George Lopez to Star in Dito Montiel’s Dramatic Thriller “Afterward”

George Lopez knows where he’s going afterward

The 59-year-old Mexican comedian/actor has joined the cast of Dito Montiel’s dramatic thriller Afterward.

George Lopez

The film centers on a father’s struggle to deal with the passing of his daughter, which leads him on a quest for truth and justice against corruption and small-town politics.

No word yet on what role Lopez will play in the film, but he joins an ensemble that includes Aaron Eckhart and Terrence Howard.

Lionsgate Grindhouse is distributing the film in North America., with Angel Oak Films backing the film and all pre-sold foreign rights.

Afterward will shoot this winter in California. Production was supposed to begin in the spring, but was delayed due to COVID-19.

Montiel made his feature directorial debut with 2006’s A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints. His other credits include Fighting, The Son of No One, Empire State, Boulevard, Man Down and The Clapper.

Lopez starred in ABC’s George Lopez, a situation comedy that ran from 2002 to 2007, as well as headlined the TBS talk show Lopez Tonight for two seasons. On screen, Lopez has starred in Meet the Blacks, River Runs Red, Gnome Alone and The Smurfs.

Lopez is best known for his comic work, but has been branching out of late into other genres. He recently appeared in The Tax Collector, a gritty thriller from David Ayer.

His upcoming projects for Lopez include No Man’s Land, an American western film, directed by Conor Allyn, and co-starring Frank Grillo and Andie MacDowell; as well as Walking With Herb, a comedy film helmed by Ross Marks, and toplined by Edward James Olmos and Kathleen Quinlan.

Vertical Entertainment Acquires North American Rights to John Leguizamo’s Feature Directorial Debut “Critical Thinking”

It’s the perfect endgame for John Leguizamo

Vertical Entertainment has acquired the North American rights to the 56-year-old Colombian actor/comedian’s feature directorial debut Critical Thinking, which he also stars in and produced.

John Leguizamo

Written by Dito MontielCritical Thinkingtells the 1998 true story of five LatinX and Black teenagers from Miami Jackson Senior High School, located in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Miami, who fight their way into the National Chess Championship under the guidance of their unconventional but inspirational teacher. 

The movie will hit VOD/digital on September 4.

“In today’s fractured society with so many disenfranchised young adults, in our country and around the world, this is a story which can and will inspire all of us to do better, keep focused and stay positive,” said Leguizamo. “With Critical Thinkingwe wanted to create a universal message of hope and spread this message to the world.”

“Given the challenges that many are facing right now, it gives the team at Vertical great pleasure to bring a story this inspiring to screens everywhere,” said Rich Goldberg, co-president of Vertical Entertainment. “It’s a story that celebrates young people who were brave enough to believe in themselves, and we hope audiences will walk away feeling the same.”

Rachel Bay Jones and Michael Kenneth Williams also star in the feature. 

The film was produced by Scott Rosenfelt and Jason Mandl, as well as executive produced by Harvey R. ChaplinCarla Berkowitz and Emilio Estefan Jr.

Aguire’s “Boulevard” with Robin Williams Picked Up for International Distribution

Roberto Aguire’s latest project is destined to hit theaters internationally.

The Mexican American actor stars opposite Robin Williams in the domestic drama Boulevard, in which Williams portrays as a lonely married man who begins to confront the emptiness that permeates his life.

Roberto Aguire

Aguire plays a troubled young street hustler named Leo in the film that would become Williams’ final feature following his untimely death earlier this year.

Boulevard, from Dito Montiel, has been picked up for international distribution by Inception Film Partners and will be sold during the American Film Market next month in Santa Monica.

Along with Williams and Aguire, the film also stars Kathy Baker and Bob Odenkirk. Douglas Soesbe penned the script.

“Robin Williams’ performance as a man in a heartbreaking struggle to find his place in the world is both heroic and poignant and Boulevard is an extraordinary coda to an indelible performer’s life,” said Inception partner Andy Reimer.

Aguire’s first major film role was in the 2012 film Struck by Lightning.

Aguire to Star Opposite Robin Williams in “Boulevard”

Roberto Aguire is Boulevard-bound… And, he’ll share the ride with a beloved Oscar winner.

The Mexican-American actor will be starring opposite Robin Williams in the Dito Montiel-directed Boulevard.

Robert Aguire

Williams will play Nolan Mark, a long married man forced to come face to face with his own secrets after meeting the emotionally closed young adult Leo, played by Aguire.

Production on the film is scheduled to start in Nashville in May 2013.

Camellia Entertainment’s Monica Aguirre Diez Barroso and Mia Chang are producing the film, alongside Jeffrey Gelber and Evil Media Empire’s Ryan Belenzon.

Aguire made his film debut in Glee star Chris Colfer’s Struck By Lightning, opening this week.

The Sundance Award winning Montiel recently finished directing the indie crime drama Empire State starring The Hunger Games’ Liam Hemsworth and Dwayne Johnson.