John Leguizamo to Star in Apple‘s Upcoming Drama Series “Firebug”

Posted on March 27, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

John Leguizamo is buggin’…

The 63-year-old Colombian Emmy– & Tony Award-winning actor will star alongside Taron Egerton in Apple‘s upcoming drama series Firebug.

Hailing from Apple Studios and creator Dennis Lehane, the series will be directed and executive-produced by Kari Skogland.

Written by Lehane and loosely inspired by true events, Firebug will follow a troubled detective and an enigmatic arson investigator (Egerton) as they pursue the trails of two serial arsonists.

Leguizamo with play Esposito, a former policeman with a lot of bad habits and a lot of good instincts.

Jurnee Smollett will also star in the series.

In addition to starring, Egerton will serve as executive producer alongside Richard Plepler through Eden Productions, Dan Friedkin and Bradley Thomas through Imperative Entertainment and Kary Antholis.

Leguizamo is host and executive producer of MSNBC’s hit travel show, Leguizamo Does America, which is currently in production on its second season.

He recently starred in Amazon series The Power, alongside Toni Collette, in Showtime’s five-part drama series Waco: The Aftermath, and in Mark Mylod’s horror comedy The Menu.

Leguizamo stars in the independent film Bob Trevino Likes It, which recently premiered at SXSW, winning the SXSW Grand Jury Award and the Audience Award in the Narrative Feature category.

He also stars as federal agent Gordon Rogers in The Green Veil drama series, which he produced alongside director Aram Rappaport.

Upcoming, he hosts the PBS documentary series American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos, a project he co-created with director Ben De Jesus. He’ll also be seen in the upcoming thriller feature Tin Soldier, opposite Robert Di Niro, Jamie Foxx and Rita Ora.

Maluma to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammy Awards Show

Posted on November 9, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Maluma will be feelin’ the FIBES…

The 29-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter will perform at this year’s Latin Grammy Awards.

The “Felices Los 4” singer joins a roster of recently added performers that includes Milo J, Rosalia, Shakira, Sebastian Yatra, Andrea Bocelli and DJ Premier.

They’ll perform at the upcoming ceremony, which will broadcast from FIBES in Seville, Spain, on Thursday, November 16.

The newly announced artists join previously unveiled performers, including Maria Becerra, Bizarrap, Feid, Kany García, Carin León, Christian Nodal, Rauw Alejandro, Alejandro Sanz, Pablo Alborán, Edgar Barrera, Camilo, Manuel Carrasco, Iza, Juanes, Ozuna, Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma.

Additionally, Majo Aguilar, Anitta, Pedro Capó, Jorge Drexler, Luis Figueroa, Fonseca, Tiago Iorc, Mon Laferte, Natalia Lafourcade, John Leguizamo, Nicki Nicole, Carlos Ponce, Carlos Vives and Yandel join as presenters throughout the ceremony.

For the first time held outside the United States, the annual Latin Grammys will be broadcast from the Conference and Exhibition Centre in Seville, Spain. It will air November 16 on Univision starting at 8:00 pm ET, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 pm CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain.

Danna Paola, Yatra, Roselyn Sánchez and Paz Vega will serve as co-hosts.

This year, Mexican hitmaker Edgar Barrera leads the list of nominees with 13 nods, including songwriter of the year, producer of the year and song of the year. Barrera is followed by Colombian stars Camilo, Karol G, Shakira and composer Kevyn Mauricio Cruz (also known as Keityn), each with seven nominations.

John Leguizamo Starring in “Bob Trevino Likes It”

Posted on August 24, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

John Leguizamo likes it!

The 63-year-old Colombian actor, comedian and film producer stars in Bob Trevino Likes It, which recently wrapped production in Louisville, Ky.

Bob Trevino Likes It marks the feature debut for writer and director Tracie Laymon.

In addition to Leguizamo, the film also stars Barbie Ferreira, best known for her work on Euphoria.

They appear alongside the previously announced French Stewart, Lauren “Lolo” Spencer and Rachel Bay Jones.

The film is inspired by Laymon’s life. It centers around a people-pleasing young woman who, while searching for her estranged father online, unexpectedly forms a close bond with a grieving, childless man with the same name on Facebook.

“This is a story about learning to let go of the people who continually hurt you to make room for the people who want to love and support you,” says Laymon. “Having personally experienced many of the events that inspired this film, I’ve witnessed how our small acts of kindness toward others create a ripple effect that can change the world for the better.”

“We are so pleased to have been able to help Tracie Laymon and her team get through principal photography. The cast has provided extraordinary performances,” says executive producer Kirk D’Amico. “I think distributors will be pleasantly surprised to see this unique comedy with heart come to life on the screen. We look forward to introducing the film to distributors around the world during this upcoming TIFF.”

Myriad Pictures has acquired worldwide sales rights and will launch sales out of Toronto in September.

The film is one of the first independent productions to be approved for a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement during the actors strike.

MSNBC Renews John Leguizamo’s Docuseries “Leguizamo Does America” for Second Season

Posted on June 27, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

John Leguizamo’s documented travels will continue…

The 62-year-old actor, comedian and producer’s docuseries Leguizamo Does America has been renewed for a second season on MSNBC.

Season 2 of the travelogue-style show, produced by NBC News Studios, will take Leguizamo to a new selection of cities (exact locations will be revealed later).

Season 1 of the series created and hosted by Leguizamo followed the Emmy and Tony winner as he visited “five major U.S. cities and one territory – New York City, Miami, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles and Puerto Rico – to showcase and explore each of their thriving Latino communities first hand.”

The format, featuring the host’s “characteristic edge, energy and wit,” captures Leguizamo interacting with celebrity guests (season 1 included comedian George Lopez and filmmaker Robert Rodriguez), along with “fascinating local heroes, young actors, community leaders, and more.”

The series is built around Leguizamo’s longstanding advocacy and celebration of Latin culture.

“I’m so excited for the opportunity to go deeper into America and keep exploring Latin excellence and go to the source of our happiness!” said Leguizamo, whose roots are in Puerto Rico and Colombia. “More Latin legends dinners, more eating and laughter!”

Rashida Jones, president of MSNBC, said in a statement, “The team behind Leguizamo Does America created an illuminating series that is as savvy and clever as it is savory and colorful – told through the lens of one of the most iconic voices of the Latino community. This show proves once again that there is an audience for diverse stories, and we are so excited MSNBC is its home for another season.”

“It’s been such an honor and pleasure to create, develop and produce this series with a partner as talented, brilliant and passionate as John Leguizamo,” said Liz Cole, president of NBC News Studios. “We’re especially proud to help put a spotlight on the Latino community’s rich culture and significant contributions to this country, working with a predominantly Latino editorial and production staff. We had an exciting first season with MSNBC Films, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with them again on season 2.”

The announcement comes during a busy week for Leguizamo. He is a featured speaker at the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado this week, where he is set to participate in a panel discussion today titled Investing in Next-Gen Innovators. Tomorrow, he participates in two more panels — Flipping the Script on the Digital Divide and Leaders Inspiring America.

John Leguizamo to Receive Impact Award at This Year’s Miami Film Festival

Posted on February 25, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

John Leguizamo is being honored for his impact…

The 62-year-old Colombian actor, comedian and film producer will receive the Miami Film Festival‘s Impact Award on March 11.

Leguizamo’s new MSNBC series Leguizamo Does America will screen ahead of the award presentation. The festival’s upcoming 40th edition runs from March 3-12.

Leguizamo has more than 75 film, theater and television credits, including Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, Summer of Sam and as the voice of Bruno on Encanto. Most recently, he co-starred in Mark Mylod’s film The Menu.

The Emmy winner is next set to star alongside Toni Collette in Prime Video’s The Power.

Following his MFF Impact award, Leguizamo will premiere his directorial debut, Critical Thinking, at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival. In addition to his Emmy award, Leguizamo has received a Drama Desk award and a special Tony award for his one-man show, Latin History for Morons.

Leguizamo Does America follows the actor as he travels from San Juan, Puerto Rico to East Los Angeles while making a few surprising stops along the way. In addition to celebrating and honoring Latino history, culture and food, Leguizamo will speak with Latino actors, the Latino immigrants who transformed the city of Chicago, as well as the indigenous people of Puerto Rico. Leguizamo Does America will premiere on MSNBC on April 16 at 10 p.m.

In addition to Leguizamo, the Miami Film Festival will honor Nicolas Cage with the Variety Legend & Groundbreaker Award, Diego Luna with the Variety Virtuoso Award and Nicholas Britell with Art of Light Composer Award, presented by Alacran Group.

The complete Miami Film Festival program is available at miamifilmfestival.com.

John Leguizamo to Fill In as Host on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show”

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

John Leguizamo is filling in…

Comedy Central has set dates for the next five guest hosts who will fill in at the desk of The Daily Show, including the 62-year-old Colombian actor/comedian.

Leguizamo will fill in the week of March 27.

Prior to his stint, Hasan Minhaj will step in for the week Febuary 27, followed by Marlon Wayans the week of March 6; Kal Penn the week of March 13 and Al Franken the week of March 20.

Dates for additional guest hosts, including TDS correspondents and contributors, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Guest hosts have been filling in since Trevor Noah exited the show on December 8.

Chelsea Handler is hosting this week’s shows, marking her latest late-night guest hosting spot after she filled in for Jimmy Kimmel during his summer holidays. Sarah Silverman is set to take the reins next week, beginning February 13.

In terms of Noah’s permanent replacement, Comedy Central is keeping an open mind in terms of who will succeed him. As Deadline’s Peter White previously reported, the network also is considering hosting duos and trios. A permanent host is expected to start in fall 2023.

The Daily Show airs weeknights at 11:00 pm ET/PT on Comedy Central and is available the following morning on Paramount+.

Paramount+ Gives Green Light to John Leguizamo’s Series “Sinaloa’s First Lady” About El Chapo’s ‘Beauty Queen Bride’

Posted on June 20, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

John Leguizamo’s latest project is getting the green light…

Paramount+ has given the go ahead to the 61-year-old Colombian actor’s series Sinaloa’s First Lady, which will chronicle the life of El Chapo’s infamous Beauty Queen Bride, Emma Coronel.

Starring and produced by Leguizamo with Frida Torresblanco also producing, the narrative series will chronicle the fascinating yet volatile life of Emma Coronel — an innocent farm girl turned fierce icon who rises to become Mexico’s most formidable crime wife.

It’s described as a story of love, sex, drugs, and danger.

Produced by VIS in association with Braven Films, the series has been greenlit for development to debut exclusively on Paramount+ in Latin America and all international markets.

In all, Paramount Global plans to commission 150 international originals for Paramount+ within three years.

John Leguizamo to Star in the Action Film “Tin Soldier”

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

John Leguizamo is soldiering forward…

The 61-year-old Colombian actor will star in the action movie Tin Soldier, which begins filming next week in Greece.

Leguizamo will star opposite Jamie Foxx, Robert De Niro and Scott Eastwood in the project.

Tin Soldier tells the story of The Bokushi (Foxx), who preaches to hundreds of veterans who have been drawn to the promise of protection and purpose under him. Surrounded by his devout military-trained followers, he has built an impenetrable fortress and amassed an arsenal of weapons. After several failed infiltration attempts, the government – in the form of military operative Emmanuel Ashburn (De Niro) – recruits Nash Cavanaugh (Eastwood), an ex-special forces asset, who was once a disciple of The Bokushi. Nash agrees to use his vulnerable past and insider knowledge of the enigmatic leader to finally get revenge on the man who took everything from him, including the love of his life.

WME Independent is handling international sales with CAA Media Finance and WME Independent co-repping North America.

Brad Furman is directing from his script with Jess Fuerst. Unified Pictures’ Keith Kjarval, Current Entertainment’s Steven Chasman and Romulus Entertainment’s Brad Feinstein will produce.

Furman and Fuerst will also produce under their Road Less Traveled Productions banner.

Producers Kjarval and Chasman said: “As longtime friends, working with Brad (Furman) to craft an inspired and clever action film is a dream come true as we have formed a family along the way. Brad and Jess (Fuerst) have written such a powerful screenplay that has allowed us to put together an amazing diverse group of actors. With such incredible talent, this is going to be a wild ride.”

“I am honored to be a part of the team behind such an ambitious, important and deeply personal work in Tin Soldier,” Furman said. “With awe-inspiring settings and set pieces built for the big screen, this is an original story about struggle, sacrifice and the power of love and acceptance. To collaborate with a cast of this caliber is beyond humbling. The individual inspiration they have brought to each role is like nothing I have seen before. This has been an exciting journey and my hope is the film is even more exciting for audiences around the world.”

John Leguizamo to Star in Paramount+’s Series “American Tragedies: Waco – The Trials”

Posted on April 25, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

John Leguizamo is going back on trials…

The 61-year-old Colombian actor will star in American Tragedies: Waco – The Trials, Paramount+’s follow up to the 2018 miniseries.

Leguizamo will reprise his role in the new series.

David Costabile and J. Smith Cameron are among the stars joining the series. Giovanni Ribisi, John Hoogenakker, Keean Johnson and Abbey Lee also star.

Paramount Network’s Waco, fronted by Taylor Kitsch, explored the events in February 1993 in Mount Carmel, a small religious community when a raid by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) on David Koresh and his followers, known as the Branch Davidians, led to a massive standoff and the death of dozens.

American Tragedies: Waco – The Trials will explore the wide-ranging fallout following these events and the uneven scales of justice the surviving Branch Davidians faced.

It will also delve into how the horrific events fueled the emerging ‘Patriot’ movement, which ultimately led to the most destructive act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history – the Oklahoma City bombing.

Leguizamo will reprise his role as Jacob Vasquez, an ATF agent who worked undercover during the lead up to Waco.

Michael Shannon, an exec producer on the series, will also reprise his role as Gary Noesner, an FBI hostage negotiator who has PTSD from the failed negotiations with the Branch Davidians in Waco.

The series comes from creators, exec producers and showrunners Drew and John Erick Dowdle. It is designed to air in 2023 to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the tragic events in Texas.

Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios exec producers also include Andrew Gettens and Lauren Mackenzie, who will also write, David C. Glasser, David Hutkin, Bob Yari and Ron Burkle.

Rachel Zegler to Serve as Presenter During This Weekend’s Academy Awards Show

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Rachel Zegler has a date with the Oscars after all…

The 20-year-old half-Colombian American actress/singer, who won a Golden Globe for her performance in West Side Story, will serve as a presenter for the 94th annual Academy Awards on Sunday.

Over the weekend, Zegler reported on social media that she did not receive an invite to the Oscars, but that changed two days later when her production schedule in London on the Disney movie Snow White loosened up.

But, Zegler isn’t the only Latinx talent set to present on Hollywood’s Biggest Night.

Jacob Elordi, the 24-year-old Spanish-Australian star of Netflix‘s The Kissing Booth teen film franchise and the HBO series Euphoria, has also been added to the list of presenters, alongside Josh Brolin, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jason Momoa, Jill Scott, J.K. Simmons, Serena Williams and Venus Williams.

Previously announced Latinx presenters include Stephanie Beatriz, John Leguizamo and Rosie Perez.

Here is the full list of presenters, in alphabetical order, set for the Oscars, which will air live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood at 5:00 pm PT/8:00 pm ET and in 200-plus territories around the world:

Halle Bailey
Stephanie Beatriz
Josh Brolin
Ruth E. Carter
Sean “Diddy” Combs
Kevin Costner
Jamie Lee Curtis
DJ Khaled
Jacob Elordi
Jennifer Garner
Jake Gyllenhaal
Woody Harrelson
H.E.R.
Tiffany Haddish
Tony Hawk
Anthony Hopkins
Daniel Kaluuya
Samuel L. Jackson
Lady Gaga
Lily James
Zoë Kravitz
Mila Kunis
John Leguizamo
Simu Liu
Rami Malek
Shawn Mendes
Jason Momoa
Bill Murray
Lupita Nyong’o
Elliot Page
Rosie Perez
Chris Rock
Jill Scott
Naomi Scott
Tyler Perry
Tracee Ellis Ross
J.K. Simmons
Kelly Slater
Wesley Snipes
Uma Thurman
John Travolta
Shaun White
Serena Williams
Venus Williams
Yuh-Jung Youn
Rachel Zegler

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

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