Cris Cyborg to Return to Boxing Ring to Fight Kelsey Wickstrum in January

Posted on November 10, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Cris Cyborg is heading to the boxing ring…

The 38-year-old Brazilian mixed martial artist, the current Bellator women’s featherweight champion, will fight Kelsey Wickstrum.

Cyborg, one of the greatest women’s fighters in MMA history, will face Wickstrum in a boxing event on January 19 at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California, according to sources.

The future of Bellator is uncertain. Showtime, its broadcast partner, has announced that it will be leaving the combat sports business at the end of 2023. Viacom, Bellator’s parent company, has the MMA promotion up for sale, and PFL is the front-runner to acquire it, sources said. That deal could be done in the near future.

Cyborg is 1-0 as a pro boxer and has another victory in a boxing exhibition in her home country of Brazil.

The California resident is coming off a first-round TKO over Cat Zingano at Bellator 300 last month to pick up her fifth title defense.

Wickstrum, 36, is 2-0 as a pro boxer with one knockout. The bout is contracted for 154 pounds over six rounds.

Cyborg is expected to compete in both MMA and boxing in the latter portion of an illustrious career. She is the only fighter in MMA history to win championships in four different major promotions: UFC, Bellator, Strikeforce and Invicta. Cyborg has a total of 12 title defenses across those four title reigns.

Earlier this week, Chantelle Cameron, who is boxing Katie Taylor next, called out Cyborg for a fight in PFL or Bellator.

United Airlines’ Oscar Munoz Named to Univision’s Board of Directors

Posted on November 13, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Oscar Munoz is ready to share his (Uni)vision…

The 61-year-old Mexican-American businessman and executive chairman of United Airlines has been named as an independent director on Univision’s board of directors.

Prior to his role at United Airlines, Munoz served on the board of parent company United Continental Holdings (UCH) and held multiple executive positions at CSX Corporation and AT&T.

Univision, the Hispanic media giant whose takeover by private equity investors led by former Viacom CFO Wade Davis will soon close, has also named SoftBank Group COO Marcelo Claure; Estée Lauder Companies SVP of public affairs María Cristina “MC” González Noguera; and veteran Walmart exec Gisel Ruiz to the board.

It’s understood that Univision will name at least four more members to the board when the pending takeover by new majority investors is complete. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2020.

ForgeLight, a firm run by Davis, and Searchlight Capital Partners are buying majority control of Univision from a collection of other private equity investors. Mexico-based production power Televisa is keeping its 36% stake.

Madison Dearborn Partners, Providence Equity Partners, TPG, Thomas H. Lee Partners and Saban Capital Group acquired the company for $13.7 billion in 2007, beating out a rival bid from Televisa. The current transaction, which is expected to close at the end of the year, is expected to value the company at less than $10 billion.

Davis exited Viacom when it merged with CBS last December, emerging soon thereafter as the leader of the Univision bid. The deal, announced last February, was initially expected to close over the summer.

Univision has been run since 2018 by CEO Vince Sadusky. The local television and Hispanic media veteran replaced predecessor Randy Falco after the longtime former NBC exec made a series of out-of-the-box investments in English-language websites and ill-fated cable network venture Fusion. Sadusky has implemented a “back-to-basics,” Spanish-language refocus in an effort to help the flagship broadcast network regain ground it had lost to U.S. rival Telemundo in some pockets of the schedule.

Becky G to Host & Perform at This Year’s MTV Europe Music Awards

Posted on October 9, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Becky G is pulling double duty in Europe…

The 22-year-old Mexican American bilingual singer-songwriter, who just released the trilingual track “Chicken Noodle Soup” with BTS’J-Hope, is set to host this year’s MTV Europe Music Awards, as well as perform at the awards show, which will take place in Seville, Spain.

Becky G is set for a busy night as she also has a nomination, taking on Ariana Grande, Camila Cabello, Halsey, the Jonas Brothers, and Shawn Mendes in the Best Pop category.

Becky G has notched two number one hits on the Billboard Latin Airplay charts – “Mayores” and “Sin Pijama” – and on-screen had a starring role in the Power Rangersmovie. She has also guest-starred on the Foxseries Empire.

“Becky G is an exceptional multifaceted talent who’s no stranger to the global stage,” said Bruce Gillmer, global head of music and talent,Viacom and co-brand head, MTV International. “We can’t wait to see her light up the MTV EMAstage in Seville.”

Rosalia, who’ll be the hometown favorite in her native Spain, leads the pack of Latino/a nominees with four.

MTV to Premiere Frankie Delgado’s “The Hills: New Beginnings” in June

Posted on April 3, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

This summer will mark a new beginning for Frankie Delgado…

MTV has set Monday, June 24 for the premiere of its anticipated revival reality series The Hills: New Beginnings, featuring the 37-year-old Mexican American actor and producer.

The new iteration reunites original cast members, alongside their children and friends, welcomes newcomers, and follows their personal and professional lives while living in Los Angeles.

The Hills: New Beginnings will premiere in the U.S. before rolling out globally across Viacom’s international network of MTV channels in nearly 180 countries.

Brandon Thomas Leeand Mischa Bartonwill join original cast members Audrina Patridge, Brody Jenner, Delgado, Heidi Pratt, Jason Wahler, Justin “Bobby” Brescia, Spencer Pratt, Stephanie Prattand Whitney Port.

Kaitlynn Carter, Jennifer Delgadoand Ashley Wahlerwill also appear in the series.

The Hills: New Beginnings is produced by MTV and Evolution Media.

Delgado previously appeared in 41 episodes of The Hills.

Netflix Confirms Noah Centineo to Officially Appear in “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” Sequel

Posted on December 20, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

There’s officially more Loved in Noah Centineo’s future…

Netflix has confirmed that Lana Condor and the 22-year-old part-Latino actor,, the stars behind its hit Young Adult film To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, are officially returning for the sequel.

The new film, which will be based on the book trilogy by Jenny Han, is now in development.

The casting news comes after Viacom CEO Bob Bakishconfirmed earlier this month that the sequel would be the first title in Paramount Pictures’ multi-picture deal with Netflix.

Awesomeness Films, acquired by Viacom earlier this year, produced the original and will produce the sequel, which returns with screenwriter Sofia Alvarez.

The book series centers on Lara Jean (Condor), who writes love letters to the five boys she’s ever loved and keeps them locked away in a hatbox until the day her letters are mailed, upending her real-life love life.

The first film was one of the streaming service’s highlights; in a rare peek behind the scenes at the streaming service, Netflix said half of all viewers who watched To All the Boys and fellow YAhit Kissing Booth re-watched them at least once.

Viacom Confirms Sequel of Noah Centineo’s Netflix Hit “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”

Posted on December 4, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Could there be more Loved in Noah Centineo’s future?

Viacom has confirmed a sequel to the popular Netflix young-adult literary adaptation of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, starring the 22-year-old part-Latino actor and Lana Condor.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before 2 would be the first title in Paramount Pictures’ multi-picture deal with the streaming giant.

The sequel had been reportedly in the works since early fall, though Jenny Han, who wrote the bestselling To All the Boys books had recently said there was no definitive green light.

AwesomenessTV, acquired by Viacom earlier this year, produced the original and will do likewise for the sequel, which Viacom’s leaders say “might have a sexier title over time.”

Netflix research reportedly shows the original film “is one of the most-viewed films of all time on the platform.” Its success with a cast filled with Asian actors mirrored that of Crazy Rich Asians on the big screen. Condorand creator Han had both recently indicated strong interest in doing a sequel.

No word if Centineo, who portrayed Condor’s love interest Peter Kavinsky in the film, will return for the sequel. But at the end of the film, Centineo’s character had cemented his boyfriend status with Condor’s character. So let’s see…

Charter Communications Gives Straight-to-Series Order to Jessica Alba’s “LA’s Finest”

Posted on June 27, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Jessica Alba is officially one of LA’s Finest…

Charter Communications has given a 13-episode straight-to-series order to LA’s Finest, the drama pilot starring the 37-year-old half-Mexican American actress and Gabrielle Union.

From writers Brandon Margolis and Brandon Sonnier, Sony Pictures Television, Jerry Bruckheimer Television and 2.0 Entertainment, the series is set to premiere in 2019 exclusively on Charter’s Spectrum as the platform’s first major original series.

The series follows Burnett (Union), who last was seen in Miami taking down a drug cartel. She now has left her complicated past behind to become an LAPD detective. Paired with a new partner, Nancy McKenna (Alba), a working mom with an equally complex past, Burnett is pushed to examine whether her unapologetic lifestyle might be masking a greater personal secret. These two women don’t agree on much, but they find common ground when it comes to taking on the most dangerous criminals in Los Angeles.

The cast also includes Ernie Hudsonas Joseph Burnett, Zack Gilford and Duane Martin as Ben Walker and Ben Baines, and Ryan McPartlin as Patrick McKenna.

Sony Television took out the action pilot, a spinoff from the Bad Boys movie franchise, immediately after the project’s original network, NBC, passed on it.

Charter Communications quickly emerged as a likely potential home, starting talks with Sony just days later. With the deal in advanced stages, Sony Television has been selling LA’s Finest internationally.

“Charter has a strong passion for the project, and we could not be more excited,” ” said Jeff Frost, President of Sony Pictures Television. “Immediately we knew this innovative new platform was absolutely the right home for L.A.’s Finest.”

With its title recognition and A-list stars, L.A.’s Finest will be used as a key launching piece in Charter Communications’s recently announced strategy to introduce high-end original content on its Spectrum cable systems. The company signaled its entrance in the original scripted series arena by signing co-production deals with AMC Networks and Viacomand by hiring seasoned TV executive Katherine Pope to lead its original content efforts by securing rights on a cost-effective basis. Charter already produces programming via its regional sports networks and its exclusive Spectrum News services.

With elaborate action sequences, LA’s Finest was one of the highest-profile and most expensive pilots this season, with its budget said to be around $12 million. It is based upon the character Syd Burnett, originally created for Bad Boys II by Marianne and Cormac Wibberley and Ron Shelton and played by Union in the 2003 movie.

Union and Alba executive produce.

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi Returning for New Installment of “Jersey Shore,” “Jersey Shore Family Vacation”

Posted on November 28, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is heading back to the Shore…

MTV is bringing back its hit series, Jersey Shore, for a new installment, featuring the 30-year-old Chilean reality television personality and most of the original cast.

The new series, entitled Jersey Shore Family Vacation, will premiere in 2018.

The project was teased throughout the day on social media and announced during the MTV series premiere of the Jersey Shore follow up series, Floribama Shore, which has a different cast.

In addition to Snooki, Jersey Shore Family Vacation will also star Jersey Shore original housemates Deena Nicole Cortese, Paul “Pauly D” Delvecchio,” Jenni “JWOWW” Farley, Vinny Guadagnino, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, and Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino.

Both Jersey Shore Vacation and Floribama Shore hail from Jersey Shore creator/executive producer SallyAnn Salsano and her 495 Productions, which is owned by FremantleMedia, via her overall deal with Viacom.

Jersey Shore Vacation is part of the strategy of the new MTV regime to revive some of the network’s popular unscripted franchises. In addition to Jersey Shore, recent reboots include My Super Sweet 16, which originally aired from 2005-2008, TRL, which ran from 1998-2008, and Unplugged, which first premiered in 1989.

The Shore franchise has extensions around the globe including Geordie Shore in the UK, Gandia Shore in Spain, Warsaw Shore in Poland and Acapulco Shore in Mexico.

BET to Air Second Half of Vidal’s “Being Mary Jane” in July

Posted on March 21, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

If you’re Jane-sing for more Lisa Vidal, don’t despair…

BET has set the premiere date for the 10-episode second half of fourth season of Being Mary Jane’s fourth season, starring Gabrielle Union and the 51-year-old Puerto Rican actress.

The Viacom-owned cable network will premiere the first of the remaining 10 episodes on July 18.

In the midseason finale airing this week, Mary Jane (Union) is all smiles as she approaches her 40th birthday. With a weekend getaway planned to Martha’s Vineyard, things seem to be looking up. But a brief romantic encounter with her old nemesis and now boss, Justin (Michael Ealy), has Mary Jane cloudy about what to do in her relationship and at her job. Meanwhile, Kara (Vidal) gets caught in the crossfire of Mary Jane’s ambition.

Nickelodeon Renews Hurtado’s “School of Rock” for a Second Season

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Ricardo Hurtado has another year of school left…

Four episodes into School of Rock‘s freshman run, the musical comedy series starring the 16-year-old Latino actor, has been renewed for a 13-episode second season by Nickelodeon.

The show, based on the 2003 Paramount Pictures film starring Jack Black, hails from Paramount Television. It marked the first series order for the then-newly launched TV division of Paramount Pictures, and a corporate synergy play between the Viacom companies.

School of Rock, which airs Saturdays, averages almost 2 million viewers a week. The second season, which starts production this month, will continue to mix comedy with cast performances of popular and original songs.

School of Rock follows a group of rule-abiding students — Zack (Lance Lim), Lawrence (Aidan Miner), Freddy (Hurtado), Summer (Jade Pettyjohn) and Tomika (Breanna Yde) — who learn to take risks and reach new heights thanks to substitute teacher Dewey Finn (Tony Cavalero), a down-on-his-luck musician who uses the language of rock ‘n’ roll to inspire his class to form a secret band. Throughout the school year, the middle-school classmates navigate relationships, discover their unknown talents and learn lessons on loyalty and friendships.

Season 1 featured guest appearances from musical artists like Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy) and the cast covering hits such as “Heart Attack” (Demi Lovato) and “We’re Not Gonna Take It” (Twisted Sister).

School of Rock is developed by Jim and Steve Armogida, who serve as executive producers with Jay Kogen (The Simpsons). The original movie’s director Richard Linklater and producer Scott Rudin serve as executive producers, along with Eli Bush.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

Tag Archives: Viacom