Adam Rodriguez to Star in “Winter Spring Summer or Fall”

Posted on December 24, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Adam Rodriguez is celebrating the four seasons…

The 47-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American actor will star opposite Jenna Ortega in Winter Spring Summer or Fall for MPCA.

Percy Hynes White is also on board for the film, which Ortega will also executive produce.

The romantic drama is being helmed by writer Tiffany Paulsen, marking her feature debut.

The script was written by Dan Schoffer with revisions by Paulsen.

The film is being described as Before Sunrise meets The Perks of Being a Wallflower, the story follows two teens (Ortega and Hynes White) on the cusp of adulthood who meet and fall in love over four significant days of the year. Rodriguez will play Ortega’s father in the film.

Rodriguez currently stars in Criminal Minds: Evolution for Paramount+ reprising the brainy and charismatic brawny fan favorite Luke Alvez.

In addition to starring in iconic shows like the international hit series CSI: Miami and Criminal Minds, Rodriguez  was also an executive producer on multiple projects including HBO’s The Real Magic Mike, a spinoff of Steven Soderberg’s original hit film which he starred opposite Channing Tatum and is also in the upcoming Magic Mike’s Last Dance.

The Motion Picture Corporation of America (MPCA) has a long history of producing successful romantic comedies, most recently the No. 1 Netflix holiday rom-com Falling for Christmas and The Princess Switch trilogy, starring Vanessa Hudgens.

Previously, Rodriguez starred in and executive produced A Christmas Proposal with MPCA for CBS and Paramout+, one of the first Christmas movies on CBS which encompassed an all Latine cast.

Anna Garcia to Make Feature Debut in Apple’s 1960s Space Race Film “Project Artemis”

Posted on November 9, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Anna Garcia has found a new Project…

The Latina actress will make her feature film debut with a sizable role alongside Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum in Project Artemis, the anticipated 1960s space race film Greg Berlanti is directing for Apple.

While details about her role are being under wraps, her audition was reportedly impressive enough that it helped her secure one of the most coveted jobs in Hollywood, even in competition with a number of offer-only actresses.

Apple acquired Project Artemis for upwards of $100M when the hot package hit the market this past spring, as we told you first.

Specifics regarding the plot of the Apple Original haven’t yet been revealed. But Garcia joins an ensemble that also includes the previously announced Jim Rash and Ray Romano.

Johansson is producing alongside Jonathan Lia and Keenan Flynn of These Pictures, which commissioned and developed the script by Rose Gilroy, as well as Sarah Schechter.

Garcia is a relative newcomer who most recently wrapped a role on Showtime’s Party Down reboot, having recently appeared on HBO Max’s Emmy-winning series Hacks and FX’s long-running comedy, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. She’s a graduate of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre who still performs regularly at the well-known comedy venue, and also proved a standout as part of the CBS Comedy Showcase for 2022.

Garcia hosts her own live variety show, Scrambled Eggs, at the Elysian Theater and has also appeared on the viral improv show Make Some Noise for College Humor’s subscription media service, Dropout.

Warner Bros. Releases First-Look Photo of “Magic Mike’s Last Dance,” Featuring Salma Hayek

Posted on October 22, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Salma Hayek is sharing a little magic…

Warner Bros. has released a first-look photo for its third and final Magic Mike film, Magic Mike’s Last Dance, starring the 56-year-old Mexican Oscar-nominated actress/producer.

The new film reunites franchise star Channing Tatum with director Steven Soderbergh.

Magic Mike is a film franchise centered on the world of male stripping, which the pair launched with the 2012 film of the same name. The film was followed up by the 2015 sequel Magic Mike XXL, directed by Gregory Jacobs, with the two films collectively grossing nearly $286 million at the global box office.

The franchise spurred the creation of the popular stage show Magic Mike Live, which launched in Las Vegas before expanding to London, Berlin and other major cities, including others in the U.S.

Specifics as to the plot of Magic Mike’s Last Dance have been kept under wraps so far. But Tatum will be joined in the film by returning cast members Hayek and Caitlin Gerard, as well as Gavin Spokes and others.

Reid Carolin wrote the screenplay and produced the film along with Jacobs, Nick Wechsler and Peter Kiernan.

While it was initially believed that the final Magic Mike would be released straight to HBO Max, Warner Bros said last month that the film would be going the theatrical route, with a release date of February 10, 2023.

Warner Bros. to Release “Magic Mike’s Last Dance,” Starring Salma Hayek, in February

Posted on September 16, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Salma Hayek is bringing the magic to theaters…

Warner Bros. has announced plans to release the latest installment of Magic Mike, starring the 56-year-old Mexican Oscar-nominated actress, in theaters on February 10, 2023 — Super Bowl weekend.

The third installment of the male stripper-themed film originally conceived by Steven Soderbergh, entitled Magic Mike’s Last Dance, sees the return of franchise star Channing Tatum.

Hayek, who replaced Thandiwe Newton in the film, is reportedly involved in a steamy lap dance with Tatum in the new film, according to Tatum.

Gregory Jacobs, who directed the 2015 hit Magic Mike XXL, returns to produce along with Reid Carolin, who wrote the screenplay, Nick Wechsler and Peter Kiernan.

Both Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL have grossed a combined $285.6M at the global box office.

The franchise spawned the successful stage show Magic Mike Live. It launched in Las Vegas and quickly expanded internationally to London, Berlin, Australia and in the U.S.

Adria Arjona to Star in Zoë Kravitz’s Directorial Debut Film “Pussy Island”

Posted on July 10, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Adria Arjona is island-bound…

The 30-year-old Puerto Rican actress will star in Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut Pussy Island.

Arjona will star alongside Christian Slater, Alia Shawkat, Geena Davis, Haley Joel Osment, Liz Caribel Sierra, Levon Hawke, Trew Mullen, Saul Williams, Cris Costa and Kyle MacLachlan.

The actors join an ensemble that also includes Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum and Simon Rex, as previously announced.

The MGM genre film written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum follows Frida (Ackie), a young and clever Los Angeles cocktail waitress who has her eyes set on the prize: philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King (Tatum). When she skillfully maneuvers her way into King’s inner circle and ultimately an intimate gathering on his private island, she is ready for a journey of a lifetime. Despite the epic setting, beautiful people, ever-flowing champagne and late-night dance parties, Frida can sense that there’s more to this island than meets the eye. Something she can’t quite put her finger on. Something terrifying.

Pussy Island is currently in production in Mexico.

Arjona most recently starred as the female lead in Sony’s Marvel film Morbius, opposite Jared Leto. She can currently be seen in HBO’s Irma Vep opposite Alicia Vikander and in HBO Max’s Father of the Bride remake, and will make her Disney+ debut in the Star Wars series Andor on August 31st.

Sierra recently wrapped on Ellen, a miniseries from Automatik and New Regency in which she stars opposite Lin Shaye. Up next, she stars as Regina in the feature God’s Time, written and directed by Daniel Antebi, which made its world premiere at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival.

Costa is an executive protection consultant who, like Hawke, is making his feature film acting debut.

Salma Hayek to Star Opposite Channing Tatum in Warner Bros. “Magic Mike’s The Last Dance”

Posted on April 13, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Salma Hayek is preparing for a last dance…

The 55-year-old Mexican Oscar-nominated actress will star opposite Channing Tatum in Warner Bros. Magic Mike’s The Last Dance.

Hayek replaces Thandie Newton, who had to step away from the project for personal reasons.

“Thandiwe Newton has made the difficult decision to step away from the production of Warner Bros. Pictures’ Magic Mike’s Last Dance to deal with family matters,” a Warner Bros. spokesperson said in a statement.

The film is in production in London and will premiere on HBO Max. Plot details for the film are unknown at this time.

Steven Soderbergh, who directed the first Magic Mike film, returns to direct this film with Reid Carolyn writing the script. Gregory Jacobs, who directed the 2015 hit Magic Mike XXL, returns to produce along with Carolin, Nick Wechsler and Peter Kiernan.

The first two films combined to gross nearly $300 million worldwide, and in 2017, the franchise spawned the successful stage show Magic Mike Live.

Hayek was most recently seen in Marvel’s Eternals.

Matthew López’s “The Bodyguard” Remake to Feature a Latina Starlet

Posted on September 29, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Matthew López is planning to bring a Latina twist to his The Bodyguard redo.

The 44-year-old Puerto Rican playwright and screenwriter is remaking the 1992 romantic thriller, which originally starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.

But this time, the film will feature a brand-new storyline about an overnight Latina sensation.

López, the history making Tony Award-winning playwright of The Inheritance who will be writing the new film, tells Variety that he wants a Latina to front the project.

Unlike Houston, who portrayed Oscar-nominated actress and high-profile singer Rachel Marron dodging death threats and a stalker in the film, the new female lead of The Bodyguard will play an up-and-coming singer who realizes how much she needs protection after growing into her fame.

“It’s so much fun. When Warner Bros. approached me about the idea, I quickly said I would but I wanted the protagonist to be Latina. They agreed to that,” he said. “There’s been a lot of speculation about what I’d bring to the remake and some people were assuming that there’d be a gay storyline to it. Instead of focusing on an established star like the one Whitney Houston played, this is about a young Latina performer who has just become famous. It’s about how her life has changed because she is an overnight sensation. In the 21st century, that means she’s in immediate need of protection. It was important to me to use this opportunity to get Latin faces up on that screen and to get their stories told in a big way.”

Variety initially reported that Afro-Latina superstars Cardi B and Tessa Thompson were suggested for the film, to respectively go alongside Channing Tatum and Chris Hemsworth.

No official casting information has been publicly released.

Adam Rodriguez to Serve as a Mentor & Executive-Producer on HBO Max’s “The Real Magic Mike!” Competition Series

Posted on June 18, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Life is about to imitate art for Adam Rodriguez…

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban-American actor and former Magic Mike star will be returning to the world of male strippers as he joinsThe Real Magic Mike! (working title), HBO Max’s upcoming unscripted competition series.

Rodriguez, who played Tito in the 2012 film and 2015 sequel, has joined the project as a mentor and executive producer.

The series, from the producers behind the Magic Mike franchise and live shows, begins production next month in Las Vegas and is set to debut on HBO Max later this year. Channing Tatum, who starred in the titular role in both Magic Mike films, and director Steven Soderbergh, are among the series’ executive producers.

The competition series will transform a group of men into real-life Magic Mikes. Ten men who have “lost their magic” will come together, baring their souls and more as they learn to perform routines with one being crowned the Real Magic Mike. The winner will pocket a cash prize and an opportunity to perform on the Magic Mike Live stage in Las Vegas.

The Real Magic Mike! (wt) is produced by Eureka Productions and Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon.

In addition to his role as Tito in both Magic Mike feature films, Rodriguez starred as Eric Delko in CSI: Miami and as Luke Alvez in Criminal Minds.

His other recent television credits include Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, Jane the Virgin and Empire, among others.

Enrique Murciano to Star in Starz’s Reimagined “Step Up” Series

Posted on February 23, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique Murciano is steppin’ up…

The 47-year-old Cuban American actor has been cast in the new installment of Starz’s re-imagined Step Up series.

Murciano will serve as a series regular on the series, joining Christina Milian and Ne-Yo.

The series hails from creator and executive producer Holly Sorensen, Starz and Lionsgate Television. Starz will air the first two seasons of the series beginning on Friday, March 5 across all platforms.

Inspired by the Step Up Lionsgate film franchise that grossed over $600 million at the worldwide box office, the original series centers on Sage Odom (Ne-Yo) as the legendary founder of Atlanta’s famed High Water Performing Art School. Collette (Milian is the Queen of High Water and Sage Odom’s partner in art, business, and love. Collette built and nurtured Sage’s visionary academy from the ground up. Grinding her way to the top with grit and resourcefulness, Collette earned a new role, manager of Sage Odom and his tour, all this while hiding a dark secret. As this secret comes crashing down on Sage, High Water, and the tour, Collette is tempted by an opportunity to step out of her role as the woman behind the man, to become the powerful woman in front of the man.

Murciano plays “Cruz,” a man hoping to carve his face into the Mount Rushmore of high profile, celebrity lawyers and who will do whatever it takes to claw his way to the primetime status of Cochran, Dershowitz, and Geragos, finally joining the pantheon of litigation gods. The case that will get him there, Sage Odom’s murder accusation. As Cruz fights through the intrigue and conspiracy to save Sage’s life and career, he can’t help but think to the future, imagining himself sauntering down a red carpet like an urban cowboy in his sharply tailored Dries Van Noten.

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, who both co-starred in the original Step Up film, will executive produce through Free Association production company and Everheart Productions, Inc., respectively..

The series is inspired by the Lionsgate franchise spanning five films: Step Up, Step Up 2: The Streets, Step Up: 3D, Step Up: Revolution and Step Up: All In. The film series also inspired the live music and dance show Step Up Dubai, All In! at Motiongate Dubai theme park.

The new Step Up series will air on Starz in the U.S. and Canada and on its international streaming platform Starzplay across Europe, Latin America and Japan.

Murciano’s previous credits include Tell Me Your Secrets, Bloodline and Without a Trace.

Starz Revives Naya Rivera’s “Step Up” Dance Series

Posted on May 29, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Naya Rivera’s steppin’ her way to Starz…

Starz is bringing back to life the 33-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress and former Glee star’s dance series Step Up after its cancellation by YouTube last year.

The premium cable network has ordered a 10-episode new season of the series from creator and executive producer Holly Sorensen and Lionsgate Television.

The series will feature popular characters from previous seasons, while expanding the scope and storytelling as a Starz Original series.

“Holly and her team have created a new and dynamic iteration of the series that captures the hallmarks that have made the Step Upfranchise so successful and elevates the storytelling for the premium, global audience,” said Christina Davis, president, Original Programming for Starz. “This, coupled with the worldwide appeal of the multi-talented, multicultural cast, will make this series a great addition to our slate.”

Inspired by the Step UpLionsgate film franchise that grossed more than $600 million at the worldwide box office, the series centers on Sage Odom (Ne-Yo) as the legendary founder of Atlanta’s famed High Water Performing Arts School and Collette (Rivera), his partner in High Water and in life.

The upcoming season will see Sage, Colette and their relationship challenged as they face criminal charges, financial ruin and powerful political enemies who want to destroy Sage and High Water.

Tricia Helfer joins the series this season as Erin, alongside Ne-Yo and Rivera and returning series regulars including Petrice Jones as Tal, Faizon Love as Uncle Al, Marcus Mitchell as Dondre, Jade Chynoweth as Odalie, Carlito Olivero as Davis, Terrence Green as Rigo, Eric Graise as King, and Kendra Oyesanya as Poppy.

“The latest installment of ‘Step Up’ not only reimagines the entire franchise but is filled with high energy, lots of heart and electrifying dance moves, and we’re very excited to reunite the talented cast and creative teams for another great season,” said Lionsgate Television group chairman Kevin Beggs. “This collaboration underscores our ability to work successfully across our businesses to supply premium content to Starz.”

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, who both co-starred in the original Step Upfilm, will executive produce through Tatum’s Free Association production company.

The Lionsgate film franchise spanned five films: Step Up, Step Up 2: The Streets, Step Up: 3D, Step Up: Revolution and Step Up: All In. The film series also inspired the live music and dance show Step Up Dubai, All In! at the Motiongate Dubai theme park.

The first two seasons will be available exclusively on the Starz App and On Demand prior to the launch of the new season.

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