Martin to Star in Ryan Murphy’s FX Limited Series “Versace: American Crime Story”

Posted on April 7, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin is bracing for a life of American Crime…

The 45-year-old Puerto Rican singer/actor has been cast in Versace: American Crime Story, the third installment in the FX limited series from Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson.

Martin, who starred on ABC’s General Hospital back in 1994-1995, will co-star opposite Édgar Rarmirez, Penélope Cruz and Darren Criss.

The 10-episode Versace examines the shocking July 1997 assassination of Gianni Versace (Ramirez) on the steps of his Miami Beach mansion by sociopath and serial killer Andrew Cunanan (Criss).

Martin will play Versace’s longtime partner Antonio D’Amico; Cruz plays Versace’s sister Donatella.

This is a reunion for Martin and Murphy, who first cast the Latin music superstar in an episode of his Fox series Glee.

Versace, from Fox 21 and FX Productions, is based on the book Vulgar Favors by Vanity Fair writer Maureen Orth.

Tom Rob Smith is writing the first two and multiple subsequent episodes, and Murphy, who received an Emmy nomination for directing the opening episode of The People v. O.J. Simpson, will direct the first hour.

Versace will begin production later this month in Los Angeles and Miami for a 2018 premiere. It will follow the second installment in the franchise, Katrina: American Crime Story.

American Crime Story’s core producing team — Murphy, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, all Emmy winners for People v O.J. Simpson as Best Limited Series — executive produce Versace alongside Smith.

Martin has sold more than 70 million albums and has done runs on Broadway in Evita and Les Miserables. The “Livin’ la Vida Loca” singer’s most recent 10th studio album, 2015’s A Quien Quiera Escuchar, won Best Latin Pop Album at the 2016 Grammy Awards.

A dedicated global advocate for tolerance via his Ricky Martin Foundation, Martin can be seen in Las Vegas at his residency at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino.

SanLuis Addresses Venezuela’s Political Crisis in Uplifting Video for “Mis ilusiones”

Posted on April 4, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

SanLuis is rallying the troops to unite a nation…

The Venezuelan duo, made up of brothers Santiago and Luigi Castillo, is addressing Venezuela’s political crisis in the act’s latest music video. The goal: to send a message of hope and unity.

Titled “Mis ilusiones,” the uplifting video by duo San Luis, featuring Apache and Voz Veis, the video includes the participation of Edgar Ramírez, who recently starred in Residente‘s “Desencuentro” music clip, and television personalities Maite Delgado and Gaby Espino.

As part of the movement, San Luis will donate any royalties made from this video.

In a social media post, the duo said: “Today we are going through some of the worst moments in modern history and it’s more important than ever to remember why we are fighting. Once again, our generation must do what other generations have done before: rescue the greatest country in the world.”

The video premiered just days before Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, shut down the opposition-led National Assembly — an unprecedented move that shook the South American country and signaled a shift toward total dictatorship.

Maduro reinstated the parliament’s legislative powers on Saturday.

Cruz to Portray Donatella Versace in Ryan Murphy’s “Versace: American Crime Story”

Posted on March 21, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Penélope Cruz will be making her U.S. television debut in style…

The 42-year-old Spanish actress will star as Donatella Versace, the sister of murdered fashion designer Gianni Versace, in Versace: American Crime Story, the third installment in the Emmy-winning anthology series from Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson.

Donatella is a central character in Versace, with the role attracting A-list actresses looking to work with Murphy.

Cruz will star opposite Edgar Ramirez and Darren Criss in the 10-episode limited series, which examines the shocking July 1997 assassination of Gianni (Ramirez) on the steps of his Miami Beach mansion by sociopath and serial killer Andrew Cunanan (Criss).

Versace, from Fox 21 and FX Productions., is based on the book Vulgar Favors by Vanity Fair writer Maureen Orth. Tom Rob Smith is writing the first two and multiple subsequent episodes, and Murphy, who received an Emmy nomination for directing the opening episode of The People v. O.J. Simpson, will direct the first hour.

Versace will begin production in April in Los Angeles and Miami for a 2018 premiere. It will follow the second installment in the franchise, Katrina: American Crime Story.

This marks the U.S. television debut for Cruz, who won an Oscar in 2009 for Vicky Cristina Barcelona. In 2016, she finished production on Escobar and Murder on the Orient Express.

Cruz Attached to Star in Todd Solondz’s New Project “Love Child”

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Penélope Cruz is getting ready for Child’s play…

The 42-year-old Spanish actress is attached to star in Todd Solondz’s new project Love Child.

Cruz would star opposite Edgar Ramírez, who starred in the Roberto Duran boxing biopic Hands of Stone.

Solondz, the man behind Wiener Dog and Welcome To The Dollhouse, writes and directs the project, which is described as a dark and hilarious twist on the classic Oedipal theme.

The story follows 11-year-old Junior, a delusional aspiring Broadway star with an inappropriate obsession with his mother Immaculada. After orchestrating an accident that nearly kills his abusive father, he encourages Nacho, the handsome man living in the family’s guesthouse, to court his mother and become his new dad. But when the two fall in love, Junior becomes so jealous that he is no longer the subject of his mother’s attention that he hatches a plan to frame Nacho for his father’s murder.

The film is currently in pre-production.

Cruz recently joined the cast of Kenneth Branagh’s Murder On The Orient Express, based on Agatha Christie’s beloved murder mystery novel. She’ll join an ensemble cast including Michael Peña, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and Judi Dench. She’s also in Escobar with husband Javier Bardem in a film that examines the love affair between drug lord Pablo Escobar and Colombian journalist Virginia Vallejo.

Ramirez recently starred alongside Emily Blunt in The Girl On The Train, adapted from Paula Hawkins’ bestselling book, and Gold with Matthew McConaughey, the adventure mining story. He’s also got a role in Netflix’s sci-fi pic Bright with Will Smith and Noomi Rapace.

Murciano to Star in Netflix’s Fantasy Cop Thriller “Bright”

Posted on November 23, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

The future’s so bright for Enrique Murciano…

The 43-year-old Cuban American actor has joined the cast of Netflix’s ambitious film Bright, directed by David Ayer.

Will Smith, Joel Egerton and Noomi Rapace star along with Edgar Ramirez, Lucy Fry and Ike Barinholtz.

It’s a fantasy cop thriller set in a world where human and mythical creatures co-exist. Murciano plays Poison, the leader of a gang.

Production is underway on the Max Landis-scripted film.

Murciano was recently cast in Sony Pictures’ Rock That Body, the R-rated female-driven comedy, which stars Scarlett Johansson.

That film, helmed by Lucia Aniello from a script she co-wrote with Paul W. Downs, hits theaters June 23.

On the television side, Murciano recently booked a lead role in TNT’s modern-day Civil War series Civil. Also, he’s had recurring roles on such shows as Starz’s Power and Netflix’s Bloodline.

New Trailer Released for Ramirez’s Roberto Duran Biopic “Hands of Stone”

Posted on July 24, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Edgar Ramirez’s gloves are on…

The Weinstein Company has released its latest trailer for Hands of Stone, the Roberto Duran boxing biopic starring the 39-year-old Venezuelan actor and Robert De Niro.

Duran became a hero in his native Panama as he rose through the ranks behind trainer Ray Arcel (De Niro), winning titles in four different weight classes. But it was his three epic bouts with Leonard that mattered most, the first when Duran beat Leonard to steal his welterweight belt in June 1980, and of course the second only five months later, when Duran famously told the referee “No mas” in the eighth round as Leonard was running circles around him. He also lost a close decision in a third fight in 1989. Duran certainly went on to redeem himself, though, and ended his career with 103 wins and securing his place on experts’ lists of the best fighters of all time.

Usher co-stars as Duran’s rival Sugar Ray Leonard, and Ellen Barkin, Ruben Blades and Ana de Armas co-star.

Hands of Stone debuts on August 26.

Vergara Among 49 Celebrities Appearing in Orlando Massacre Tribute Video

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Sofia Vergara is urging people to stop the hate…

The 43-year-old Colombian actress and Modern Family star is among the 49 celebrities honoring the 49 victims of the Orlando shooting massacre in a Ryan Murphy-Produced tribute video.

The 18-minute tribute, directed by Murphy and Ned Martel, was released this week by the Human Rights Campaign.

“On June 12, forty-nine innocent people — most of them Latino — were killed at Pulse nightclub in Orlando simply because of who they were,” reads the description of the video on YouTube. “It’s on all of us to keep their memories alive, and to ensure part of their legacy becomes meaningful action to end hate violence.”

The video features a photo of each victim, accompanied by a celebrity recounting that person’s individual story. It was filmed over three days, at Fox Studios in Los Angeles.

“The hate that stole these 49 individuals from all those who loved them has been allowed to flourish in our country for too long,” said Murphy in a statement. “No person is born hating another, and we have an obligation as Americans to stand up against prejudice and bigotry that would incite violence against someone simply for who they are. I am proud to have joined with Ned Martel, my talented colleagues, and the Human Rights Campaign to honor these 49 heroes and stop the hate.”

In addition to Vergara, other Latino celebrities who participated in the video include Lea Michele, Edgar Ramirez, George Lopez, Diego Boneta, Demi Lovato, Kid Cudi, Jordana Brewster and Guillermo Díaz.

Learn more at: http://www.hrc.org/StopTheHate.

Ramirez’s “Hands of Stone” Screening at This Year’s Cannes Film Festival

Posted on May 3, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Edgar Ramirez will be throwing punches at this year’s Cannes Film Festival…

The 39-year-old Venezuelan actor’s latest film, Hands of Stone, will have a special screening at the film festival on Monday, May 16 in homage to fellow star Robert De Niro who will be in attendance.

“I’m excited to be coming back to Cannes especially with this movie, Hands Of Stone, that I’m so proud of,” said De Niro. “This movie is uplifting, triumphant and a good time for audiences, so I’m looking forward to seeing my friends from across the world of cinema in joining us for this fun event.”

The rags-to-riches boxing drama by Venezuelan director Jonathan Jakubowicz tells the story of iconinc Panamanian brawler Roberto Duràn (Ramirez) and manager and trainer Ray Arcel (De Niro).

Duran made his professional debut in 1968 as a 16-year‐old and retired in 2002 at the age of 50. He defeated nemesis Sugar Ray Leonard in June 1980, capturing the WBC welterweight title. However, in the rematch that November, Duran shocked the world. He was being outclassed and pummeled by Leonard when he said “No mas,” turned his back on his opponent and quit in the ring. During the course of his career he saw 103 victories in 119 fights.

The film’s title comes from Duran’s nickname, Los Manos a Piedra. Usher plays Leonard. Ellen Barkin, Ruben Blades and Ana de Armas also star.

The Weinstein Company acquired Hands of Stone at Cannes last year after an all-nighter and will release the film domestically on August 26.

de Armas to Star in “Blade Runner” Sequel

Posted on April 22, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Ana de Armas is extending her Hollywood Run(ner)…

The 27-year-old Cuban-Spanish actress has joined the cast of Alcon Entertainment’s upcoming Blade Runner sequel.

de Armas’ role has yet been revealed.

The untitled Denis Villeneuve-directed sequel to the 1982 film sees Harrison Ford returning, joined by Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright and Dave Bautista.

It hits theaters October 6, 2017.

de Armas will soon star opposite Edgar Ramirez in Hands of Stone.

Juanes Developing Autobiographical TV Series “Persiguiendo el Sol”

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Juanes is looking to break into the television…

The 43-year-old Colombian musician and his manager, Rebeca Leon, have partnered with Golden Globe-winning producer Ben Silverman for an Empire-like television drama.

The three have joined to develop and produce a television show titled Persiguiendo el Sol that will chronicle Juanes’ rise to stardom, from his beginnings in Colombia through his arrival in Miami, according to Billboard.

“It’s a mix of Entourage and Narcos,” Silverman told Billboard, referencing the Netflix drug drama not for its content, but as an example of a show shot in Latin America for mainstream audiences.

Producer Eric Newman, the showrunner for Narcos, will also be executive producer and showrunner for Persiguiendo el Sol.

“He’s the first American producer to bring American show running to American production,” said Silverman, who has worked several Latin-themed projects in recent years, including Jane the Virgin and Killer Women.

Silverman, who is the founder and chairman of entertainment production company Electus, arrived in Miami on January 18 in time for the NATPE global television market. He’ll be shopping the show concept to potential production partners in both Latin and mainstream media with plans to start shooting as early as spring or summer.

Persiguiendo el Sol, which is named after Juanes’ memoir, will be a bilingual show and will feature cameos from multiple artists in both mainstream and Latin worlds.

The notion of the show began to brew after Silverman met Juanes through Leon in 2014 and enlisted him to perform in an episode of Jane the Virgin. Silverman was already heavily vested in Latin themed productions. Among other projects, he was putting the finishing touches on bilingual film Hands of Stone, which is due out in April and tells the story of boxer Roberto “Mano de Piedra” Durán. Its cast includes Edgar Ramirez, Ruben Blades, Usher and Robert de Niro.

Juanes has also been dabbling further in mainstream film and television. Last year, his song “Juntos,” co-written with fellow Colombian Fonseca, was used for the ending credits of Disney film McFarland USA.

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