Rosario Dawson to Lead Virtual Online Table Read of Holiday Classic “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Rosario Dawson is bringing the wonderful

The 42-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American actress and activist will star opposite  Jason Sudeikis in an all-star virtual online table read of the holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life.

Rosario DawsonThe special event will benefit The Ed Asner Family Center (TEAFC), which promotes mental health and enrichment programs to children with special needs and their families.

The one-night-only event is set for December 5, with a cast that also includes Mark Hamill, Martin Sheen, Mandy Patinkin, Lou Diamond Phillips, Phil Lamarr, Ben Mankiewicz, Ron Funches, Ed Harris, and Sudeikis’ real-life uncle George Wendt. The Cheers actor will play Uncle Billy to Sudeikis’ George Bailey.

The Asner benefit is presented in partnership with Turner Classic Movies and sponsored by MeTV, and this year also will honor Mike Darnell, President of Unscripted and Alternative Television at Warner Bros., and his family.

The cast will include Darnell’s daughter and Social Director of TEAFC, Chelsea Darnell, autistic actors Spencer Harte and Domonique Brown along with neurodivergent TEAFC members Ryan Booth and Lucas Salusky. Victor Nelli will return to direct. Tom Bergeron hosts.

“My father’s passing has left an indescribable hole in my heart,” said Matt Asner, son of Ed Asner & Co-Founder of The Ed Asner Family Center. “For our annual fundraising gala this year, I want to honor my father’s legacy as both a legendary actor and a staunch advocate for people of all abilities.”

Tickets start at $25, with commemorative holiday gift items also available. Also planned is a silent auction and a musical intermission.

The live virtual table read begins at 5:00 pm PT on Sunday, December 5. Ticket information can be found here.

Jake T. Austin to Star in the Psychological Thriller “Daft State”

Jake T. Austin is heading to a new State

The 26-year-old part Puerto Rican, Argentine and Spanish American actor will star in Daft State, the psychological thriller from Chad Bishoff, which just entered production.

Jake T. Austin

Austin will star alongside Paulo CostanzoIman Karram and Ka’ramuu Kush, as well as previously announced cast members Christopher Backus and Skye P. Marshall.

The film, scripted by Bishoff and Sam Harter, charts the mysterious psychological destruction of Easton (Backus), who is driven to the edge of sanity, and possible self-harm, by those that love him most—his wife (Marshall) and daughter. Will Easton succumb to their increasingly traumatizing pressure, or will he conquer the dark forces at play in his addled psyche?

“We’re so fortunate to have such an incredibly talented cast in our film,” said Bishoff of the additions to his ensemble. “I can’t wait for audiences to see what they bring to the screen.”

“Having a cast of this caliber with such extensive and established fan bases to help tell this gripping story centered on the complex nature of mental health, is an honor,” added producer Erich Hover.

Austin is a five-time Young Artist Award nominee and Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards nominee who co-starred in the Disney Channel series The Wizards of Waverly Place, along with other family-centric projects, including Go Diego Go!, Hotel for Dogs and The Emoji Movie. He most recently appeared in Lionsgate’s Adverse, alongside Mickey Rourke, Lou Diamond Phillips and Sean Astin.

Jessica Marie Garcia Upped to Series Regular for Season 2 of Netflix’s “On My Block”

Jessica Marie Garcia will be spending more time on the block

The Latina actress has been upped to series regular for the upcoming second season of Netflix’s On My Block, the coming-of-age comedy co-created and executive produced by Lauren Iungerich, Eddie Gonzalez and Jeremy Haft.

Jessica Marie Garcia

The series was renewed in April.

In Season 1 of the series, about a group of bright and street-savvy friends navigating their way through the triumph, pain and the newness of high school in LA’s South Central, Garcia recurred as Jasmine. She is confident, full of enthusiasm and swagger and never afraid to share her opinion. She embraces who she is and likes the skin she’s in.

Diego Tinoco, Sierra Capri, Jason Genao, Brett Gray and Ronnie Hawk also star.

On My Blockpremiered on March 16.

Garcia’s television credits include Disney Channel’s Liv and Maddie and Hulu’s all-female sketch comedy show Betch. She also starred alongside Danny Trejoand Lou Diamond Phillips in 2017’s film Avenge the Crows.

Disney Channel Renews Carrero’s “Elena of Avalor” for a Third Season

Aimee Carrero’s reign continues…

Disney Channel has ordered a third season of its hit animated series Elena of Avalor, featuring the 28-year-old Dominican actress as the voice of the title character.

Aimee Carrero

The announcement comes months ahead of its Season 2 premiere.

Created and executive-produced by Emmy winner Craig Gerber, the series centers on a brave and adventurous teenager who rules her kingdom as crown princess, Elena of Avalor. It stars Carrero as the voice of Elena; Jenna Ortega as Princess Isabel; Chris Parnell, Yvette Nicole Brown and Carlos Alazraqui as the jaquins Migs, Luna and Skylar, respectively; Emiliano Díez as Francisco; Julia Vera as Luisa; Christian Lanz as Chancellor Esteban; Jillian Rose Reed as Naomi; Joseph Haro as Mateo; Jorge Diaz as Gabe; Keith Ferguson as Zuzo; and Joe Nunez as Armando. The recurring guest voice cast includes: Constance Marie, Lou Diamond Phillips, Rich Sommer, Justina Machado and Jaime Camil.

When it premiered in July 2016, Elena of Avalor quickly became television’s No.1 series for Girls age 2-11 in the U.S. It also ranks No. 1 in its timeslot among kids in the UK, Spain and Portugal.

Season 2 is scheduled to premiere this fall on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

Elena of Avalor has spawned a franchise aside from the television series, including a line of dolls from Disney Store and Hasbro which recently reached the mark of one million dolls sold. The Elena character also is featured at Disney Parks & Resorts where she greets well-wishers with stories and songs from her native land during special character appearances. The series also has spawned print and e-book titles from Disney Publishing; an “Elena of Avalor” original soundtrack album from Walt Disney Records; and multiple DVD releases from Walt Disney Studios, including the recently released Elena and the Secret of Avalor.

Valens the Subject of a New Licensing & Merchandising deal with C3 Entertainment

Ritchie Valens is making a posthumous comeback…

The late Mexican American “La Bamba” singer’s popularity may increase in the coming months with products like La Bamba Cola, on-line video games and limited-edition guitars.

Ritchie Valens

Valens — who died with Buddy Holly in a 1959 plane crash — will be promoted through an official licensing and merchandising deal with Southern California-based C3 Entertainment.

It marks the first time that the image of the teenage Latino rock pioneer will be promoted through an official licensing initiative sanctioned by Valens’ family.

“More than a retro endeavor, the multicultural aspect of Valens’ licensing program is pivotal,” Ani Khachoian, C3 Entertainment’s Executive Vice President of Licensing, Merchandising and Distribution, told Billboard via email. “We want to make sure every fan has the opportunity to rediscover this rock ’n’ roll icon, and that we introduce Valens to new audiences. He was a talented, positive young man, who worked hard. It’s a wonderful legacy for young people.”

C3 also represents the legacy of The Big Bopper, who died in the snowy crash with Valens and Holly while on their Winter Dance Party tour.

Valens, best known for his hit “La Bamba,” signed to Del-Fi Records in 1958 and recorded two albums, releasing singles that included “Donna,” which reached no. 2 on the Billboard pop chart.

The 1978 movie La Bamba, starring Lou Diamond Phillips with music performed by Los Lobos, brought Valens’ story to new audiences; the soundtrack album sold 2 million copies in the United States.

C3’s Khachoian says that a La Bamba Cola beverage is set to be manufactured and distributed by the Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shops chain. Online games, clothing and collectibles are also in the works.

“We’re passionate about securing limited-edition guitars – Valens played several different models of guitars,” Khachoian adds. “We are also positioning him for advertising and live events.”

International Trailer Released for Banderas’ Chilean Miner Drama “The 33”

It’s mine over matter for Antonio Banderas in his latest film…

The international trailer has been released for The 33, starring the 54-year-old Spanish actor.

Antonio Banderas in The 33

Directed by Patricia Riggen, the film tells the story of the 2010 Chilean miner drama.

And the just-released trailer includes some haunting images.

Similar to how Oliver Stone took audiences inside the Twin Towers during 9/11 in World Trade Center, Riggen thrusts us in the midst of the miners’ devastating circumstances, displaying the earth falling upon them in the Copiapo, Chile caves.

The miners spent more than two months awaiting rescue as the world watched and numerous countries sent help. The U.S. sent a NASA team and an American driller.

Banderas stars as Mario Sepulveda, a miner who becomes trapped on the last day before his retirement. The film also stars Lou Diamond Phillips, Juliette Binoche, Gabriel Byrne and Rodrigo Santoro.

Mikko Alanne, Craig Borten and Michael Thomas adapted the screenplay from Hector Tobar’s book.

A U.S. release date has not been set yet.

Rodriguez Picks Up Imagen Award for Her Filly Brown Role

She gained critical acclaim for her role in Filly Brown… And, now Gina Rodriguez is reaping the rewards for her impressive work in the indie film.

The 27-year-old 28-year Puerto Rican actress picked up the best actress in a feature film prize for her starring role as an aspiring hip-hop artist in Filly Brown at this weekend’s 27th annual Imagen Awards, which honor the best and most talented portrayals of Latinos in film.

Gina Rodriguez

Rodriguez’s performance won rave reviews at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and led to a talent holding deal with ABC/ABC Studios.

Filly Brown, which co-stars Edward James Olmos, Jenni Rivera and Lou Diamond Phillips, follows Rodriguez’s character’s rise to fame and consciousness as she copes with the incarceration of her mother through her poetry and music.

Phillips picked up the Imagen Award for best actor in a feature film for his role in the film.

Meanwhile, singer-turned-reality-star Rivera, who made her acting debut in Filly Brown, received the 2012 Imagen President’s Award.

In addition to picking up an award, Rodriguez served as the Imagen Foundation-sponsored awards show host. ,

Here’s a look at all of the Imagen Award winners:

Best Primetime Program: Switched at Birth (Prodco, Inc. in association with ABC Family)
Best Variety and Reality: 24/7 Mayweather/Ortiz (HBO Sports)
Best Children’s Programming: El Perro y El Gato (HBO Latino)
Best Young Actress on Television: Bella Thorne, Shake it Up! (Disney Channel)
Best Supporting Actress on TV: Eva La Rue, CSI:Miami (CBS)
Best Supporting Actor on TV: Carlos Gomez, The Glades (A&E)
Best Actor on Television: James Roday, Psych (USA Network)
Best Supporting Actress in a Feature Film: Cierra Ramirez, Girl in Progress (Pantelion Films)
Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film: Diego Luna, Casa De Mi Padre (NALA Films/Gary Sanchez Productions/Pantelion Films)
Best Actress in a Feature Film: Gina Rodriguez, Filly Brown (Cima Production/Olmos Production/Silent Giant Entertainment)Best Actor in a Feature Film: Lou Diamond Phillips, Filly Brown (Cima Production/Olmos Production/Silent Giant Entertainment)
Best Primetime Special or Movie: The Pregnancy Project (Barbara Lieberman Productions)
Best Primetime Program: Drama or Comedy Series: Switched at Birth (Prodco Inc. in association with ABC: Family)
Best Theatrical Short or Student Film: INGLES (Ruben Avitia)

Rodriguez’s “Filly Brown” Heading to Sundance…

Next month Gina Rodriguez will be heading to the Sundance Film Festival for the world premiere of her latest film Filly Brown… And she could return from Park City, Utah as the festival’s breakout star.

Gina Rodriguez Filly Brown

In the film, the Latina actress plays Maria Jose ‘Majo’ Tonorio, a tough Mexican girl in Los Angeles aspiring to become a hip-hop artist. The film, which co-stars Edward James Olmos, Jenni Rivera and Lou Diamond Phillips, follows her rise to fame and consciousness as she copes with the incarceration of her mother through her poetry and music.

Rodriguez, who received an Imagen Award nomination earlier this year for her work in the film Go For It!, is already receiving major pre-festival attention, with many predicting her show-stopping performance in the film will garner some serious recognition.

Meanwhile, Rivera—the Banda queen who recently signed a new production deal with mun2—will make her acting debut in the film as Rogriguez’s jailed mother.  

“I had to dig deep for the role,” explained Rivera to Billboard. “I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. If I can make Edward James Olmos cry, to me that means it was a success.”

Olmos, who serves as one of the film’s executive producers, says Rivera and Rodriguez will leave you in tears.

“Jenni and Gina eat up the screen, and when they’re together—Oh my God, it’s amazing,” he recently told Billboard.

The Sundance Film Festival will take place from January 19-29, 2012.