Luna’s Drama Pilot “Casanova” Headed to Amazon Instant Video

Diego Luna is ready to play(boy) on Amazon

The 35-year-old Mexican actor’s drama pilot Casanova will be made available for viewing on Amazon Instant Video in the U.S., UK and Germany on August 7.

Diego Luna

Casanova, which stars Luna as the famous playboy, was greenlighted by Amazon. Casanova chronicles a little-known period in the life of one of 18th century’s most famous playboys. Exiled from his beloved Venice, Giacomo Casanova (Luna) flees to Paris at the dawn of the Enlightenment in hopes of putting his reputation behind him. But old habits die hard, and temptation is everywhere as Casanova finds a wealth of new opportunity…and trouble.

Shot on-location in three European countries, the drama was directed by Jean Pierre Jeunet (Amelie) and written by Stuart Zicherman (The Americans).

It stars Luna, Bojana Novakovic, Miranda Richardson and Ben Daniels.

“We’re delighted to bring one of history’s most fascinating periods to life in Casanova,” said Roy Price, VP, Amazon Studios.

As usual, Amazon will take in consideration feedback from viewers, along with other data, in determining which pilots go to series.

Casanova is the first of a slew of pilots Amazon has in the pipeline, including The Good Girl Revolt, also from Sony, Trial, starring Billy Bob Thornton, EdgeThe Patriot and Zelda.

Luna to Star in Amazon’s Casanova-Themed Drama Pilot

Diego Luna is ready to romance Amazon

The 35-year-old Mexican actor will star in Amazon and Electus’ Giacomo Casanova drama pilot, which is being directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amelie).

Diego Luna

Luna, who rose to acclaim in Y tu mamá también, has been tapped for the title role, with Bojana Novakovic, Miranda Richardson, Ben Daniels and Amelia Clarkson co-starring.

The untitled project, which is currently filming in Europe, chronicles a little-known period in the life of the famous 18th century renaissance man. Known primarily as a womanizer, Casanova actually served as a spy for the Parisian government.

The show begins after he breaks free from Venice’s most impenetrable prison and moves to Paris with nothing—determined to start his life over after his wild ways left him behind bars. Following a journey full of passionate romance and incredible danger, the series will reveal the other side of the infamous Venetian, whose talents ranged from diplomacy to music to linguistics.

Novakovic plays the famous French royal mistress Madame de Pompadour, Richardson is Marquise d’Urfé, Daniels portrays Francois-Joachim de Bernis, and Clarkson plays Manon Balletti.

Stu Zicherman wrote the script.

The finished pilot will be made available on Amazon later this year.

Luna’s previous credits include the films Elysium and Casa de Mi Padre, an appearance in Katy Perry’s music video “The One That Got Away,” and the television movie Fidel.

Ortiz Cast in Fox’s Dramedy Pilot “Rake”

Silver Linings Playbook’s John Ortiz could be appearing on the small screen in the near future…

The 43-year-old Puerto Rican actor has been cast opposite Greg Kinnear in Fox’s dramedy pilot Rake, which is based on an Australian series of the same name.

John Ortiz

In the project, Kinnear will portray a brilliant but self-destructive criminal defense lawyer named Keegan Joye.

Ortiz, who appeared in HBO‘s horse racing drama Luck, will play Ben, a friend of Keegan’s from law school and the yin to his yang. He’s conservative and not flashy, solid, reliable and a decent family man. Not one to seek out the spotlight, Ortiz’s character recognizes that Keegan is the performer of the two and together they make a solid team — both in and out of court.

Ortiz, whose credits also Fast & Furious, joins a cast that includes Miranda Otto as Keegan’s ex-wife, Necar Zadegan as one of his best friends and Bojana Novakovic as Mikki, the love interest for Kinnear’s character.