Actress Marta Milans is already looking ahead to the next season of the Peacock crime drama M.I.A., and she has a very specific, high-profile actor in mind to portray her character’s husband. In an exclusive interview, Milans revealed her surprising choice: Tony Goldwyn, known for his iconic role as President Fitzgerald Grant III in the hit ABC series Scandal.
Milans shared her thought process with Us Weekly shortly after the premiere of M.I.A., explaining that the idea of Goldwyn playing her husband came to her quite spontaneously. “I don’t know why Tony Goldwyn is in my mind right now,” she admitted. “Since we were just talking about Scandal, it has to be some WASP royalty.” The actress further elaborated on why she believes Goldwyn would be a perfect fit, calling him “the epitome” of a great scene partner. “Let’s call him,” she playfully suggested, hinting at her desire to see this casting come to fruition.
Delving into Caroline’s Complex World in M.I.A.
M.I.A., created by Bill Dubuque of Ozark fame, is a gripping crime drama centered around Etta Tiger Jonze, played by Shannon Gisela. The series follows Etta’s quest for vengeance after her family’s murder, as she navigates the treacherous landscape of the Miami underworld to ascend to power. Within this intricate narrative, Marta Milans portrays Caroline, a character deeply connected to the crime family responsible for Etta’s tragedy, yet striving to forge her own path.
Milans offered a deeper insight into Caroline’s character, emphasizing her nuanced position within the criminal organization. “Caroline is not a criminal. She’s definitely on the edge,” Milans explained. “She is the daughter of a cartel leader, but her dad made sure that Caroline would be the legitimate child – and he tries really hard to keep her out of that dark world.” This deliberate shielding by her father has created a distinct dynamic within the family.
The actress continued, “That is why I think her brothers have a chip on their shoulder about that and resent the fact that Caroline is the golden child. She gets sent off to university to get a great education. She comes back and she’s polished, well spoken and well dressed.” This contrast highlights Caroline’s privileged upbringing and her perceived separation from the brutal realities that define her family’s empire, setting the stage for potential internal conflict and external pressures as the series unfolds.
Thematic Resonance and Character Dynamics
Caroline’s character serves as a fascinating exploration of identity and loyalty within a criminal enterprise. While her father’s intentions were to protect her and provide a legitimate future, the very circumstances of her birth place her in an untenable position. The resentment from her brothers underscores the inherent tensions and power struggles that likely exist within the family structure. Caroline’s education and refined demeanor, intended to distance her from the cartel’s illicit activities, may paradoxically make her a target or a pawn in the larger game of power and survival.
The series, as a crime drama, is poised to delve into the moral ambiguities and difficult choices faced by its characters. Caroline’s struggle to remain untainted by her family’s legacy while being intrinsically linked to it provides fertile ground for compelling storytelling. Her “on the edge” existence suggests a constant tightrope walk between her father’s protection and the inevitable pull of the underworld. The potential for her to be drawn into the very darkness her father tried to shield her from, or to actively fight against it, forms a core part of her character arc.
The introduction of a potential husband, especially one played by an actor like Tony Goldwyn, could significantly impact Caroline’s trajectory. A character like Goldwyn’s, potentially representing a more stable, legitimate world, could offer Caroline an escape or become a catalyst for further complications. The dynamic between Caroline and her potential husband would likely be scrutinized for its authenticity and its role in her personal and familial conflicts. Milans’s casting choice, rooted in the idea of “WASP royalty,” suggests a desire for a partner who embodies a certain societal standing, perhaps one that Caroline aspires to or is expected to align with.
Anticipating Season 2 and Beyond
Marta Milans’s enthusiasm for exploring Caroline’s character in future seasons is palpable. Her specific casting wish for Tony Goldwyn indicates a clear vision for the character’s relationships and the kind of dramatic tension that could be generated. The success of M.I.A. in its first season has laid a strong foundation for exploring these complex character dynamics further.
The series’ premise, focusing on revenge and power within the Miami underworld, offers numerous avenues for plot development. Caroline’s position as the “legitimate child” of a cartel leader, caught between worlds, makes her a pivotal figure. Her interactions with Etta, her brothers, and potentially a new character like the one Milans envisions for Goldwyn, will undoubtedly shape the unfolding narrative. The contrast between Caroline’s polished exterior and the dark undercurrents of her family life is










