DC Releases New Trailer for Xolo Maridueña-Starrer “Blue Beetle”

Posted on July 11, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Xolo Maridueña is preparing for a major battle…

DC has release the latest trailer for Blue Beetle, starring the 22-year-old Mexican, Cuban and Ecuadorian American actor and Cobra Kai star.

Jaime Reyes (Maridueña) may not be familiar with his new superpowers in the film, but his family unites to help him as he faces off against supervillain Carapax.

Maridueña’s character is described as a recent college grad who returns home with aspirations for his future, but finds out his home is no longer the same. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab.

When the Scarab suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the Super Hero Blue Beetle.

Maridueña is joined by a cast that includes Adriana Barraza as Jaime’s grandmother, Nana, Damían Alcázar as his father, Elpidia Carrillo as his mother, Bruna Marquezine as Jenny Kord, Raoul Max Trujillo as Carapax, with Susan Sarandon as Victoria Kord, and George Lopez as Jaime’s Uncle Rudy.

The film also stars Belissa Escobedo as Jaime’s sister Milagro and Harvey Guillén as Dr. Sanchez.

Angel Manuel Soto directs Blue Beetle from a screenplay by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, based on characters from DC. John Rickard and Zev Foreman are producing, with Walter Hamada, Galen Vaisman and Garrett Grant serving as executive producers.

Blue Beetle is schedule to hit theaters on August 18.

Becky G Offers First Look at Her “Blue Beetle” Character

Posted on June 6, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Becky G is feelin’ blue…

The 26-year-old Mexican American singer, rapper and actress will officially be part of the cast of Blue Beetle, the upcoming superhero film based on the DC Comics character Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle.

Becky G, born Rebbeca Marie Gomez, will voice the key role of Khaji-Da, an alien who controls the Scarab (an ancient relic of alien biotechnology), she revealed in a joint Instagram post with the film’s account.

“I’m so excited to finally be able to share with you guys that I am officially a part of the Blue Beetle familia,” she said in the short video. “I have the honor of playing the voice of Khaji-Da, who is an alien who decides to who she wants to give her superpowers, and when I say I could not be any more proud of what you guys are going to experience when watching this film, I mean that from the bottom of my heart.”

Produced by DC Studios and the Safran Company, and directed by Ángel Manuel Soto, Blue Beetle stars a Latino-led cast including Xolo Maridueña portraying the lead character and its alter ego Jaime Reyes, Becky G, Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcázar, Elpidia Carrillo, Bruna Marquezine, Raoul Max Trujillo, Susan Sarandon and George Lopez.

Known for Billboard hits such as “Mayores” with Bad Bunny, “Sin Pijama” with Natti Natasha, and “MAMIII” with Karol G, this marks one of Becky’s many efforts as an actress following her role as Trini Kwan (the yellow ranger) in Power Rangers (2017), Chloe in Gnome Alone (2017), Sara Reyes in A.X.L. (2018), and Apple in Good Mourning (2022).

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Blue Beetle opens in theaters nationwide on August 18.

Cristo Fernández to Star on Season 3 of Apple TV+’s “Acapulco”

Posted on April 25, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Cristo Fernández is heading to Acapulco…

The32-year-old Mexican actor and Ted Lasso scene-stealer has joined the cast of the Apple TV+ series Acapulco for Season 3.

In Acapulco, Fernández will portray an artist and community organizer, joined fellow new cast member Jaime Camil, who will portray in the role of Alejandro for Season 3.

Production on the 10-episode new season is currently underway.

When Acapulco returns with new episodes, it’s time to reconcile past mistakes and exciting new beginnings. In the present story, older Maximo (Eugenio Derbez) finds himself returning to a Las Colinas he no longer recognizes. While in 1985, younger Maximo (Enrique Arrizon) continues his climb up the ladder of success while potentially jeopardizing all the relationships he’s worked so hard to build.

The cast also includes Fernando Carsa (as Memo), Damián Alcázar (Don Pablo), Camila Perez (Julia), Chord Overstreet (Chad), Vanessa Bauche (Nora), Regina Reynoso (Sara), Raphael Alejandro (Hugo), Jessica Collins (Diane), Rafael Cebrián (Hector), Carlos Corona (Esteban) and Regina Orozco (Lupe).

Austin Winsberg, Eduardo Cisneros and Jason Shuman created the series.

The project hails from Lionsgate TV, 3Pas Studios, Zihuatanejo Productions and The Tannenbaum Company.

Jaime Camil to Star on Season 3 of Apple’s “Acapulco”

Posted on April 11, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Jaime Camil is resorting to new work…

The 49-year-old Mexican actor has joined the cast of Apple’s Acapulco for Season 3. Production on the 10-episode new season is currently underway.

Camil will guest star as Alejandro, the brother of one of the wealthiest men in Mexico and a new co-owner of Las Colinas who makes his co-owner Diane Davies’ (Jessica Collins) life miserable at the hotel.

From Lionsgate TV, 3Pas Studios, Zihuatanejo Productions and The Tannenbaum Company, in Season 3 of Acapulco, it’s time to reconcile past mistakes and exciting new beginnings. In the present story, older Maximo (Eugenio Derbez) finds himself returning to a Las Colinas he no longer recognizes. While in 1985, younger Maximo (Enrique Arrizon) continues his climb up the ladder of success while potentially jeopardizing all the relationships he’s worked so hard to build.

Acapulco is inspired by 3Pas Studios and Lionsgate/Pantelion Films’ box office hit How to Be A Latin Lover. Austin Winsberg, Eduardo Cisneros and Jason Shuman created the series.

Executive producers include Winsberg and director Jay Karas; Derbez and Ben Odell for 3Pas Studios; Eric and Kim Tannenbaum, as well as Jason Wang on behalf of The Tannenbaum Company. Sonia Almanza Gambaro co-executive produces for 3Pas Studios.

Seasons 1 and 2 of Acapulco are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.

Camil is currently starring in Season 2 of Apple’s Schmigadoon! where he portrays Sergeant Rivera, Schmicago’s chief of police. He is most notably known in the U.S. for his series regular role as Rogelio de la Vega in the CW’s Jane the Virgin across all 5 seasons. He also starred in and executive produced the CBS comedy series, Broke. Most recently, he brought to life the legendary Vicente Fernandez in Netflix’s El Rey, Vicente Fernandez.

Before making a splash in the English-language market, Camil was already a bona fide star in his native Mexico and stateside for his work in Spanish-language projects both in TV and film. Hits include the telenovela La Fea Más Bella, Por Ella Soy Eva and Qué Pobres Tan Ricos, to name a few.

Camil currently has a first-look deal with VIS (a division of Paramount) to develop an array of TV and film projects for Paramount+.

Sony Pictures International Productions Acquires Worldwide Rights to Luis Estrada’s “¡Que Viva México!”

Posted on February 3, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Long live Luis Estrada’s Mexico…

Sony Pictures International Productions has picked up the worldwide theatrical rights to ¡Que Viva México!, the latest in a series of political satires from the 61-year-old Mexican film director, producer, and screenwriter.

The film is slated for release on more than 3,000 screens across Mexico, via Sony Pictures Releasing International, on March 23.

The film follows Pancho Reyes (Alfonso Herrera), a prosperous and “aspirational” middle class man who 20 years ago, abandoned his hometown and entirely forgot all about his very large and very poor family. One day, he receives unexpected news, when his father informs him that his grandfather, Don Francisco Reyes (Joaquín Cosío), a rich old miner, just passed away, and that he is part of his will and possible heir.

Motivated by greed, Pancho decides to go back to the remote town of La Prosperidad to meet with his estranged and resented family, taking his wife, kids, and maid with him. But the mere presence of Pancho, his grandfather’s favorite — considered by his whole family as an arrogant and ungrateful showoff — and the possibility that he may be one of the heirs in the will, arises old feelings of envy and hate that have been kept under the surface for so long, causing a grand battle. A war over the inheritance ensues between Pancho and his folksy and tacky family: The Reyes of La Prosperidad.

¡Que Viva México! also stars Damián Alcázar, Ana de la Reguera, Ana Martín and Angelina Peláez.

Estrada directed from his script and story written with Jaime Sampietro, who also served as the film’s producer, with Sandra Solares aboard as executive producer.

Estrada told Deadline that “¡Que Viva México! is an acid social fable and a poisonous political satire; grotesque with a lot of black humor that, like a soulless mirror, shows and portrays us all in these times of polarization and intolerance but not in a realistic or naturalistic tone…but with the distortion given by parody, farce, magical realism and caricature. All framed in that little personal hell to which we all belong and that we all, for better or for worse, have and suffer: The Family.”

Apple TV+ Renews Enrique Arrizon’s “Acapulco” for Third Season

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique Arrizon isn’t leaving Acapulco just yet…

Apple TV+ has renewed the bilingual comedy series Acapulco, starring the 29-year-old Mexican actor, for a 10-episode third season. Production is set to begin this spring.

In Season 3 of the series inspired by the 3Pas Studios and Pantelion Films’ feature How to Be A Latin Lover, it’s a time of reconciling past mistakes and exciting new beginnings. In the present story, older Maximo (Eugenio Derbez) finds himself returning to a Las Colinas he no longer recognizes. While in 1985, younger Maximo continues his climb up the ladder of success while potentially jeopardizing all the relationships he’s worked so hard to build…

“We at 3Pas Studios are thankful to Apple TV+, the perfect home for Acapulco, along with our production partner Lionsgate, filmmakers, and cast and crew,” said star and executive producer Derbez. “We have always believed that the stories we tell about our communities and cultures can resonate with global audiences, so crank up the AC, it’s about to get a lot hotter at Las Colinas Resort.”

The upcoming third season will be showrun by Sam Laybourne. In addition to Derbe and Arrizon, the returning Acapulco ensemble cast includes Fernando Carsa, Damián Alcázar, Camila Perez, Chord Overstreet, Vanessa Bauche, Regina Reynoso, Raphael Alejandro, Jessica Collins, Rafael Cebrián, Carlos Corona and Regina Orozco.

Seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.

“We’ve seen an overwhelming response from audiences all over the world who have fallen in love with Acapulco,” said Morgan Wandell, head of international programming for Apple TV+. “Eugenio, Austin, Ben, Eric, Kim, and the talented cast and crew behind ‘Acapulco’ have created a feel-good show that has a lot of heart, emotion, and laughs, and we can’t wait to bring even more of that into season three.”

Acapulco is created by Austin Winsberg, Eduardo Cisneros and Jason Shuman. Winsberg also serves as executive producer alongside Derbez, Ben Odell, and co-executive producer Sonia Almanza Gambaro for 3Pas Studios; director Jay Karas; Eric and Kim Tannenbaum along with Jason Wang for The Tannenbaum Company.

The project is produced for Apple by Lionsgate Television, 3Pas Studios, Zihuatanejo Productions, and The Tannenbaum Company.

Apple TV+ Renews Enrique Arrizon’s Bilingual Comedy Series “Acapulco” for Second Season

Posted on March 6, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique Arrizon isn’t leaving Las Colinas anytime soon…

Apple TV+ has renewed its bilingual comedy series Acapulco, starring the 28-year-old Mexican actor, for a second season.

Production will begin this spring with a return to Mexico.

Executive produced by Eugenio Derbez, Acapulco tells the story of twenty-something Máximo Gallardo (Arrizon), whose dream comes true when he gets the job of a lifetime as a cabana boy at the hottest resort in Acapulco.

Season two picks up right on the heels of season one. In 1985, Máximo must contend with upheaval at the resort, unexpected problems at home, and a new love interest who just might rival the girl of his dreams.

In the present day, Older Máximo (Derbez, who also narrates the series) arrives in Acapulco, where he encounters various people from his past — for better and worse.

The cast also includes Fernando Carsa, Damián Alcázar, Camila Perez, Chord Overstreet, Vanessa Bauche, Regina Reynoso, Raphael Alejandro, Jessica Collins, Rafael Cebrián, Regina Orozco and Carlos Corona.

Lionsgate Television, 3Pas Studios, and The Tannenbaum Company produce the Austin Winsberg, Eduardo Cisneros, and Jason Shuman created series. Chris Harris serves as showrunner.

Jay Karas serves as an executive producer and director.

Camila Perez to Star Opposite Eugenio Derbez in Apple TV+’s Bilingual Comedy Series “Acapulco”

Posted on March 31, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Camila Perez is headed south of the border…

The Colombian actress will star opposite Eugenio Derbez in Acapulco, Apple TV+’s bilingual comedy series inspired by 3Pas Studios and Pantelion Films’ 2017 Derbez starrer How to Be a Latin Lover.

Perez joins a list of cast newcomers that includes Enrique Arrizon, Damian Alcázar and Raphael Alejandro.

Richard Shepard will direct the pilot episode for Lionsgate Television.

Created by Austin Winsberg, Eduardo Cisneros and Jason Shuman, Acapulco is a half-hour Spanish- and English-language comedy that centers on Maximo (Arrizon), a young Mexican man whose dream comes true when he gets the job of a lifetime at the hottest resort in Acapulco. But soon he realizes that the gig is far more complicated than he ever imagined as all of his beliefs and morals start to be questioned.

The series takes place in 1984, with Derbez narrating and playing the present-day version of the main character.

Also reprising his role from the movie is Alejandro, who plays Hugo, Older Maximo’s nephew.

Alcázar joins the cast as Don Pablo, the head of operations at the Acapulco resort. Perez will play Julia, the resort’s front desk receptionist.

Perez’s credits include Gotham and A Teacher.

Arrizon’s credits also include An Unknown Enemy.

Alcázar has been seen in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and The Perfect Dictatorship.

Alejandro starred on Once Upon A Time.

Damián Alcázar to Star in Netflix & Univision’s Upcoming Orignal Drama “Tijuana”

Posted on June 10, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Damián Alcázar is heading to the Texas/Mexico border…

The 65-year-old Mexican actor has been cast alongside Tamara Vallarta in the upcoming original drama Tijuana, a co-production of Netflix and Univision-owned Story House Entertainment.

The show is billed as an unvarnished look at what journalists in Mexico face every day in the pursuit of the truth. As with other series in the companies’ long-term partnership, Tijuana will premiere in the U.S. on Univision later this year, followed by its global rollout on Netflix.

Alcázar, best known for portraying Colombian drug lord Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela on Narcos, plays Antonio Borja, co-founder and director of the renowned newspaper Frente Tijuana, and Vallarta plays Gabriela Cisneros, an idealistic young reporter fighting her way into his newsroom.

When the gubernatorial front-runner is shot in the street, the reporters of Frente Tijuana race to cover the story, but the facts they uncover run much deeper than the assassination—insidious corruption has been allowed to grow in the shadows. Violence and intrigue become the norm for Borja’s team of journalists as they risk their lives in their crusade to expose the truth.

Additional cast announced today includes Claudette Maille as Federica, co-founder of Frente Tijuana; Rodrigo Abed as G. Muller, an eccentric businessman who controls the city of Tijuana; Tete Espinosa as Malu, an intrepid photographer for the paper; Rolf Petersen as Lalo Ferrer, a native of Mexico City who leads the editorial team; and Ivan Aragon as Andy Borja an aspiring documentarian who is also the son of the director of Frente Tijuana and longs to capture the love and respect of his father.

Directors include Al-Rahmoun Font, Clara Roquet (El Adiós), Francisco Vargas Quevedo (El Violin), and Carlos Rincones (El Chapo, The Bad Guys).

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