Felipe Esparza Signs with United Talent Agency for Global Representation

Felipe Esparza has new representation…

United Talent Agency (UTA) has signed the 47-year-old Mexican stand-up comedian and actor for representation in all areas globally.

Felipe Esparza,  Rising to fame as the 2010 winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Esparza’s most recent special was the dual-language Felipe Esparza: Bad Decisions, which debuted on Netflix to critical acclaim, in both English and Spanish, in 2020.

His special, Translate This, premiered on HBO in 2017 and continues to be available for streaming on all HBO platforms.

His first, 2012’s They’re Not Gonna Laugh At You, made its way to Netflix after debuting on Showtime.

Esparza has also appeared on series like NBC’s Superstore, Adult Swim’s The Eric Andre Show, Netflix’s Gentefied, and Cartoon Network’s Victor and Valentino.

His notable film credits include Guest House with Pauly Shore7th & Union with Omar ChaparroDaddy Daughter Trip with Rob SchneiderYou People with Eddie Murphy and Jonah Hill, and Blue Beetle with Xolo Maridueña and George Lopez.

The host of the weekly podcast What’s Up Fool?, which has consistently topped comedy podcast charts across platforms since its launch in 2014, Esparza is preparing his fourth special as he performs at theaters around the world, as part of his “Big Foo” tour.

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

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.

omar-chaparro

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.

Estrella Media Renews Omar Chaparro’s Primetime Talk Show “Tu-Night con Omar Chaparro” for Second Season

There’s more talk in Omar Chaparro’s future…

U.S Hispanic broadcaster Estrella Media has renewed its primetime talk show Tu-Night con Omar Chaparro with the 47-year-old Mexican actor, comedian, TV host, media personality and singer, for a second season.

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The show, which is described as a late-night talk show in primetime, returns for its sophomore season on January 25 at 9:00 pm.

Hosted by Chaparro, who has starred in Detective Pikachu and co-hosts Netflix’s Nailed It! Mexico, the series scored close to 2M viewers during its first 20-episode season.

“This series was an exciting addition to our primetime line-up and it delivered audiences that challenged not only Spanish-language television networks but English networks as well,” said Ivan Stoilkovich, EVP, Television Programming at Estrella Media. “EstrellaTV is committed to offering a fresh take on the late-night talk format for the U.S. Hispanic audience. We’re excited to see the series audience grow since its launch, and we’re enthusiastic about the format and our partnership with Omar.”

The series was also popular on digital and social media channels with over 26M views on its YouTube channel.

“We were able to tap into a passionate fanbase on social as well with many of the videos receiving over one million views in just a few weeks,” said René Santaella, EVP, Digital and Streaming Media at Estrella Media. “Wherever the consumer wants to watch, we are going to build an audience, and it certainly helps to have such an engaging show like Tu-Night con Omar Chaparro.” 

Barbara De Regil to Star in the Action-Thriller “Blackout”

Barbara De Regil is blacking out

The 33-year-old Mexican actress has been cast in the action-thriller Blackout, starring Josh DuhamelAbbie CornishNick Nolte and Omar Chaparro.

Barbara De Regil

Also joining are Jose Sefami and Hernan Del Riego. Shooting on the film is underway in Mexico City.

Blackout will follow Cain (Duhamel), who wakes up in a Mexican hospital with no memory. After meeting Anna (Cornish), he discovers who he is but soon finds himself fighting for his life as several warring cartel factions attack him, each looking for something he has stolen. Cain looks towards co-worker and mentor, DEA Agent McCoy (Nolte), for answers.

The Patriot Pictures (Synchronic) feature is being directed by Sam Macaroni, director of the VR fight sequences on John Wick: Chapter 3 – ParabellumThe script comes from Van B. Nguyen. XYZ will launch world sales at the upcoming American Film Market.

De Regil is best known for her starring role in the La Femme Nikita-inspired action-crime-thriller TV series Rosario Tijeras from Sony Pictures Television and TV Azteca.

She has also starred in lead roles in films like the comedy feature Loca Por El Trabajo, opposite Adriana Barraza, and, most recently, Netflix’s Spanish-language comedy feature, Mutiny of the Worker Bees, opposite Gustavo Egelhaaf and Mexican star Alejandro Suárez.

 

Omar Chaparro to Star Opposite Josh Duhamel in the Action Film “Blackout”

Omar Chaparro is blacking out…

The 45-year-old Mexican actor/comedian will star in the action movie Blackout, which is scheduled to get underway this week in Mexico City.

Omar Chaparro

Chaparro will star opposite Josh Duhamel, Abbie Cornish and three-time Oscar nominee Nick Nolte in the film.

Blackout will follow Cain (Duhamel), who wakes up in a Mexican hospital with no memory. After meeting Anna (Cornish), he discovers who he is but soon finds himself fighting for his life as several warring cartel factions attack him, each looking for something he has stolen. Cain looks towards co-worker and mentor, DEA Agent McCoy (Nolte), for answers.

The Patriot Pictures feature will be directed by Sam Macaroni, director of the VR fight sequences on John Wick: Chapter 3 – ParabellumScript comes from Van B. Nguyen.

The production will be following SAG COVID-19 protocols.

Chaparro’s previous credits include How to Be a Latin Lover, Detective Pikachu and No Manches Frida.

Omar Chaparro & Son Emiliano to Star in Pantaya’s Motorcycle Docuseries “Chaparreando”

Omar Chaparro is hittin’ the road…

The 45-year-old Mexican actor, comedian and television host is set to star in a motorcycle docuseries for the Lionsgate-backed streaming service Pantaya.

Omar Chaparro

Pantaya, a joint venture between the U.S. studio and Hemisphere Media Group, has ordered the six-part series titled Chaparreando.

The series will follow Chaparro, who starred in Detective Pikachu and Overboard, and his teenage son Emiliano on a motorbike journey through Mexico. Chaparro shares the countryside and colorful characters of his native state of Chihuahua to teach his son about his own roots.

The series, which will launch on Pantaya on October 15, is produced by 3Pas Studios with Eugenio Derbez and Ben Odell executive producing alongside Chaparro.

“Omar is a friend and constant collaborator with us at 3Pas.  He’s a comedic force of nature but this show is not just funny as hell, it’s an immigrant’s love letter to his country,” said Odell and Derbez.

“Omar has been a great partner on No Manches Frida, Overboard and other Pantelion hits, and the Pantaya team has been searching for the right vehicle for him. We were happy to find it in his own motorcycle. Collaborating on Chaparreando with 3Pas, Omar and his son Emiliano, and the production team was a joy and we know audiences will share that excitement when they watch with their own families,” said Mario Almeida, Pantaya Vice President of Programming, Development, and Acquisitions.

Chaparro co-hosted the Mexican version of Netflix’s Nailed It!,

Omar Chaparro to Star in Sony’s Original Comedy “Tequila Re-Pasado”

Cheers to Omar Chaparro’s new project…

The 45-year-old Mexican actor/comedian has been cast as the lead in Tequila Re-Pasado, an original comedy from Sony Pictures International Productions. Chaparro will also act as executive producer.

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Spanish director María Ripoll is helming the film, re-teaming with Sony after recently wrapping Guerra de Likes in Mexico for the studio.

The new film, adapted from an original script by Judd Pillot and Gerald B. Fillmore,follows a workaholic who must outwit his multiplying clones after a magical tequila travels him back in time – again and again – in order to make things right with his family.

“I can’t tell you how gratifying it is to finally work with Omar. We’ve been looking for the right project for years, and now we have it,” said Said Laine Kline, Head of SPIP.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with a powerhouse like Maria again,” added Sandra Condito, SVP of International Film Production. “She exemplifies everything you could hope for in a director, bringing this project to life with her distinct yet universal vision through her ability to transcend cultural boundaries.”

Production is scheduled to begin in Mexico spring 2021.

Chaparro was the star of Spanish-language box office smash No Manches Frida, which was Mexico’s fourth highest grossing film ($11.8M) of all time before it was topped by its 2019 sequel ($17M), again starring Chaparro. The films, which also grossed north of $20M in the U.S., were remade from 2013 German hit Fack ju Göhte.

Mauricio Ochmann Signs with United Talent Agency (UTA)

Mauricio Ochmann has new representation…

The 42-year-old Mexican American actor and telenovela star has signed with United Talent Agency (UTA) for representation in all areas.

Mauricio Ochmann

Ochmann’s credits include El Señor de los Cielos and its spinoff El Chema, the latter being the highest rated television show in Telemundo history. 

His feature film credits include Hazlo Como Hombreand Ya Veremos, both of which have been hits in Mexico, grossing around $10 million each. 

His next U.S. release will be Y Como Es El, a two hander with Omar Chaparroreleasing in April via Pantelion/Lionsgate.

The actor is currently shooting in Mexico on Salvador Espinosa’s Netflixoriginal Ahi Te Encargo.

Alongside acting work, Ochmann is moving into directing, having helmed English language short Diaz. He’s now developing his feature debut.

Ochmann and his wife Aislinn Derbez, also an actor, run their production company A Toda Madre Entertainment, which has several features in development, including one with Sony Pictures.

Trailer Released for Omar Chaparro’s Pedro Infante-Themed “Como Caído del Cielo”

Omar Chaparro is portraying a Mexican icon…

The 45-year-old Mexican actor/comedian is starring as Mexican singing star and movie idol Pedro Infante in Netflix’s Como Caído del Cielo.

Omar Chaparro

In the new film, which is being called a “comedic telenovela with a magic realist twist,” Infante takes over the body of one of his modern-day impersonators. 

In a plot that recalls Heaven Can Wait, the 1978 hit film starring Warren BeattyComo Caído del Cieloopens with Infante stuck in purgatory: although his voice and image were beloved by fans in Mexico and around the world, and remain so to this day, in the movie his deplorable machista behavior on earth has kept him from going to heaven. But when a Pedro Infante imitator named Pedro Guadalupe Ramos dies, the real Infante has a chance to come back to life in his body, and try and earn a place among the angels by showing respect for women, particularly Ramos’ wife. Not surprisingly, Ramos himself had been unfaithful.

Love songs sung by Infante-Ramos (Chaparro) throughout the movie are the key to romance, and a final resting place for Infante’s soul.

A soundtrack, with Chaparro singing Infante classics and “De Que Me Sirve El Cielo,” an original composition that’s the movie’s theme song, will be released at the same time on JN Records

The album was produced by Jorge Avendaño, who also co-wrote that song, and is known for writing themes for telenovelas and working with artists including Ricardo Montaner and Mexican singer and actress Edith Marquez.

Chaparro, best known as a comedic actor, has recorded two previous albums.

The film, the first original production from Netflix Latin America, debuts on Christmas Eve.

Mauricio Ochmann to Star in Pantelion Films’ Spanish-Language Comedy “Backseat Driver”

Mauricio Ochmann is driving into a new role…

Fresh off the huge Mexican box office opening of his comedy Ya Veremos, the 40-year-old Mexican American actor is joining Mexican comedian Omar Chaparro in the Spanish-language comedy Backseat Driver.

Mauricio Ochmann

Pantelion Films, 3Pas Studios and Alcon Entertainment are producing the film, which starts production in Mexico next month.

The film also stars Zuria Vega (Mi Marido Tiene Más Familia), Consuelo Duval (Netas Divinas), and Mauricio Barrientos (Qué Culpa Tiene El Niño).

It tells the story of mild mannered Tomás (Ochmann) who flies to Puerto Vallarta to seek revenge against the cabdriver (Chaparro) who has been having an affair with his wife (Vega). The film is a remake of the Filmline-produced Korean-language original Driving With My Wife’s Lover, which was written and directed by Kim Tai-Sik.

The feature is the latest project from Lionsgate label Pantelion and 3Pas Studios’ Eugenio Derbez and Ben Odellfollowing their collaboration on the Overboard redo and How To Be A Latin Lover.

Argentinian filmmaker Ariel Winograd (Sin Hijos) is directing from a screenplay by Paul Fruchbom (The Cool Kids). Derbez and Odell are producing under their 3Pas banner.

“3Pas is committed to supporting amazing creative voices across the U.S. Latinx community and Latin America,” said Odell. “We’re huge fans of Omar and Mauricio. Together, they form an unforgettable comic team under the direction of Ariel Winograd, who has helmed some of the best Spanish-language comedies of the decade.”

Ochmann’s credits include Telemundo’s hit telenovelas El Clon and El Chema.