Netflix Acquires Rights to Raphael Alejandro’s Comedy “Incoming”

Posted on November 28, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Raphael Alejandro’s latest project is heading to Netflix…

Netflix has acquired the rights to Incoming, a comedy starring the 16-year-old Latino actor and Acapulco star.

Written and directed by Dave Chernin and John Chernin in their feature debut, the film also stars Mason Thames, Bardia Seiri and Ramon Reed.

Alejandro and his co-stars star as four high school freshmen who navigate the terrors of adolescence at their first-ever party.

Among those rounding out the cast are Bobby Cannavale, Kaitlin Olson, Scott MacArthur, Isabella Ferreira, Thomas Barbusca, Ali Gallo and Loren Gray.

The Chernin brothers are best known for creating The Mick, the Fox sitcom starring Olson as foul-mouthed babysitter Mackenzie Molng, which ran for two seasons.

Alejandro’s credits include Once Upon a Time, Kindergarten Cop 2, How to Be a Latin Lover and Almost Human.

Jaime Camil to Star on Season 3 of Apple’s “Acapulco”

Posted on April 11, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Jaime Camil is resorting to new work…

The 49-year-old Mexican actor has joined the cast of Apple’s Acapulco for Season 3. Production on the 10-episode new season is currently underway.

Camil will guest star as Alejandro, the brother of one of the wealthiest men in Mexico and a new co-owner of Las Colinas who makes his co-owner Diane Davies’ (Jessica Collins) life miserable at the hotel.

From Lionsgate TV, 3Pas Studios, Zihuatanejo Productions and The Tannenbaum Company, in Season 3 of Acapulco, it’s time to reconcile past mistakes and exciting new beginnings. In the present story, older Maximo (Eugenio Derbez) finds himself returning to a Las Colinas he no longer recognizes. While in 1985, younger Maximo (Enrique Arrizon) continues his climb up the ladder of success while potentially jeopardizing all the relationships he’s worked so hard to build.

The cast also includes Fernando Carsa (as Memo), Damián Alcázar (Don Pablo), Camila Perez (Julia), Chord Overstreet (Chad), Vanessa Bauche (Nora), Regina Reynoso (Sara), Raphael Alejandro (Hugo), Jessica Collins (Diane), Rafael Cebrián (Hector), Carlos Corona (Esteban) and Regina Orozco (Lupe). Sam Laybourne serves as showrunner.

Acapulco is inspired by 3Pas Studios and Lionsgate/Pantelion Films’ box office hit How to Be A Latin Lover. Austin Winsberg, Eduardo Cisneros and Jason Shuman created the series.

Executive producers include Winsberg and director Jay Karas; Derbez and Ben Odell for 3Pas Studios; Eric and Kim Tannenbaum, as well as Jason Wang on behalf of The Tannenbaum Company. Sonia Almanza Gambaro co-executive produces for 3Pas Studios.

Seasons 1 and 2 of Acapulco are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.

Camil is currently starring in Season 2 of Apple’s Schmigadoon! where he portrays Sergeant Rivera, Schmicago’s chief of police. He is most notably known in the U.S. for his series regular role as Rogelio de la Vega in the CW’s Jane the Virgin across all 5 seasons. He also starred in and executive produced the CBS comedy series, Broke. Most recently, he brought to life the legendary Vicente Fernandez in Netflix’s El Rey, Vicente Fernandez.

Before making a splash in the English-language market, Camil was already a bona fide star in his native Mexico and stateside for his work in Spanish-language projects both in TV and film. Hits include the telenovela La Fea Más Bella, Por Ella Soy Eva and Qué Pobres Tan Ricos, to name a few.

Camil currently has a first-look deal with VIS (a division of Paramount) to develop an array of TV and film projects for Paramount+.

Apple TV+ Renews Enrique Arrizon’s “Acapulco” for Third Season

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique Arrizon isn’t leaving Acapulco just yet…

Apple TV+ has renewed the bilingual comedy series Acapulco, starring the 29-year-old Mexican actor, for a 10-episode third season. Production is set to begin this spring.

In Season 3 of the series inspired by the 3Pas Studios and Pantelion Films’ feature How to Be A Latin Lover, it’s a time of reconciling past mistakes and exciting new beginnings. In the present story, older Maximo (Eugenio Derbez) finds himself returning to a Las Colinas he no longer recognizes. While in 1985, younger Maximo continues his climb up the ladder of success while potentially jeopardizing all the relationships he’s worked so hard to build…

“We at 3Pas Studios are thankful to Apple TV+, the perfect home for Acapulco, along with our production partner Lionsgate, filmmakers, and cast and crew,” said star and executive producer Derbez. “We have always believed that the stories we tell about our communities and cultures can resonate with global audiences, so crank up the AC, it’s about to get a lot hotter at Las Colinas Resort.”

The upcoming third season will be showrun by Sam Laybourne. In addition to Derbe and Arrizon, the returning Acapulco ensemble cast includes Fernando Carsa, Damián Alcázar, Camila Perez, Chord Overstreet, Vanessa Bauche, Regina Reynoso, Raphael Alejandro, Jessica Collins, Rafael Cebrián, Carlos Corona and Regina Orozco.

Seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.

“We’ve seen an overwhelming response from audiences all over the world who have fallen in love with Acapulco,” said Morgan Wandell, head of international programming for Apple TV+. “Eugenio, Austin, Ben, Eric, Kim, and the talented cast and crew behind ‘Acapulco’ have created a feel-good show that has a lot of heart, emotion, and laughs, and we can’t wait to bring even more of that into season three.”

Acapulco is created by Austin Winsberg, Eduardo Cisneros and Jason Shuman. Winsberg also serves as executive producer alongside Derbez, Ben Odell, and co-executive producer Sonia Almanza Gambaro for 3Pas Studios; director Jay Karas; Eric and Kim Tannenbaum along with Jason Wang for The Tannenbaum Company.

The project is produced for Apple by Lionsgate Television, 3Pas Studios, Zihuatanejo Productions, and The Tannenbaum Company.

Eugenio Derbez’s 3Pas Studios Signs Multi-Year First-Look Deal with ABC Signature for English TV Content

Posted on October 29, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Eugenio Derbez is hoping to develop new television projects in English…

The 61-year-old Mexican actor and comedian’s 3Pas Studios, which he runs will Ben Odell, has signed a multi-year first-look deal with ABC Signature for English-language television content.

As part of the deal, 3Pas will develop and produce English-language projects for the studio.

Reporting to Derbez and Odell, Sonia Gambaro, the vice president of 3Pas’ English-language television division, will oversee development, identify and source talent, ideas, and IP for ABC Signature across all platforms.

“Eugenio and Ben transcend culture through their diverse and inclusive storytelling, driven by their deep connection to talent and source material from Latin America,” said Jonnie Davis, president of ABC Signature. “We couldn’t be more excited to shepherd their next wave of brilliant and culture-defining English language projects at the studio.”

3Pas has been creating content in both English and Spanish with multiple studio and platform partners over the last several years.

Most recently, the company’s series Acapulco premiered its second season on Apple TV+. It stemmed from the television deal 3Pas previously had at Lionsgate.

On the film front, Hulu recently released 3Pas’ film The Valet following the success of other Derbez-led projects including Overboard and How To Be A Latin Lover.

Derbez’s workplace comedy series titled They Came At Night is in development at Vix+, a project that stems from 3Pas’ deal with TelevisaUnivision for Spanish-language film and TV projects.

Additionally, they recently premiered their first Vix+ series, La Noche Del Diablito which premiered on October 13.

3Pas also recently re-upped its first-look film deal with Lionsgate.

“For actors, writers, directors, and creators like myself, Disney has long been a leader in inclusive and diverse storytelling. We are so grateful for this incredible opportunity to lift up new, diverse voices with ABC Signature,” said Derbez.

Added Odell, “At the heart of our stories we bring people together and celebrate our common humanity. We have a treasure trove of incredibly diverse stories, talent, and creators across the United States and Latin America. We can’t wait to start the party with ABC Signature and their fantastic team.”

Eugenio Derbez & His 3Pas Studios Sign with Creative Artists Agency (CAA)

Posted on April 7, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Eugenio Derbez is getting creative…

The 60-year-old Mexican actor, comedian and filmmaker and his production company 3Pas Studios have signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in all areas.

Derbez has been on a hot streak following the announcement of multiple deals: a first-look deal with TelevisaUnivision’s streamer Vix, a development deal with Encantos for kids content, and a renewal of a first-look film deal at Lionsgate, to name a few.

The 3Pas Studios-produced bilingual series Acapulco for Apple TV+ was recently renewed for a second season.

Derbez is an award-winning actor, writer, director, producer, and philanthropist, who, along with former Pantelion Films executive and producer Ben Odell, built 3Pas Studios, a bilingual production company producing English and Spanish language content for global audiences.

3Pas has offices in Los Angeles, Miami, and Mexico City, where they also have its production services arm, Visceral. Composed of 22 employees, the studio services development and production across English and Spanish language movies, scripted and unscripted content, as well as entertainment for kids and families.

Next, 3Pas will move into podcasting, as well as new, non-media-related businesses.

In 2013, Derbez wrote, produced, starred in, and directed Instructions Not Included, which became the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever, grossing more than $100 million on a $5 million budget.

Most recently, he starred in the Oscar-winning film Coda, which won Best Picture at the 94th Academy Awards, in addition to Best Ensemble award at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and three British Academy Film Awards, including Best Screenplay.

In addition to starring in and producing his own comedy shows throughout the past 25 years, Derbez has also starred in the 3Pas Studios’ hit movies How To Be A Latin Lover and Overboard as well as Miracles From Heaven, and Dora And The Lost City of Gold.

Up next, he will appear in The Valet, which 3Pas Studios developed and produced along with Lionsgate to premiere via Hulu on May 20th.

3Pas Studios’ other recent projects include Amazon’s De Viaje Con Los Derbez, and the Spanish-language version of LOL: Last One Laughing.

Omar Chaparro to Star in His First English-Language Television Series “Coyotes M.C.”

Posted on March 16, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Omar Chaparro is switching tongues…

The 47-year-old Mexican actor will star in and produce the English-language television comedy/action series Coyotes M.C. from Moxie 88.

The project is currently being pitched to streamers/buyers.

The How To Be a Latin Lover and Detective Pikachu actor will portray a business ethics professor whose life is upended when he is called to step in for his father, the infamous Latino criminal biker gang leader Los Coyotes MC.

Moxie 88 co-founders Eugenio Villamar and Dan Carrillo Levy created Coyotes M.C. as a star vehicle for Chaparro’s first English-language television series and currently holds the rights to the project.

Carrillo Levy and Villamar will act as executive producers, writers, and creators on the show. Chaparro and Jay Weisleder will serve as executive producers. Moxie 88’s VP of Development, Eugenia Esponda, will serve as a co-executive producer.

Chaparro currently holds the record as the highest-grossing actor in the Mexican box office, starring in some of Mexico’s highest-earning films in history.

He most recently starred in Detective Pikachu opposite Ryan Reynolds, Pantelion Films’ No Manches Frida and its sequel, as well as How To Be A Latin Lover and Overboard alongside Eugenio Derbez, and Show Dogs.

Chaparro also hosted the first two seasons of The Masked Singer Mexico, which aired via Univision domestically.

Eugenio Derbez’s 3Pas Studios Renews First-Look Deal with Lionsgate

Posted on February 9, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Eugenio Derbez isn’t leaving the (Lions)gate…

The 60-year-old Mexican actor, comedian and filmmaker and his producing partner Ben Odell’s 3Pas Studios has renewed its first-look deal with Lionsgate.

The deal continues the longstanding relationship between the companies, which resulted in the breakout box office success of 2018’s Overboard ($91.2 million at the global box office).

The last three Derbez movies — including the blockbuster Instructions Not Included, released by Lionsgate’s Pantelion Films — made more than $250M off a $35M production cost before P&A.

Their latest collaboration is this summer’s Hulu Original The Valet, a remake of the eponymous French film. It stars Derbez, Samara Weaving and Max Greenfield. The studios are currently working together on several upcoming films, including the development project Unsafe House.

“Eugenio and Ben are productive and prolific producers who have delivered a wide range of hits to Lionsgate over the years and we are thrilled to be extending our relationship and excited about the projects we have in development together,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group president Nathan Kahane. “Our previous collaborations have been tremendously successful, including Overboard, How to Be a Latin Lover, and Instructions Not Included, the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the U.S. We adore their humor and the way they develop stories and believe the best is yet to come.”

“Lionsgate has always understood the power of my core audience since I made Instructions Not Included, and supported me when I wanted to reach audiences around the world and started making movies in English, like Latin Lover and The Valet. Ben and I are grateful to Joe Drake, Nathan Kahane, Erin Westerman, and the whole Lionsgate team for their tremendous freedom and support,” said Derbez.

“As we continue to position 3Pas as the market leader in producing content for one of the fastest-growing audiences in the United States and the world, renewing our deal with Lionsgate helps us to reach the broadest possible audience in a variety of ways,” added Odell.

Eugenio Derbez & His 3Pas Studios Sign First-Look Deal with Univision for Original Spanish Projects

Posted on October 10, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Eugenio Derbez is excited to bring new Spanish projects to Univision…

The 60-year-old Mexican actor, comedian and filmmaker and 3Pas Studios, run by Derbez and his producing partner Ben Odell, have inked a first-look deal with Univision to create original scripted and unscripted Spanish-language projects for Univision’s global streaming SVOD content slate set to launch in 2022.

Univision will have the first look at all Spanish-language television and theatrical motion picture projects controlled by 3Pas Studios and Derbez, including movies and series for SVOD or theatrical releases.

The multi-year agreement also includes the curation of the new “Derbez Channel” featuring family and comedy content available via the network’s free AVOD tier, and the release of titles starring Derbez that put him on the map.

A sampling of titles includes Al Derecho y al Derbez, La Familia P. Luche, and the hit film Instructions Not Included.

“I’m really glad to get back to producing in Spanish,” Derbez tells Deadline exclusively. “Although, I am proud to say my projects like [the Apple TV+ series] Acapulco and [the film] Overboard, and How to Be A Latin Lover always included some Spanish. I’m going to still do English projects but I’m very excited to connect again with my Spanish-language fans who have always supported me.”

Derbez teases the 3Pas team is “working on a lot of ideas” that could bring series similar to Acapulco to Univision. Odell shed some insight into what that could look like.

“We know our audience likes to sit with their families and watch content together,” Odell shares. “We teamed up with Univision because we share that sensibility—we want to reach a multigenerational audience. That takes wanting to be in dialogue with that audience—which Univision is—but now we want to make the premium version. What’s our Stranger Things look like?”

Derbez adds, “What Univision is doing with their streaming platform is the future. They’re giving us the freedom and the budget to try new things and take risks to make interesting and different programming. The idea of developing and producing world-class, Spanish-language content across different genres and catering to different age groups for Univision is very exciting.”

Apple TV+ Orders Ramón Campos’ Bilingual Drama Series “Now and Then”

Posted on April 20, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a case of now and then for Ramón Campos…

Apple TV+ has given a series order for Now and Then, a drama created by the Spanish television writer and producer, one the country’s busiest and most important television producer, Teresa Fernández-Valdés and Gema R. Neira.

The series, from Bambú Producciones, will be shot in Spanish and English.

Set in Miami with an all-Hispanic cast, Now and Then explores the differences between youthful aspirations and the reality of adulthood, when the lives of a group of college best friends are forever changed after a celebratory weekend ends up with one of them dead. Now, 20 years later, the remaining five are reluctantly reunited by a threat that puts their seemingly perfect worlds at risk.

Gideon Raff will executive produce and direct the first two episodes.

The series will be written by Neira and Campos with their team. Campos and Fernández-Valdés will serve as showrunners. Bambú Producciones will produce for Apple TV+.

Campos and Neira created Spanish series Gran Hotel, which was adapted by ABC as Grand Hotel; Cable Girls, which is distributed by Netflix; and Velvet.

Fernández-Valdés worked with the duo on all three series, produced by Bambú. Campos and Fernández-Valdés executive produced the three Spanish shows, as well as ABC’s Grand Hotel.

This is the second bilingual English/English series Apple TV+ has ordered, joining Acapulco, a half-hour comedy series starring Eugenio Derbez inspired by the film How To Be a Latin Lover. The streamer also has upcoming English-language action-thriller series Echo 3, which is set in South America, and projects under an overall TV deal with Alfonso Cuarón.

Camila Perez to Star Opposite Eugenio Derbez in Apple TV+’s Bilingual Comedy Series “Acapulco”

Posted on March 31, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Camila Perez is headed south of the border…

The Colombian actress will star opposite Eugenio Derbez in Acapulco, Apple TV+’s bilingual comedy series inspired by 3Pas Studios and Pantelion Films’ 2017 Derbez starrer How to Be a Latin Lover.

Perez joins a list of cast newcomers that includes Enrique Arrizon, Damian Alcázar and Raphael Alejandro.

Richard Shepard will direct the pilot episode for Lionsgate Television.

Created by Austin Winsberg, Eduardo Cisneros and Jason Shuman, Acapulco is a half-hour Spanish- and English-language comedy that centers on Maximo (Arrizon), a young Mexican man whose dream comes true when he gets the job of a lifetime at the hottest resort in Acapulco. But soon he realizes that the gig is far more complicated than he ever imagined as all of his beliefs and morals start to be questioned.

The series takes place in 1984, with Derbez narrating and playing the present-day version of the main character.

Also reprising his role from the movie is Alejandro, who plays Hugo, Older Maximo’s nephew.

Alcázar joins the cast as Don Pablo, the head of operations at the Acapulco resort. Perez will play Julia, the resort’s front desk receptionist.

Perez’s credits include Gotham and A Teacher.

Arrizon’s credits also include An Unknown Enemy.

Alcázar has been seen in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and The Perfect Dictatorship.

Alejandro starred on Once Upon A Time.

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