At just eighteen, Samantha Lorraine is living a once‑in‑a‑lifetime dream that most people only see in their wildest imaginations. On the bustling digital billboards of Times Square, she comes to life as Dora Márquez—the spirited, bilingual adventurer beloved by generations. For Samantha, it’s a moment ripe with emotion: the culmination of childhood wonder and relentless ambition, projected in lights above the city that never sleeps.
“Everybody in Miami grew up with Dora,” Samantha says with a smile that radiates pure sincerity. When she thinks back to her own childhood—watching the animated explorer on TV with her diverse group of friends—it’s clear how deep this connection runs. And seeing young viewers recognize her—as their Dora—“I can’t believe this is my life,” she admits, her voice trembling with gratitude.
The new movie, Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado, is streaming now on Paramount+, offering both nostalgia and fresh adventure. This isn’t a frame‑by‑frame imitation of the beloved show, but a live‑action reboot with heart, humor, and a modern sensibility. Here, Dora is sixteen—just a little older than her animated counterpart—on the cusp of adolescence and armed with unshakeable curiosity.
“She’s still that can‑do explorer,” Samantha affirms, “but she’s also more grown‑up. I got to bring that youthful energy and optimism—but with depth, too.”
Indeed, the film finds Dora taking on a serious quest: unearthing the legendary treasures of Sol Dorado before a shadowy rival group beats her to it. From the lush landscapes of Colombia—where the movie was shot—to the cinematic moments of discovery, excitement echoes the original show’s adventurous spirit.
Joining Dora on this expedition is her cousin Diego—played by Jacob Rodriguez—a character familiar to the Dora universe but with new layers added. Diego has dreams of his own: a better life in New York City, a place of ambition and possibility. Torn between family duty and personal ambition, his motivations mirror real‑life tension many teens feel today.
“He’s conflicted,” Samantha explains. “He loves Dora. He loves his family. But he also wants something more.”
To lighten the stakes, Boots the ever‑loyal monkey—now voiced by comedian Gabriel Iglesias—returns. Reassuringly, he’s even sporting his trusty boots this time. “After the 2019 live‑action, we knew fans wanted him in the boots,” Samantha laughs, “so this time, he’s got them.”
One pivotal moment in the movie—and one close to Samantha’s heart—comes when Dora loses her map, that iconic talking guide object loved by fans. What seems like a light plot device turns into an emotional revelation: without the map, Dora questions who she is. Who is she if she can’t rely on her charted path?
Samantha explains: “It becomes symbolic for grief. We all lose maps in our lives—things we depend on. The message is: no matter what happens, if you know who you are on the inside, you’re strong.”
It’s a thoughtful twist, a nod to the idea that this movie is not just made for kids—it’s for families who’ve grown alongside Dora. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with Samantha herself.
Samantha Lorraine Luis—her full name—is deeply rooted in Miami, the multicultural city where she grew up exploring beaches, dance studios, and dreams. She was just eight when she stumbled upon a radio ad for a kids’ workshop promising “the next Nickelodeon or Disney star.”
Her parents—always supportive—drove her to the workshop. There, she made connections and signed with an agent, her first step into a life of auditions, classes, and even professional dance training. Samantha vividly recalls a typical weekday: school, dance practice in the late afternoon, and then perhaps a casting call or on‑camera gig afterward.
“They were my rocks,” she recalls. “If they hadn’t kept us in South Florida instead of moving me to L.A. prematurely, I might not have had so much of a normal childhood. I’m so grateful.”
Before Dora, Samantha’s on‑screen credits included a variety of roles that show her range. In 2020, she took part in The Walking Dead: World Beyond, a limited series set in the haunting world of the original zombie‑apocalypse saga. Two years later, she appeared in the Netflix comedy You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023).
“Those experiences were so important,” she reflects. “They taught me discipline on set, how to work with casts and crews, how to manage long hours. But Dora—wow, it brought me back to the passion I felt as a kid, watching her.”
The production traveled to Colombia to capture sweeping jungles, ancient ruins, and colorful towns, lending authenticity to Dora’s world. Samantha says that hearing the ambient sounds of wildlife, navigating actual rivers and temples, and donning Dora’s emblematic outfit—pink shirt, orange shorts—immersed her in the story.
“There’s something magical about being in the place Dora would explore, over real terrain. I could feel her energy and the weight of the story I was carrying.”
When the crew shot scenes in remote locations, delays and technical hurdles tested everyone. But Samantha credits the cast and crew’s upbeat attitude—and a hidden stash of snacks—for keeping morale high. And when she was in the spotlight: “I felt like I was becoming Dora every day. It was surreal.”
It was during the promotional tour that reality truly hit home. Seeing her face on the Times Square billboard, feeling her voice in trailers, and hearing her young cousins squeal, “That’s Sammy!”—it all made Samantha emotional.
“To watch tiny people—who didn’t know me—connect me to Dora was incredible. And seeing my parents’ faces while they watched? I cried. I just—couldn’t believe it.”
Announcing this movie publicly has transformed her life. She’s received fan art, messages from parents, and even notes from teachers about kids dressing like Dora at school.
“I know how much this character means to families. If kids ask, ‘Is that really Dora?’ and they believe, well… that’s a dream come true.”
The original Dora the Explorer launched on August 14, 2000, and over the years, became an award‑winning phenomenon—garnering 15 Daytime Emmy nominations, one win for title design (2011), as well as a 2004 Peabody Award and two NAACP Awards.
Now, 25 years later, Samantha hopes this new film becomes part of that legacy. “Hopefully in a few years,” she says, “people look back and think it’s a classic movie for families.”
Reflecting on the ride, she answers with sincerity: “I would do anything to come back to the ‘Dora‑verse.’ I don’t want to change how it turned out because it’s so epic. But I always wonder—how can I recreate that? How can I do that again?”
So where does she go from here? For Samantha, the answer is clear: more roles that challenge her, uplift audiences, and maybe a return to Dora someday—or to something equally magical.
She’s already getting scripts for family dramas, teen comedies, and even animated features. Every audition feels like another step on a new adventure—one she tackles with the same Dora‑like spirit of curiosity, resilience, and optimism.
“I’ve been a fan all my life,” she says. “Maybe one day, we’ll revisit Dora—maybe a sequel, a series… who knows. But no matter what, I want the memories of this time—the filming, the family, the impact on kids—to be things I carry forward.”
As Samantha’s story shows, there are deeper lessons beneath every adventure:
- Embrace Change
When Dora loses her map, she has to depend on herself. Like Samantha—navigating auditions and career pressures without a traditional map—sometimes growth comes from losing direction and rebuilding it from within. - Family as Anchor
Just as Dora leans on her cousin Diego and her parents, Samantha thrives because her family stayed close, grounded, and supportive. A lesson in loyalty and shared belief. - Stay Curious, Even as You Grow
Dora is older, but still exploring. Samantha, now a young adult, is just beginning to understand the breadth of her talent and possibilities. - Make It Yours
She could have mimicked Dora’s cartoon mannerisms—but instead, she brought her own warmth, humor, and authenticity. A reminder: being true to yourself makes every role—and every life decision—shine.
When a childhood hero becomes your daily companion, and then becomes you, borders between fantasy and reality seamlessly fade. Samantha Lorraine’s journey, from Miami’s classrooms and dance studios to Colombia’s jungles, to the screens of Paramount+ and the bright lights of Times Square, is a narrative of heart, perseverance, and unexpected twists—very much like Dora’s own stories.
At the heart of this transformation is something universal. We all want to be seen, to feel recognized—not just for what we look like, but for who we are. When little fans watch Samantha on screen, when her parents beam with pride, and when she herself stands emotional under neon lights, it’s a powerful reminder that sometimes—just sometimes—fairytales find us.
Here’s hoping Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado inspires a flood of new explorers—whether it’s a six‑year‑old watching her map, a teenager finding her voice, or an eighteen‑year‑old realizing that, yes, dreams really can light up the sky.
The content of this article is inspired by the heartfelt words and experiences shared by Samantha Lorraine during interviews surrounding the release of Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado. Special thanks to Paramount+ for the privilege of spotlighting this iconic reboot.
