Sara Echeagaray’s Journey: From TikTok Sensation to Disney+ Star in ‘Big Shot’ Season 2
The transition from viral internet sensation to mainstream acting star is a path few navigate with the grace and talent of Sara Echeagaray. Hailing from the dynamic world of TikTok, Echeagaray has officially made her eagerly anticipated acting debut in the second season of Disney+’s acclaimed series, Big Shot. Stepping into the shoes of Ava, a complex new character, she shares the screen with none other than Hollywood veteran John Stamos, marking a pivotal moment in her burgeoning career. In an exclusive interview, the rising star reflected on the incredible experience of filming the series, emphasizing her profound hopes for audiences to “resonate” with her Mexican heritage.
Echeagaray recounted her childhood aspirations, stating, “I remember watching Disney Channel growing up, and I was just like, ‘Oh, my gosh, I want to be Hannah Montana!’ and I just remember seeing a lot of faces that just didn’t look like mine.” This early observation fueled a deep-seated desire to see greater representation on screen—a wish she is now fulfilling for a new generation of viewers. “I would love the audience to resonate with my background and be like, ‘Oh, my gosh, I can see myself in her,’” she passionately shared, highlighting the personal significance of her role.
Her journey to Disney+ is a testament to perseverance and self-belief. Echeagaray candidly spoke about her humble beginnings, offering an inspiring message to aspiring dreamers everywhere. “It is possible, at the end of the day, to be able to pursue your dreams,” she affirmed. “I mean, I made it from nothing, I would say I had no money, no connections, no nothing. I didn’t know anyone. I was from a small town in Texas. I want the audience to know you can make it as long as you put your mind to it.” This powerful sentiment underscores the authentic drive behind her success, proving that dedication can bridge the gap between seemingly impossible dreams and tangible achievements.
In Big Shot, Sara portrays Ava, a character that fans might initially perceive as slightly villainous. However, Echeagaray quickly promises that Ava is far more “misunderstood” than overtly malicious. “She creates the drama! I’m excited for people to see so many sides and colors of Ava throughout the season. There isn’t just one tone of her, she doesn’t just bully everyone,” Sara explained. This complexity was a draw for the actress, who admitted to relishing the opportunity to play a role that is “the polar opposite” of her own naturally bubbly and effervescent personality.
Delving deeper into her character portrayal, Sara elaborated on the process of embodying Ava. “I just tried to tap into the stereotypical high school mean girl, but there’s also some side to Ava where she does mean well,” she added. This nuanced approach suggests that viewers will witness Ava’s evolution, discovering layers beneath her initial tough exterior. Exploring such a multi-faceted character allowed Echeagaray to stretch her acting muscles and showcase a range that extends beyond her charismatic social media presence. Her commitment to portraying Ava with depth aims to challenge audience perceptions and foster empathy, aligning with her broader goal of creating relatable on-screen experiences.
Working alongside seasoned actors like John Stamos and Yvette Nicole Brown was, for Sara, nothing short of a dream come true. She couldn’t help but rave about her co-stars, expressing immense gratitude for their professionalism and warmth on set. “It was such a dream. They just would make you feel so comfortable,” she gushed, highlighting the supportive environment created by the veterans. This comfort was crucial for a newcomer, allowing her to fully immerse herself in the role without the pressure often associated with a major acting debut.
Echeagaray further detailed the invaluable lessons learned from observing her experienced colleagues. “Whenever you’re doing a scene with them, they were open to your choices, they were so interactive and it was great to watch how they work in front of a camera,” she explained. This collaborative spirit not only enhanced the on-screen chemistry but also served as a masterclass in acting. Sara noted the tangible impact of this mentorship: “I think it definitely rubbed off on me progressively through the season — you see me become more comfortable and build a chemistry with the cast.” Her growth throughout the season is a direct reflection of this positive and enriching professional environment.
Beyond the serious work of acting, Sara’s time on the Big Shot set was also filled with moments of levity, particularly through her beloved TikTok platform. Fans of Echeagaray will recall her posting numerous behind-the-scenes (BTS) videos, many of which delightfully featured the legendary Full House star, John Stamos. Their unexpected TikTok collaborations became a fan favorite, offering a glimpse into the fun and camaraderie behind the scenes of the Disney+ show. Sara fondly recounted how these viral moments came to be: “One day, he came up to me and just was like, ‘Hey, let’s film a TikTok!’ and I was like, ‘I like this guy’s energy!’”
This spontaneous interaction speaks volumes about John Stamos’s approachable and youthful spirit. “He’s just like a very grown child! He bonds with anyone, it was just so cool,” Sara laughed, painting a picture of a set where professionalism and playful interaction coexisted harmoniously. These TikToks not only showcased the fun side of the cast but also served as a brilliant, organic marketing tool, connecting with younger audiences who follow Echeagaray and introducing them to the world of Big Shot. The fusion of traditional television production with modern social media engagement truly brought a fresh dynamic to promoting the series, demonstrating how new and established stars can collaborate across different mediums.
@johnstamos Welcome @saraecheagaray to @Disney+ Big Shot S 2. She’s going to be an incredible addition! Plus she’s promises we’re going to do a lot of TickTock’s
♬ original sound – johnstamos
Sara Echeagaray’s journey exemplifies the evolving landscape of entertainment, where digital creators are increasingly finding pathways to traditional Hollywood roles. Her success story is a powerful reminder that talent, determination, and authenticity can open doors, regardless of one’s starting point. By bringing her unique perspective and Mexican heritage to a mainstream platform like Disney+, Sara is not only achieving her childhood dreams but also paving the way for more diverse storytelling and representation in media.
Her impact extends beyond just her performance; it’s about the message she embodies: that anyone, from a small town with no connections, can achieve their grandest ambitions. As viewers tune into Big Shot season 2, they’ll not only be entertained by the unfolding drama of Ava but also inspired by the real-life journey of Sara Echeagaray, a true role model for the digital age. Her rise from TikTok star to a prominent actress on a major streaming service underscores the transformative power of both individual talent and the interconnected world of modern media.
Fans eager to witness Sara Echeagaray’s captivating acting debut and follow the intricate storyline of Ava can now stream the highly anticipated second season of Big Shot, available exclusively on Disney+.