world — resulting in over 20 international remakes. The woman who started it all is back after a quarter century in Prime Video’s exciting new sequel,Betty La Fea: The Story Continues.
Whilethe original story saw Bettyrise through the ranks of fashion house Ecomoda and win the heart of Armando Mendoza Sáenz (Jorge Enrique Abello),Betty La Feanow opens with Betty having left the company and on the brink of divorcing her husband. While dealing with the fallout and trying to land on better terms with her daughter Mila (Juanita Molina), she learns that Armando’s father left her Ecomoda in his will. The shocking turn of events reunites her with theCuartel de las Feas, designer Hugo Lombardi, the fabulous Patricia “La Peliteñida”, and more fan favorites.
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Screen Rantinterviewed Orozco about her collaboration withBetty la Fea: The Story Continues' team of writers, how thenew Prime Video seriesholds a mirror up to the original and helps it move into the present, and her hopes for future seasons.
Honoring The Original Betty La Fea As The Story Continues
Screen Rant: You’re coming back to the story and this character after two decades, which must be like a high school reunion in some ways. How easily did you and other cast members fall into step with each other and with your characters?
Ana María Orozco: It was easy, honestly. Obviously, we handled it with a lot of care and responsibility. But at the same time, this is a character that I know very well and love and with whom I feel comfortable, just as I do with the other cast members.
It’s a pleasure to work with them again and return to this iteration of Betty, especially because the conditions were right to create a story that honors the passing of time, without repeating the same cycle or staying stuck 25 years in the past. The challenge was to continue the story and see how the characters could be developed further in a new season; that’s what we found most interesting.
Speaking of responding to the story, since Fernando Gaitan is no longer with us, you are now the person who knows Betty best. In that vein, and even as producer, did you discuss any ideas or reactions to the storyline with the new writers?
Ana María Orozco: Yes, of course, we did an exhaustive job to take care of the story and had a lot of exchanges over it. Jorge Enrique Abello and I, as associate producers, were involved in the genesis of this new stage of Betty La Fea.
We proposed and suggested lots of ideas, working with the fantastic team of writers headed by Marta Betoldi, an Argentinian screenwriter with a very unique and modern perspective that took into account the female point of view. She studied the whole story and pitch bible in-depth, along with Cesar Betancur, a Colombian comedy writer with a very local flavor. This new creative team is full of very special writers, and we had the opportunity to be with them the whole process. Despite Fernando not being here, we acknowledge that he left us a significant legacy that we have safeguarded with lots of love.
Looking At Armando & Other Aspects Through A New Lens After Betty La Fea
There has been lots of discourse, among those who have followed Betty La Fea throughout the years, that Armando is the true villain of the story. How would you say that this new season, and where it picks up in Betty and Armando’s marriage, reevaluates their dynamic from the original show?
Ana María Orozco: It’s very interesting because, naturally, there were certain norms in place 25 years ago that are different than today – especially in our Latin culture, wheremachismo[toxic masculinity] is so accentuated. The way in which relationships were conceived between men and women is now very exposed, and it’s interesting to see how these dynamics continue to be present in our society.
Similarly, there are many other sensitive and relevant topics that Betty la Fea has touched on, such as beauty standards, that we have to continue working to improve upon.
I love the dynamic between Mila and Betty. What was it like for you working with Juanita Molina, and do you feel like she took any pieces of your Betty or Armando for her character?
Ana María Orozco: It was a pleasure working with Juanita, she is a very talented and serious actress. She did this with so much responsibility, and we got along incredibly well on set, allowing us to represent a mom and daughter perfectly.
The story of Betty and Mila excites me a lot because, for those who are moms, we know the challenges of raising a daughter for many reasons. In a way, it’s a learning experience for the mom as well as the daughter. The most beautiful thing about Mila is that she has a little bit of both worlds. She is facing two different conflicts, and it creates a special tension in the production.
Other than Armando, there are many other returning characters to the show. Is there any one that you think has an exciting new dimension in their relationship with Betty that you’re most excited for fans to revisit?
Ana María Orozco:: Yes, truly all of them. Each character has its own story that adds and fuels to this universe that is Betty. It’s very fun, and there are many beautiful stories here.
Will The Story Of Betty La Fea Continue After The New Season?
The final moments ofBetty la Fea: The Story Continuesleave the door open for more. Is that something that is entirely dependent on audience reaction or are there any other circumstances that may prevent a second season?
Ana María Orozco: This is not my decision, but of course the audience always plays a part. At the end of the day, it’s not up to me, but the door is open. I’m looking forward to continuing because there are only ten episodes in total, and we feel like there is still a lot to discover with this universe and these characters who are so loved.
You’ve had many other great projects sinceBetty la Fea, but thisshow’s legacy lives on in multiple remakesand reimaginings all over the world. How has it felt for you to see this legend continue to expand?
Ana María Orozco:: It continues to surprise me. There are moments where I cannot even measure it properly because of everything that has happened. It has a life of itself. It’s not something that I keep thinking about all of the time, but it’s been with me for so many years, and I’m very grateful. I’m enjoying it and am very happy with what has happened with Betty and the show.
Betty la Fea: The Story Continuespremieres July 19 on Prime Video.
Betty la Fea: The Story Continues
Cast
Betty la Fea: The Story Continues follows Betty as she navigates the challenges of repairing her bond with her daughter Mila while facing a strained relationship with Armando, prompting her to reassess choices made two decades earlier. Released on June 15, 2025, the series explores themes of family and self-reflection.
