Paramount+ to Debut Arnie Pantoja’s Animated Series “Big Nate” in Early 2022

Arnie Pantoja is getting animated next year…

New animated series Big Nate, featuring the half-Mexican American actor, will debut on Paramount+ in early 2022.

Arnie PantojaBased on the best-selling children’s books and comic strip written and drawn by Lincoln Peirce, the series centers on the titular character Nate (voiced by Ben Giroux), a sixth-grader who believes he’s awesome. He’s funny, entertaining, and even a little insecure, but he’s not about to let the rest of the world know that.

Pantoja will voice the character of Teddy Ortiz, Nate’s main co-conspirator, a partner in chaos always willing to go along with Nate’s crazy schemes. But if there’s a chance they’ll get caught, Teddy has an amazing way of disappearing.

Disney star Dove Cameron will portray Nate Wright’s older sister and the object of his angst, Ellen. If Ellen has flaws, Nate’s never seen them, but he’s determined to find them anyway.

Their dad Martin will be played by Rob Delaney, whose life has not gone as planned. Although he’s raising two kids alone, he tries not to complain.

Other voice cast members include Charlie Schlatter, Kevin Michael and Carolyn Hennesy.

Big Nate is executive produced by Mitch Watson and John Cohen and produced by Amy McKenna, with Lincoln Peirce serving as consultant throughout development and production.

Universal to Stream Jennifer Lopez’s “Marry Me” on Peacock on Same Weekend it Opens in Theaters

Jennifer Lopez is preparing for a hybrid wedding

Universal has announced that their romantic comedy Marry Me, starring the 52-year-old Puerto Rican actress singer and Owen Wilson will stream on Peacock the same weekend the movie hits theaters, February 11-13.

Jennifer Lopez, Marry Me

Marry Me, directed by Kat Coiro, follows a musical superstar, played by Lopez, who is about to be proposed to by her fellow music supernova (Maluma in his feature film debut) before a global audience of fans. However, she learns that he’s been unfaithful and decides to marry Charlie (Wilson), a stranger in the crowd instead.

Lopez and Maluma have original songs in Marry Me.

The film also stars John Bradley, Michelle Buteau and Utkarsh Ambudkar.

John Rogers, Tami Sagher and Harper Dill wrote the screenplay based on the graphic novel by Bobby Crosby. T

he film is produced by Lopez and her producing partner Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas for the multi-hyphenate’s Nuyorican Productions, by John Rogers for Kung Fu Monkey Productions and by Benny Medina.

Julianna Peña Upsets Amanda Nunes to Claim UFC Bantamweight Title

Julianna Peña has pulled off the unbelievable…

The 32-year-old Mexican and Venezuelan American mixed martial artist (11-4) scored one of the biggest upsets in MMA history on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena, as she submitted Amanda Nunes (21-5) in the second round of their bantamweight title fight.

Julianna Peña

The finish came at 3 minutes, 26 seconds, after Peña hurt Nunes on the feet, took her to the ground, moved to her back and locked her in a rear-naked choke.

“I told you,” Peña said. “Don’t ever doubt me again. … She tapped and I asked the commission, ‘Is it over?’ He said, ‘Yes, you won.’ It didn’t [seem real]. It feels crazy. But I expected to win. The world is my oyster. You have the ability to do anything you want in this life.”

Officially, it is the fourth-largest upset in UFC title fight history, according to ESPN Stats & Information. The biggest remains Holly Holm‘s victory over Ronda Rousey for the 135-pound title at UFC 193 in November 2015.

Nunes, of Brazil, appeared to be well on her way to victory in the opening round. She dropped Peña with a right hand about three minutes into the fight and spent some time near the end of the frame in top position. She smiled at Peña at the close of the round, and even offered a high-five before they went back to their corners.

The fight changed dramatically in the second round. Peña, who hails from Spokane, Washington, is not known as a fearsome striker, but she began finding an easy home for her straight punches. Nunes’ face turned red from shots to the chin, and she started to breathe heavier. She refused to back off or change tactics, however, electing to stand directly in front of Peña and trade shot for shot. She tried to land her fastball right hand, which has finished so many fights in her career, but mostly hit air.

According to UFC Stats, Peña outlanded Nunes in total strikes 90-58, including 79-46 in significant strikes. Peña landed 74 significant strikes in Round 2, the second-most in a round in women’s bantamweight history, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

“I did everything I could tonight,” Nunes said. “I trained hard for it. Congratulations to Julianna. She’s a warrior. I knew that the whole time. I’ll go back to the gym, train more and get the next one.”

It’s the first time Nunes has lost since 2014, when she dropped a bantamweight fight to Cat Zingano. Since that loss, Nunes had won 12 in a row and claimed belts in multiple weight classes. Her most recent two fights had been at 145 pounds, so this was the first time since December 2019 she’d had to cut weight.

Miguel Cotto Named to International Boxing Hall of Fame

Miguel Cotto entering the hall

The 41-year-old Puerto Rican former professional boxer will be enshrined into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, alongside Roy Jones Jr. and James Toney.

Miguel Cotto,Cotto, Jones and Toney highlight the Boxing Hall’s Class of 2022, as revealed on Tuesday.

They’re joined by female champions Holly Holm and Regina Hamlisch, alongside publicist Bill Caplan, journalist Ron Borges and historian/producer Bob Yalen.

When they’re all inducted on June 12 in Canastota, New York, the group will be accompanied by the previous two classes. Because of the pandemic, fighters from those classes — such as Floyd Mayweather, Andre Ward and Wladimir Klitschko — have yet to be enshrined.

Cotto (41-6, 33 KOs) retired at age 37 following an upset loss to Sadam Ali. One of the most accomplished boxers from Puerto Rico, Cotto routinely fought before sellout crowds at Madison Square Garden, thrilling the masses with his ferocious body punching.

Cotto won titles at 147 pounds and 154 before he upset Sergio Martinez for the middleweight championship. Cotto competed with three Hall of Famers during his career: a win over Shane Mosley and losses to Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Cotto was also defeated by future Hall of Famer Canelo Alvarez.

Cotto’s loss to Antonio Margarito in 2008 is a welterweight classic. He later avenged the defeat.

Cardi B Named Playboy’s First-Ever Creative Director in Residence

Cardi B is ready to play(boy)…

The 29-year-old half-Dominican American rap superstar has been named the first “creative director in residence” for Playboy, as well as a founding member of the brand’s new content-creation endeavor Centerfold.

Cardi B“Introducing the FIRST EVER Creative Director In Residence at the legendary @playboy, it’s ME!!!” Cardi Bwrote on Instagram. “Joining the @playboy family is a dream and I know y’all are going to love what we put together. I’m startin this party right as the Founding Creative Director and a founding member of CENTERFOLD the new creator-led platform from Playboy coming soon!!” she continued, adding, “We’re going to have soooooo much fun.”

Playboy also tweeted the news to their Twitter account. “Today is a Playboy milestone: we couldn’t be more excited and honored to welcome our first ever Creative Director in Residence, the icon, @iamcardib to the family,” the company shared.

In a press release, Cardi B revealed that the purpose of Centerfold is so up-and-coming creatives can have a safe space to embrace their sexuality and unique identity.

“They deserve to feel safe in their creativity and sexuality. And they deserve to own their future. This is what Centerfold is all about,” the Grammy winner stated. “For all those creators out there doing bold, revolutionary, truly culture-shifting things, come join me.”

Don’t expect Cardi to appear in the pages of Playboy, though — upon asking her Twitter followers who she should feature in “some sexy sh– on the cover of Playboy,” she told a fan that she isn’t interested when the user suggested she pose for the magazine.

https://www.instagram.com/iamcardib/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=210a5062-3970-446a-bd36-cf0ddf32d1de

Jordana Brewster to Star in the Sci-Fi Thriller “Hello Stranger”

It’s stranger days for Jordana Brewster.

The 41-year-old half-Brazilian Panamanian actress will star opposite Sam Worthington and Luke Grimes in the sci-fi thriller Hello Stranger.

Jordana BrewsterApril Mullen will direct from a screenplay penned by Ryan Christopher Churchill.

In Hello Stranger, Faye (Brewster) attempts to replace her newly deceased husband, Evan (Grimes) with an android simulant (SIM). Although SIM Evan appears like human Evan in everyway, Faye does not feel the same love for SIM Evan as it does for her. SIM Evan tries to win Faye back, while at the same time, on-the-run from a government agent (Worthington) chasing down SIMS who have become “conscious,” and could potentially be a threat to humankind.

The film is being produced by Tim Doiron and James van der Woerd in association with their production company Wango Films, with Myriad’s Kirk D’Amico as an executive producer.

Said Wango CEO and producer Tim Doiron: “The addition of Sam and Jordana to Hello Stranger takes an already stellar creative team to the next level. We have secured our dream cast for this film and cannot wait to bring this project to life.”

Brewster’s previous credits include the Fast & Furious franchise films and TNT’s Dallas reboot.

Nick Martinez Agrees to Four-Year, $20 Million Deal with San Diego Padres

Nick Martinez is returning to the majors…

The San Diego Padres and the 31-year-old Latino professional baseball pitcher have agreed on a four-year, $20 million contract, according to ESPN.

Nick MartinezMartinez’s deal includes opt-outs after his first and second year.

Martinez spent the past four seasons in Japan and starred for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks this year, posting a 1.62 ERA.

He previously played four seasons in the major leagues, all with the Texas Rangers from 2014-17, and went 17-30 with a 4.77 ERA.

Martinez also won a silver medal while playing for Team USA in the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Adam Rodriguez Shares Trailer for His Upcoming CBS Holiday Film “A Christmas Proposal”

Adam Rodriguez has a proposal for you…

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American actor and Magic Mike star has shared the official trailer for his upcoming holiday film A Christmas Proposal. The CBS film premieres on Sunday, December 12 at 8:30 pm ET/8:00 pm PT and will be available on demand via Paramount+.

Adam RodriguezRodriguez— who executive produces and stars in the project—is proud to bring a holiday story featuring a Latino family to the small screen that focuses on the lives of the characters and steers clear of stereotypes.

“It was my goal from the beginning [that we’re represented in a non-stereotypical way],” Rodriguez tells Deadline.”The script was never written for a Latino family, to begin with. It was written, I’m sure, with a white family in mind. And CBS had the foresight to jump aboard and get a Latin cast in there. I was really happy to get to participate in that and help give it shape because we wanted this to be authentic. We wanted this to be about the people in it and not having to make those people characters that we’ve seen so many times before. It’s really time to see something fresh and I think we accomplished that.”

In the film, Rodriguez plays Julian Diaz, an attorney willing to do whatever it takes to win his father’s favor over his brother to ascend to the role of managing partner of the family firm upon their dad’s retirement.

When Julian meets Maria Winters (Jessica Camacho),—a chef who is hustling as a rideshare driver for extra income—he sees an opportunity to impress his parents. The pair go down this rabbit hole together but could it all be a huge recipe for disaster?

“Julian is a guy that has become obsessed with getting what he thinks is ahead like getting ahead at work, being the most important person there, and the best dressed. He’s so caught up in this competition with his brother, which really feels like it’s just a competition to see who gets the most attention from their parents. It’s sad. He’s in a place in his life where he’s missing out. He’s missing out on the things in life that are really important,” Rodriguez revealed.

He continued, “Julian doesn’t even think about slowing down until all of a sudden this person with a completely different outlook on life, forces him to do that. And the only reason she forces him to do it is that he needs her. Without that, he would have kept being the Julian he was—somebody that looks past people and is not really evaluating his life in any way.”

Rodriguez hopes A Christmas Proposal helps open up the floodgates for more Black and brown love stories in the future, especially in holiday-themed projects.

“I’ll be honest, in my head, I look at these things all on a big scale. We don’t see enough of [Black and brown love stories] and slowly but surely we’re seeing more of it. But especially in the Christmas genre, you never see it,” he shared. “I think just by putting it out there and hopefully having it be something that pops with people, they’ll be excited about the next one. Not even necessarily with these characters but where’s the next brown Christmas movie?”

Although he wasn’t specifically referring to a sequel for A Christmas Proposal, he clarifies he would be open to exploring Julian and Maria’s relationship further.

“Listen, I had a great time working with Jessica and would work with her again anytime. She’s a wonderful actress and a great person. I’m on board!” he exclaimed.

Christina Aguilera to Receive Inaugural Music Icon Award at People’s Choice Awards

Christina Aguilera is officially an icon

The 40-year-old half-Ecuadorian American Grammy-winning singer will receive the inaugural Music Icon at award at the People’s Choice Awards next week, joining an honorees list that includes Halle BerryDwayne Johnson and Kim Kardashian.

Christina AguileraE! and NBC have announced that Becky G will present the award to Aguilera, who has also appeared in films (Burlesque) in addition to being a coach on NBC’s The Voice.

The award will be given for her contributions to the music industry; she will also perform during the December 7 broadcast.

Johnson is receiving The People’s Champion award during the ceremony, which is being simulcast on NBC and E! at 9:00 pm ET/PT Tuesday.

Berry will be honored with the People’s Icon award during the show, while Kardashian will receive the Fashion Icon award.

A total of 40 categories are up for grabs during the December 7 ceremony (see the nominees here).

Winners are decided by online fan voting.

Yan Gomes Agrees to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract with Chicago Cubs

Yan Gomes is headed to the Windy City…

The 34-year-old Brazilian professional baseball catcher and the Chicago Cubs have agreed to on a two-year, $13 million contract, according to ESPN sources.

Yan GomesGomes hit a combined .252 with 14 home runs and 52 RBIs between the Washington Nationals and Oakland Athletics last season. Washington traded Gomes to the Oakland A’s at the trading deadline.

He threw out 31% of attempted base stealers last season (19 of 43) and had a .990 fielding percentage.

In Chicago, Gomes likely will back up starter Willson Contreras.

For his career, Gomes has a .247 average, 117 home runs and 416 RBIs in 10 major league seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, the Cleveland Guardians, Washington and Oakland.