Taylor Zakhar Perez’s “Red, White & Royal Blue” Becomes Prime Video’s No. 1 Film Globally in Its Premiere Weekend

Taylor Zakhar Perez’s latest project is a Primetime hit…

The 31-year-old half-Mexican American model and actor’s romantic comedy Red, White & Royal Blue, an adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s bestselling novel, has become the No. 1 film globally on Prime Video in its premiere weekend.

Taylor Zakhar Perez, Red White & Royal Blue,The film, which launched on Amazon Prime Video on August 11, is now among Prime Video’s top three most-watched romantic comedies of all time, according to Amazon, which wouldn’t disclose the two other films Red, White & Royal Blue would be joining in the top

Amazon is also touting “a huge surge in new Prime membership signups” due to the film’s release. The company didn’t say how they determined this, though this generally measured as the title was the first one an account watched after subscribing to a streaming service.

“The phenomenal debut of Red, White & Royal Blueis a true testament to the entertaining and inspired storytelling led by the creative minds behind it. Matthew López, McQuiston, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and the entire talented filmmaking team hit it out of the park,” said Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon MGM Studios. “We are so proud of this delightful, heartwarming film and could not be more thrilled with the response from fans–existing and new.”

Red, White & Royal Blue centers around Alex and Prince Henry who have a lot in common: Stunning good looks, undeniable charisma, international popularity … and a total disdain for each other. Separated by an ocean, their long-running feud hasn’t really been an issue, until a disastrous—and very public—altercation at a royal event becomes tabloid fodder, driving a potential wedge in U.S./British relations at the worst possible time.

Going into damage-control mode, their families and handlers force the two rivals into a staged “truce.” But as Alex and Henry’s icy relationship unexpectedly begins to thaw into a tentative friendship, the friction that existed between them sparks something deeper than they ever expected.

The film adaptation is directed by López who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Ted Malawer.

Red, White & Royal Blue also stars Clifton Collins Jr., Sarah Shahi, Rachel Hilson, Stephen Fry, Ellie Bamber, Thomas Flynn, Malcolm Atobrah, Akshay Khanna, Sharon D Clarke, Aneesh Sheth and Juan Castano.

Ana María Orozco to Reprise Iconic Betty Role in “Betty La Fea” Sequel

Ana María Orozco is preparing for an Ugly return…

The 50-year-old Colombian actress will reprise her role in Betty La Fea, a sequel to the hit Colombian telenovela Yo Soy Betty, La Fea.

Ana María OrozcoBut Orozco, who portrayed Beatriz “Betty” Aurora Pinzón Solano in the original, won’t be the only person making a return in the sequel.

Jorge Enrique Abello, who portrayed Eco Moda CEO Armando Mendoza Sáenz, will also reprise his iconic role in Betty La Fea, which will debut on Amazon’s Prime Video in 2024.

Produced by Colombia’s Estudios RCN for Prime Video, the third season of the series picks up Betty’s story 20 years later when she’s a successful woman, mother and wife.

Still married to Armando (Abello) and trying to rebuild her relationship with her adolescent daughter, she battles the economic crisis of her family company and wonders whether the path she has chosen in life has really made her happy.

Directed by Mauricio Cruz Fortuna, Betty la Fea is written by Marta Betoldi, Juan Carlos Pérez and César Betancur.

The original series is hailed as the most successful telenovela of all time, having sold worldwide and spawning 20 remakes, the latest in South Africa.

The series’ overnight success was a testament to Orozco’s endearing performance and the talent of its creator, the late Fernando Gaitan, who imbued its characters with such universal humanity that they still resonate with young generations two and a half decades later. Rebelliously tender Betty transformed the world around her and with her Gaitan found a poignant twist to the Ugly Duckling trope.

“This is, I think, an homage to Fernando’s work. I’ve witnessed how this incredible writer’s room has taken his legacy and we’ve tried with immense care and respect to live up to the task. It is a huge challenge but I think we are in good hands,” Orozco commented.

She added “Even though Betty was so advanced for its time, there’s many elements that are very much from its time, from our culture, from our idiosyncrasy, issues that now, 20 years later we can address, to have a dialogue with a modern audience. I feel that her essence hasn’t changed but precisely because of this Betty surely poses many questions, She is now more mature, but life for a woman in her forties is never an easy challenge.”

“Yo soy Betty, la fea had a healthy energy, and the character an enormous impact on  conventional beauty codes which explains why it became a global franchise with which all women can relate,” said Francisco Morales, who leads Prime Video’s team of contents strategy and acquisitions for Latin America.

Harvey Guillen to Form Part of Prime Video & Amazon Kids+’s “Angry Birds Mystery Island” Animated Series

Harvey Guillen is flying high…

Prime Video and Amazon Kids+ have announced Angry Birds Mystery Island, a new animated series featuring the 33-year-old Mexican American actor as part of the voice cast.

Harvey GuillénHailing from Eric Rogers and Titmouse, the series will also star Kate Micucci, Dominic Monaghan and Nasim Pedrad among the ensemble cast.

The 24-episode first season, which “promises lots of fun, mystery, and adventure with irreverent humor and pop culture references”, will premiere on both Prime Video and Amazon Kids+.

More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Rogers serves as showrunner, head writer and executive producer of the series.

Angry Birds Mystery Island introduces three new Hatchling characters—”Mia,” “Rosie,” and “Buddy”—and a foreign-exchange piglet named “Hamylton.” These rambunctious tweens receive an all-expenses-paid (and completely un-asked-for) island getaway, when they are mistakenly catapulted onto an uncharted island. Left to explore the exotic sights, smells, and unexplained phenomena of their new environment without any adults around, the ragtag bunch quickly learns that, in order to survive and make it back home, they will need to unlock the mysteries of the island together.

“We’re excited to work with Amazon to add a new chapter to the Hatchlings’ story in Angry Birds Mystery Island,” said Rovio’s head of Brand Licensing, Hanna Valkeapää-Nokkala. “I’m sure fans of the Hatchlings will be eager to see them in their own series, with speaking voices for the first time.”

“Working with such a dream team and cast has been the highlight of my career. Together, we are hatching a series full of comedy, heart, and binge-worthy mystery, filled with laugh-out-loud moments,” said Rogers.

“It’s exciting to expand the Angry Birds universe with endearing new characters and multilayered storytelling that speaks equally to kids and kids at heart,” says Veronica Pickett, head of Original Series at Amazon Kids+.

“The Angry Birds captivated people of all ages and became a global phenomenon with the debut of their first game, and their cultural presence has remained steadfast,” says Melissa Wolfe, head of animation, Amazon Studios. “We are excited by the opportunity to expand the Hatchlings’ world into a family series for our global customers to enjoy even more stories around these beloved birds.”

Sara Silva to Star in “Cruel Intentions” Series, an Adaptation of 1999 Cult Film

Sara Silva has set some new intentions…

Amazon has set the main cast for Cruel Intentions, its series adaptation of the 1999 cult film, with the Latina actress among the series regulars.

Sara SilvaSilva, known for her work on The Boys, will be joined by Sarah Catherine Hook, Zac Burgess, Myra Molloy, Khobe Clarke, Brooke Lena Johnson, Sean Patrick Thomas and John Harlan Kim.

The series adaptation, set in Washington D.C., hails from writers Phoebe Fisher and Sara Goodman, Sony Pictures Television, Amazon Studios and Original Film.

It’s expected to air on Prime Video.

In this new incarnation of the premise, which is rooted in the novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Choderlos de Laclos, two ruthless step-siblings will do anything to stay on top. In this case, of the Greek life hierarchy at an elite Washington, D.C. college. After a brutal hazing incident threatens the entire Panhellenic system, they’ll do whatever’s necessary to preserve their power and reputations — even seduce the daughter of the Vice President of the United States.

Hook will play Caroline Merteuil, the queen of everything – or at least the queen of Delta Phi. Burgess is Lucien, Caroline’s stepbrother. Molloy portrays Annie, a model student and respectable young woman, who also is the daughter of the Vice President of the U.S. Silva portrays Cece, Caroline’s right hand at Delta Phi. Kim plays Blaise, a senior member of Alpha Gamma who knows everything about everyone and will happily use that knowledge to his advantage. Clarke portrays Scott, the son of a congressman and a new recruit for Alpha Gamma. Johnson plays Beatrice, a reporter for the school paper and leader of the anti-Greek movement at the university. Thomas plays Professor Chadwick.

Also set for recurring roles are Laura Benanti as Claudia and John Tenney as Congressman Russell.

Fisher is writing the pilot with Goodman supervising. The duo will write the series together.

The 1999 film, written and directed by Roger Kumble, starred Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, and Selma Blair. The film is a modern retelling of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ 1782 novel Les Liaisons dangereuses, set in New York City among rich high schoolers. It was followed by a prequel in 2000 and sequel in 2004, as well as a jukebox musical in 2015.

Prime Video Premiering Season Two of “With Love,” with Mark Indelicato, This Friday

Mark Indelicato is bringing the love…

Season 2 of Prime Video’s With Love, starring the 28-year-old part-Puerto Rican actor and Ugly Betty alum, premieres this Friday, June 2, and we may or may not see the wedding of the year.

Mark Indelicato, With LoveAs series creator Gloria Calderón Kellett has teased since last season’s finale, the focus of the new episodes will be a surprise engagement leading to marriage, a pivot from the holiday theme sprinkled throughout the show’s freshman season.

With various couples in contention, who will be saying “I do?” Will it be Jorge Jr. (Indelicato) and his boyfriend Henry (Vincent Rodriguez III). Could we see a proposal or maybe just a festive night for love declarations in front of the family after lots of egg nog during Christmas? Indelicato and Rodriguez weigh in.

“That was so much fun to put together. Gloria and I dug into our theatre roots talking about that moment for Henry,” Rodriguez tells Deadline. “What’s happening in this clip, is actually a continuation of where we left off in the last episode of Season 1, where we were looking at each couple wondering who was going to get engaged. Minutes after that you see Henry, helped by Nick [Desmond Chiam], with Tia Gladys [Kellett] playing backup. Henry is making a grand gesture singing to Jorge Jr. It’s very much a callback to Season 1 where Henry was learning that sometimes Jorge needed grand gestures to feel loved.”

Adds Indelicato, “When the show returns, it’s still Christmas (well, our second Christmas) that we celebrate with the Diaz family and there’s no time jump, we pick up right where we left off. The second season starts out with a really big bang, and yeah we find out who gets engaged.”

Rodriguez is excited to share that viewers will be introduced to Henry’s parents, who will be played by Amora Owens and Brent Pope, both Filipino actors like Rodriguez.

“Jorge got so worked up about the possibility that Henry’s parents wouldn’t like him, that it never occurred to him that he might not like THEM. That was a lot of fun to watch Mark deal with that on set as Jorge,” teased Rodriguez. “So that was a lot of fun to watch Mark Indelicato deal with that on set as Jorge. “We also get to see Henry deal with his more colorful fanciful past which included tequila, something Henry has purposely stayed away from until this gathering that happens where Henry is forced to share his secrets with Jorge and it results in what I refer to as Shirtless Shenanigans.”

Indelicato expanded on Jorge’s experience meeting Henry’s parents this season.

“Jorge and Henry I think are an incredible couple because while Lily [Emeraude Toubia] has her tumultuous love triangle and all of that, Henry and Jorge are consistent in their love for each other,” he said. “Henry was very well-adjusted to meet the Diaz family – but Jorge is a little more difficult than that. You’ll the difficulties with ingratiating yourself with another family, especially when it’s your partners’. I think in every relationship, when you are making big choices, you can get cold feet.”

Rodriguez is proud of all they’ve accomplished across two seasons on this sweet series, especially how the cast reflects the world as it is today.

“It’s really great when we see authentic representation of different ethnic backgrounds: on our show we have Latino, Afro-Cuban, Latinx, and I get to play a Filipino character, as a Filipino actor, who gets to have Filipino actors play his on-screen parents…I know it might not sound like a big deal but it is,” he said. “It’s one of the beautiful attributes of With Love, its diversity, inclusivity & authenticity of characters. It means so much to me to be a part of a TV series that not only tells a joyful love story that’s funny to watch but also has diverse characters that reflect the world we currently live in. To see old, young, Latino, Chinese, Filipino, Latinx, Afro-Cuban, queer, gay, straight, bi, non-binary, trans characters in one romantic-comedy story? That’s like a unicorn. It’s unique. That’s our show.”

Keyla Monterroso Mejia to Star in Amazon’s Wedding Comedy “You’re Cordially Invited”

Keyla Monterroso Mejia has officially made the list…

The 25-year-old Guatemalan & Mexican American actress has joined the cast of Amazon’s Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon wedding comedy, You’re Cordially Invited.

Keyla Monterroso Mejia,Mejia is among a list of new cast additions that includes Celia Weston, Jimmy Tatro and Leanne Morgan, with Nick Stoller directing the film, which he wrote.

In the film, a woman (Witherspoon) who is planning her sister’s (Meredith Hagner) perfect wedding and the father (Ferrell) of a young bride-to-be (Geraldine Viswanathan) discover that they are double-booked for their destination wedding at a remote resort on an island off the Georgia coast. When both parties decide to share the small venue, chaos ensues and disaster awaits.

Mejia has made a name for herself with her scene-stealing appearances on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm and Abbott Elementary.

She currently stars in the Netflix comedy series Freeridge, and can next be seen in Suncoast starring Woody Harrelson and Laura Linney.

Her past roles include Growing Fangs, HBO Max’s The 90 Day Plan, #Whitina, Lo Que Construimos, and Aguanta.

Harvey Guillén to Star in Disney+’s “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” Reimagining

Harvey Guillén is up to No Good…

The 32-year-old Mexican American actor will star in the Disney+ film Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day reimagining.

Harvey GuillénGuillén will portray the character of Claudio, a healer who helps the young titular hero take steps in the right direction.

Production is underway in New Mexico.

From writer Matt Lopez and director Marvin Lemus, Alexander tells the story of 11-year-old Alexander Garcia (Thom Nemer), who thinks he has the worst luck in the world. When his family sets off on a road trip to California, he’s pretty sure disaster awaits at every corner. His anxiety only increases when a family secret is revealed.

The film also stars Eva Longoria, Cheech Marin, Jesse Garcia, Paulina Chávez and Rose Portillo.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, a new take on Judith Viorst’s book following a 2014 movie starring Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner, is produced by Shawn Levy, Dan Levine and Lisa Henson.

Guillén is best known for his highly acclaimed breakout role in FX’s What We Do in the Shadows.

Most recently, he lent his voice to DreamWork’s Puss In Boots: The Last Wish.

Next, he can be seen in the Warner Bros. film Blue Beetle, starring opposite Xolo Maridueña, Susan Sarandon, and George Lopez, which is set to release in August.

His additional credits include Amazon’s Reacher, NBC’s Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, DC’s Harley Quinn and Apple TV+’s Shape Island, among others.

Brie & Nikki Bella to Host Amazon’s Social Dating Competition Series “Twin Love”

Brie and Nikki Bella are twinning in love.

Amazon has ordered a new competition series Twin Love, hosted by the 39-year-old half-Mexican American WWE stars and twin sisters.

Brie & Nikki BellaAmazon has greenlit the series from ITV Entertainment. It will air on Prime Video and in the U.S. and UK and premiere simultaneously on free streamer Freevee.

Twin Love is a social dating experiment that explores the love lives of identical twins. Ten sets of twins will be split up and placed into two houses of identical casts, where they’ll begin a unique and compelling search for love.

The series will discover if their inherent similarities extend to their romantic desires. When separated from their twin brothers and sisters—some for the first time ever—will they pursue the same identical partners? Or will their choices be dramatically different?

The series, which will launch this summer, is based on a Dutch format created by ITV Studios Netherlands; the latest format to come out of the country responsible for Big Brother, The Voice and The Traitors.

“Twin Love is a social dating experience like no other, blending the specificity of being a twin—someone born, quite literally, with a biological soulmate—with the universality of being single and searching for lasting romantic love,” said Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD Original Content and Unscripted Programming, Amazon Studios.

Brie and Nikki, the former wrestling duo, have starred in a number of reality series including E!’s hit Total Divas and Total Bellas.  

Gina Rodriguez Signs Overall Deal with 20th Television

Gina Rodriguez has a new deal…

The 38-year-old Puerto Rican Golden Globe-winning actress, the star and executive producer of Not Dead Yet, has signed an overall deal with 20th Television, the studio behind Rodriguez’s new ABC comedy series.

Gina RodriguezUnder the pact, Rodriguez will develop, direct and executive produce new series across all platforms through her production company I Can & I Will, run by executive Molly Breeskin.

Rodriguez and Breeskin will continue to follow the company’s mission statement to create art that tells stories from the unheard and unseen, to discover and expose new talent, and to increase empathy and understanding for all communities.

“Gina is a true multi-hyphenate, an extremely talented performer who’s as adept at directing and producing as she is in front of the camera,” said 20th Television president Karey Burke. “She has an incredible eye for IP, an optimistic and uplifting point of view, and a unique ability to spotlight underrepresented voices and stories in a broad and ambitious way.”

Best known for her award-winning title role in Jane the Virgin, Rodriguez will next be seen in Robert Rodriguez’s Spy Kids reboot and Players, both for Netflix.

She recently appeared in Netflix’s Lost Ollie and Amazon’s I Want You Back and is heard in the title role of Netflix’s Carmen Sandiego animated series as well as in the streamer’s Big Mouth.

I Can & I Will produced two seasons of Disney+’s Diary Of a Future President, for which Rodriguez directed the pilot and co-starred as the future president. With her family, she established the We Will Foundation to champion underprivileged youth through arts, education, scholarship funding and financial literacy.

“At I Can & I Will, we are constantly working to expand the narrative of underrepresented communities and I am over the moon to join forces with the incredible leaders at 20th in that mission,” said Rodriguez.

Aimee Carrero to Star in the Buddy Action-Comedy “Code 3”

Aimee Carrero has broken the code…

The 34-year-old Dominican actress will star in the buddy action-comedy Code 3 opposite Rainn Wilson and Lil Rel Howery.

Aimee CarreroProduction is set to begin in February.

She’ll portray Jessica, a newbie paramedic who is eager to learn is well-trained, and is superb under pressure. In the 24-hour shift where she’s training to replace Randy (Wilson), she’s in for an incredible day of surprises and realizations.

The film, by director Christopher Leone, follows a day in the life of two overworked, underpaid, and nearly burnt-out paramedics. One EMT is so burnt-out by the job that he’s forcing himself to resign, though he first must embark on one last 24-hour shift to train his replacement. Everything that could happen on the job, from the mundane to the extreme, then happens on this final, exhilarating day.

The script for Code 3 hails from Leone and former paramedic Patrick Pianezza. Angela Cardon will oversee the project for Wayfarer Studios and will serve as its sole financier.

Producers are Justin Baldoni and Andrew Calof for Wayfarer, Lawrence Mattis of Circle of Confusion, Matt Smith of Electro Corduroy Entertainment, and Paul “Pizza” Pianezza of Realdream.

Carrero’s breakout role was in Season 2 of FX’s The Americans playing the character of Lucia.

She can currently be seen in the Fox Searchlight film The Menu starring Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy, streaming now via HBO Max.

Additionally, she co-starred in the Apple TV+ holiday film Spirited opposite Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell.

Up next, she’ll appear as a series regular in Amazon’s The Consultant opposite Christoph Waltz in the role of Patti.