'Culpa Nuestra': Nicole Wallace on Global Stardom, Playing Noah, and Why India Holds a Special Place in Her Heart

When Culpa Mía, the first film in The Culpables trilogy, dropped on Prime Video, Nicole Wallace didn’t just become a breakout star, she became a global obsession. What began as a Spanish-language adaptation of Mercedes Ron’s hit novels quickly turned into a worldwide phenomenon, with fans flooding her with love.

"Every time someone asks which country follows me the most on Instagram, I say India," Nicole laughs, still in disbelief at how far Noah’s story has travelled.

For the 22-year-old actor, who grew up in Madrid and started her career in Spanish television, the whirlwind success of Culpables has been both grounding and surreal. “It’s hard to wrap my head around it,” she admits. “I’ve never even been to India, and yet it feels like I’ve somehow connected with so many people there."

In an interview with THR India, Wallace opens up about the love she’s received from Indian fans, what empowerment means to her through the character of Noah, how she views success beyond fame, and why she would trade a tourist itinerary for a full day of Indian food.

Edited excerpts from an interview:

I have to tell you what a devoted fan base you have in India! Talk to me about the most heartwarming or surprising international reaction that you've seen to Culpa.

Honestly, just knowing that there are so many people who love the story and follow us—it’s amazing. It’s hard to wrap my head around. I’ve never been there, and it feels so far away. I was in Jordan two years ago and a lot of people recognised me there, which was already so crazy. But yeah, every time someone asks, 'Which country follows you the most on Instagram?' My answer is India!

But when you see international recognition and stardom like this, does it make you relook at how you view your career?

I don’t think so. I view success as me being excited and happy with what I’m doing. I just try to keep it about that. I don’t think I view it differently—I’m just excited that maybe I’ll get cooler opportunities.

I really like how your character, Noah, balances strength with vulnerability. When you saw your fan base among the young adult audience growing so much, how important did it feel to play someone as empowered as her?

Very much. It’s one of the reasons I was drawn to the story. I think that’s why people fell in love with Noah—she represents the generation of women that’s coming. Mercedes (Ron, author of The Culpables Saga) wrote that so clearly in the books. On screen, I wanted that to be the first thing people understood about her.

You’re such a style icon yourself. How would you describe your style, and is there an Indian piece of clothing you would consider wearing?

Oh my goodness. I would say it’s a balance between masculine and feminine, with a little sexy. But honestly, I’m a tomboy. Like 80 or 90 percent of the time, I’m in jorts. My friends call me a female Adam Sandler. This isn’t really what I wear day to day, but it’s fun to transform. As for Indian clothing, I just love the colors. Any colorful patterns, and your jewelry, it’s amazing.

We’re not ready to say goodbye to Noah yet, but I know it’s almost time. What’s one attribute of hers that you’ll always hold close?

Her willpower. She’s very strong-minded, but her vulnerability is also her strength. She learns to wear that proudly, especially in this third film. Her honesty and openness, and not being scared of that, is something I really want to hold on to.

And if you could spend a day in India, what would you do?

Oh my God—it’s so big! One day wouldn’t be enough. I’d probably just eat a lot of food. If I only had a day, I wouldn’t do museums or touristy stuff. I’d just eat and meet people.

Some collaborators, maybe?

Exactly. Eat food and collaborate, that would be perfect.

Any Indian shows you have watched or liked?

Not right now, but I should! Bollywood is amazing. You guys have such a rich culture, I really should get into it more.

And finally, what advice would you give Noah if you met her in real life?

Never stop driving. It’s what makes her who she is. I think she might stop once she has kids or gets busy with life—but it’s important that she keeps that part of herself.