By Paul Salfen for AMFM Magazine
Monica Barbaro is riding high on the success of FUBAR Season 2, the action-comedy series starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. In an exclusive interview with AMFM Magazine, Barbaro shares her infectious enthusiasm for the show, the camaraderie on set, and the lessons she’s learned from her legendary co-stars. From disco balls to “Hail Mary” moments, here’s why FUBAR is a must-watch.
Paul Salfen: Monica, I’m thrilled to have you on today because FUBAR is just so good. It looks like a blast to work on. Growing up, we all dreamed of being on a movie set, but it’s not always as fun as it seems. This one, though, feels different, right?
Monica Barbaro: Oh, yeah, this one’s a blast. We all joke that it’s like summer camp working on this series. Everyone really loves each other, and our base camp has this tent we call the “Chill Vibes tent.” It’s got a disco ball, we play music—it’s like that storybook version of a set you imagine as a kid. Not every set is this fun, so this one’s special.
A Set Like Summer Camp
Barbaro’s description of the FUBAR set paints a picture of pure joy. “Sitting at the Chill Vibes base camp with the disco ball going and music blaring, all of us choosing to have lunch together—that’s when I look around and think, ‘How cool is this? I get paid for this,’” she says. The camaraderie extends beyond the cast to the stunt team and crew, who pull off jaw-dropping sequences that leave Barbaro in awe. “I’m blown away by what the show pulls off and what our stunt team does in collaboration with everyone,” she adds.
The vibe on set is a testament to the team’s chemistry, which translates to the screen in FUBAR’s mix of high-octane action and laugh-out-loud humor. For Barbaro, these moments of connection are what make the experience unforgettable.
Paul Salfen: You’re working with Arnold Schwarzenegger, who’s like a dad figure on set. Did you get any sage advice or just some classic Arnold one-liners?
Monica Barbaro: Definitely a lot of fun one-liners, for sure. If anyone’s getting mentorship from Arnold, it’s probably my dog. He loves to give him any food that’s in his hand, which is hilarious—until I have to deal with my dog’s digestive system over the weekend. I’m like, ‘Arnold, please, no more schnitzel!’
Learning from Legends
While Arnold’s playful side shines through in his interactions with Barbaro’s dog, his work ethic left a lasting impression. “The greatest thing I’ve learned from people like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Cruise is how incredibly hard they work,” Barbaro says. “Arnold always talks about ‘doing reps’—training and putting in the time. That’s how I approached learning guitar and singing for a role or working in the ballet world. You rehearse and rehearse until it’s convincing.”
This dedication to craft is Barbaro’s advice for aspiring actors. “Spend the hours it takes to do anything you’re asked to do to a degree that’s convincing,” she says. “It’s like an Arnold-ism: just keep doing reps.”
Paul Salfen: You’ve had some “Hail Mary” moments in your career, those times when you just have to go for it. Was FUBAR one of those?
Monica Barbaro: I feel like I’ve had an endless amount of little Hail Mary moments over the last few years. With FUBAR, the scheduling was a miracle. It allowed me to film another movie, and I owe them everything for that. It was an 11th-hour thing where I thought I might not be able to do both projects, and then they figured it out. I was in tears, feeling so lucky.
Balancing Act and Avoiding Burnout
Barbaro’s career is a series of these pivotal moments, but she’s learned that success isn’t just about seizing opportunities—it’s about balance. “I used to think there was a world where I’d always be on the right path,” she reflects. “But the days I allow myself to rest are just as significant as the days I work. Burnout is real, so it’s all about balance.”
This wisdom has kept her grounded as her star continues to rise. From Top Gun: Maverick to FUBAR, Barbaro’s versatility and work ethic have made her a standout, but she remains humble. “I don’t know if I’m always on the right path,” she admits. “Learning to have off days has been the most humbling thing.”
Paul Salfen: What’s that definitive moment on FUBAR where you just thought, “This is too cool”?
Monica Barbaro: So many. Sitting at Chill Vibes camp with everyone, the incredible sets they built, the stunts—it’s constant. I just feel lucky to work with everybody. We really enjoyed making this, and I can’t wait for everyone to check it out.
Why You Should Watch FUBAR Season 2
FUBAR Season 2 delivers everything fans loved about the first season: explosive action, sharp humor, and heartwarming family dynamics, all anchored by Schwarzenegger and Barbaro’s chemistry. For Barbaro, the show is a dream come true, blending hard work with pure fun. “There are constant moments where I feel lucky,” she says.
Tune in to FUBAR Season 2 on Netflix, and get ready to join the Chill Vibes tent. As Barbaro puts it, “It’s a special one.”
Interview conducted by Paul Salfen for AMFM Magazine.
