Javier Bardem is looking back on the frightening call he received from Penélope Cruz while she was filming The Black Ball.
The actor told People that Cruz called him from the set of the Spanish drama, also known as La Bola Negra, after doctors warned her about a possible brain aneurysm.
The warning came shortly before Cruz was supposed to film a demanding musical sequence. Bardem said doctors allowed her to continue filming that night as long as she went in for testing the next day.
Bardem Said the Call Hit Him Hard
Bardem said he and Cruz were very worried after the possible aneurysm warning.
He told People he was “struck” by the news because Cruz still had to decide whether she could perform the scene that night.
The sequence involved Cruz getting on top of a tank for a musical number. Bardem recalled that she asked the doctor whether she could do it because the crew was waiting for her to begin filming.
The doctor cleared her to finish the scene, with the condition that she be tested the next day.
Cruz Was Later Medically Cleared
Cruz previously discussed the scare while promoting The Black Ball at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
People reported that Cruz said she thought she was “about to die” when she first heard the warning. She described the experience as surreal and said she was medically cleared the following day.
The available reporting describes the incident as a possible aneurysm scare, not a confirmed aneurysm diagnosis.
The Black Ball Premiered at Cannes
The Black Ball is directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi.
The film premiered in competition at Cannes and stars Cruz alongside Glenn Close, Guitarricadelafuente, Miguel Bernardeau, Carlos González, Milo Quifes, and Lola Dueñas.
The story is inspired by Federico García Lorca’s unfinished work and follows interconnected stories across different time periods.
Bardem Praised Cruz After the Scare
Bardem praised Cruz for the way she handled the situation.
He called her amazing and said the moment stayed with him because of the fear around the warning and the pressure she was under on set.
Bardem and Cruz have been married since 2010 and have worked together several times, including on Jamón Jamón, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Loving Pablo, and Everybody Knows.
This story is different from their usual shared film history. Cruz received frightening medical information while working, finished the scene after doctors allowed her to continue, and was cleared the next day. Bardem’s account adds the view from the person who got the call while it was happening.