It’s one of those "wait, I know her" moments. You’re watching a chaotic comedy, maybe mid-scroll on a plane or killing time on a Sunday afternoon, and a face pops up that looks way too familiar for a bit part. If you were watching the sequel to the cult classic sci-fi comedy, that face was likely Mariana Vicente.
Honestly, the connection between Mariana Vicente and Hot Tub Time Machine 2 is a weirdly pivotal moment in pop culture history, even if it feels like a footnote on a Wikipedia page. It wasn’t just a random casting choice. It was a bridge between the world of high-stakes beauty pageants and the gritty, often ridiculous landscape of Hollywood comedy. Most people just see the "Shot Girl" in the credits and move on, but there’s a much more interesting story about how a Miss Universe Top 10 finalist ended up slapping a sci-fi drug sticker on Adam Scott’s neck.
Why Mariana Vicente in Hot Tub Time Machine 2 Was a Big Deal
You have to remember where Mariana was in her career. She wasn't just some aspiring actress looking for a break. She was—and is—royalty in Puerto Rico. We’re talking about Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2010.
When she landed the role in the 2015 sequel, it was her first major feature film. Transitioning from the poised, perfect world of pageantry to a movie where Rob Corddry and Craig Robinson are doing... well, whatever it is they do in those movies... is a massive leap.
In the film, Mariana plays a character basically known as the "Shot Girl" or "Club Girl." But don’t let the generic name fool you. Her scene is actually the catalyst for one of the weirdest sequences in the movie. She’s working in a futuristic club, looking exactly like you’d expect a future-club employee to look. She crosses paths with Adam Scott’s character, Adam Jr., who is trying desperately to stay sober because he’s getting married the next day.
- The Scene: She flirts with him.
- The Twist: He asks for the "strongest thing" she has.
- The Result: She puts a futuristic drug sticker on his neck, leading to a hallucination sequence that involves a lot of regret and a very confused Adam Scott.
It’s a small role, sure. But for Mariana, it was the "credibility" builder she needed to show she could handle a big-budget set.
🔗 Read more: Anjelica Huston in The Addams Family: What You Didn't Know About Morticia
The Meet-Cute That Changed Everything
Here is the part that most casual fans totally miss. This movie actually changed her personal life in a way that’s almost too "Hollywood" to be true.
You might know her now as the wife of Kiké Hernández, the fan-favorite utility player for the Los Angeles Dodgers. But did you know they met because of this movie?
Basically, Kiké saw Mariana on screen while watching Hot Tub Time Machine 2. He didn't just think she was talented; he was floored. He eventually reached out, they started dating in 2015 (the same year the movie dropped), and the rest is history. They got married in 2018. If she hadn't taken that "Shot Girl" role, there’s a very real chance one of the most beloved couples in professional sports wouldn't exist today. Talk about a ripple effect in the timeline.
Beyond the Hot Tub: Mariana’s Career Path
It’s easy to get stuck on the "beauty queen in a comedy" trope, but Mariana Vicente has a surprisingly deep resume. People often forget she was a recurring face in the American Horror Story universe.
- AHS: Coven: She played Gwen.
- AHS: Freak Show: She appeared as a waitress named Carol.
- The Bold and the Beautiful: She had a multi-episode run as Pearl.
She’s also popped up in Ozark, Lucifer, and Scream Queens. She’s a working actress who has managed to navigate the transition from "the girl in the pageant" to "the actress in the room."
💡 You might also like: Isaiah Washington Movies and Shows: Why the Star Still Matters
The industry is brutal for former pageant winners. There’s a stigma. People assume you can’t be funny or you can't play "gritty" characters. By jumping into a sequel as absurd as Hot Tub Time Machine 2, she kind of poked fun at that image right out of the gate. She played the "hot girl" role, yeah, but she did it with a wink and used it as a springboard.
Common Misconceptions About the Role
One thing people get wrong all the time: she wasn't in the first movie. The first Hot Tub Time Machine (2010) was a surprise hit, but Mariana didn't join the fray until the sequel five years later.
Also, despite what some clickbait sites might suggest, it wasn't a "blink and you'll miss it" background extra role. She had actual dialogue and interaction with the lead cast. In the context of a 90-minute comedy, that’s a significant foot in the door for a newcomer.
The Filming Experience
Filming took place largely in New Orleans. Mariana has mentioned in interviews that the production took a while to actually hit theaters. She booked the role, filmed it, and then actually booked American Horror Story before the movie even premiered. It’s a reminder of how slow the "overnight success" pipeline actually is.
What You Can Learn From Her Journey
If you're looking at Mariana Vicente’s career as a blueprint, there are a few actionable takeaways.
📖 Related: Temuera Morrison as Boba Fett: Why Fans Are Still Divided Over the Daimyo of Tatooine
1. Own the "Typecasting" Early
She knew she’d be cast as the "beautiful girl" initially. Instead of fighting it, she used those roles in Hot Tub Time Machine 2 and Get Hard to get onto major sets and build a reel.
2. Networking is Everything (Even if it’s accidental)
Her presence in the film led to her marriage, but it also led to more work. One job almost always leads to the next if you’re professional on set.
3. Diversify the Portfolio
She didn't stay in comedy. Moving into Ozark and AHS showed range. If you’re a creator or professional, don’t let one "hit" or one specific niche define your entire trajectory.
4. Check the Credits
Next time you’re watching a mid-2010s comedy, look closer at the supporting cast. Often, those "minor" characters are played by people who are about to become much bigger stars—or the future wives of World Series champions.
Next Steps for Fans
If you want to see Mariana’s range beyond the hot tub, your best bet is to check out her work in American Horror Story: Freak Show. It’s a completely different vibe—darker, more atmospheric, and shows she can handle more than just a comedic "sticker drug" scene.
You can also follow her journey on social media, where she’s quite open about her life in L.A. and her Puerto Rican heritage. She’s currently expecting her second child with Kiké Hernández (due in 2026), proving that while the movie might have been about a time machine, her real life is moving forward pretty fast.