Anthony Ramos to Receive Rising Star of the Year Award at Cinema Con 2023

Posted on April 4, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Anthony Ramos’ star is on the rise…

The 31-year-old Puerto Rican Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and actor and Dominique Fishback have been set to receive the Rising Stars of the Year Award at CinemaCon 2023.

The Transformers: Rise of the Beasts stars will receive the recognition from NATO’s official convention at its Big Screen Achievement Awards ceremony, which takes place at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas the night of April 27.

They join a list of honorees that also includes Oppenheimer‘s Christopher Nolan & Emma Thomas (NATO Spirit of the Industry Award), the cast of Lionsgate’s Joy Ride (Comedy Ensemble of the Year Award) and the Dune franchise’s Zendaya (Star of the Year Award).

The new Steven Caple Jr.-helmed Transformers film set for release in theaters June 9 hails from Paramount Pictures and Skydance, in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures.

It’s billed as a globetrotting adventure transporting audiences back to the ’90s alongside the iconic Autobots, which also introduces a brand-new faction of Transformers, the Maximals, to join them as allies in the ongoing battle for Earth.

Ramos’ and Fishback’s human characters participating in that fight are tech wiz Noah Diaz and museum artifact researcher Elena Wallace, respectively.

“With a breadth of experience across theater, television and film, Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback will undoubtedly captivate audiences as they take on their first action-packed franchise film in this summer’s Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” CinemaCon managing director Mitch Neuhauser said. “We are thrilled to be honoring these two talented individuals with this year’s CinemaCon Rising Stars of the Year Award.”

A Grammy winner, as well as a Golden Globe and Emmy nominee, Ramos is best known for originating the roles of John Laurens and Philip Hamilton in the Tony-winning Broadway smash Hamilton, and for leading Warner Bros’ feature adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s other famed musical In the Heights. He’s also previously been seen in films like Godzilla: King of the Monsters and A Star Is Born, along with series including She’s Gotta Have It and In Treatment. Other upcoming projects include the films Distant and Dumb Money, as well as the Disney+ Marvel series Iron Heart.

CinemaCon takes place this year from April 24-27.

Paramount Releases Super Bowl Commercial Trailer for Michelle Rodriguez-Starrer “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Michelle Rodriguez is thieving with honor…

Paramount has revealed its 30-second Super Bowl commercial trailer for Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, starring the 44-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American actress.

The action comedy, an adaptation of the iconic Hasbro role-playing game, will hit theaters on March 31.

In addition to Rodriguez, the film also stars Chris Pine, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, Chloe Coleman, Daisy Head and Hugh Grant.

The film centers on a band of unlikely adventurers who undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic. Things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.

Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley directed the script they wrote with Michael Gilio.

The Super Bowl ad treatment is the latest big push for the D&D movie, after the Paramount and eOne pic was slotted into the opening-night position at SXSW, where it will mark its world premiere March 10.

When the first trailer premiered at Comic-Con last summer, Grant noted the film has “a Monty Python sensibility.” More is expected of it for sure than a 2000 movie take on the game, with Goldstein saying “there are characters from the Lore as well which will provide a runway into multiple films.”

Fox’s coverage of the Super Bowl on Sunday begins at 10:00 am PT/1 pm ET, with kickoff at 3:30 pm PT/6:30 pm ET.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez Joins Cast of Paramount’s “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”

Posted on December 2, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is ready for a transformation…

The 31-year-old half-Puerto Rican Golden Globe-winning actress has joined the cast of Paramount’s upcoming Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.

Rodriguez, who portrays Nightbird, is among a list of new cast additions that includes Peter Dinklage (as the voice of Scourge), Liza Koshy (as the voice of Arcee), John DiMaggio (as the voice of Stratosphere), David Sobolov (as Rhinox/Battletrap), Cristo Fernández (as Wheeljack) and Tobe Nwigwe (as Reek).

They all join previously announced cast members Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, Michelle Yeoh (as Airazor), Pete Davidson (as Mirage), Peter Cullen (as Optimus Prime) and Ron Perlman (Optimus Primal) in the Steven Caple Jr. directed next installment of the franchise.

The film will hit theaters on June 9, 2023.

The screenplay is by Joby Harold, Darnell Metayer & Josh Peters, and Erich Hoeber & Jon Hoeber, with story by Harold.

The new movie will take audiences on a ‘90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a whole new breed of Transformer – the Maximals – to the existing battle on earth between Autobots and Decepticons.

Hasbro is executive producing; Skydance is co-financing and executive producing; New Republic Pictures is also co-financing and executive producing.

Rodriguez has starred on Pose, Loot, Luke Cage, Nurse Jackie and in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s feature tick, tick…Boom!

Fernandez stars as Dani Rojas on Ted Lasso, in the movie Creatures and the $1.9 billion grossing movie, Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Selena Gomez Partnering with Univision to Produce Her First Spanish-Language Documentary Series, “Mi Vecino, El Cartel”

Posted on December 9, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Selena Gomez is producing her first-ever Spanish-language documentary series.

The 29-year-old Mexican American actress/singer, who recently earned her first-ever Grammy nomination, has teamed up with Univision to produce her a documentary series for the network’s forthcoming subscription streaming service.

Titled Mi Vecino, El Cartel, the project hails from Gomez’s July Moon Productions company and Blackfin, owned by Hasbro’s eOne.

The three-part docuseries “follows the cold-blooded homicide of a former cartel lawyer and high-level cooperator for the U.S. government, Juan Guerrero Chapa, and the subsequent investigation and trial.”

“As a true crime fan, I was immediately captivated when I heard the story surrounding the homicide of Juan Guerrero Chapa. Not only did it take place close to my hometown in Texas, but it was also a story unlike anything I’ve ever heard,” Gomez said in a statement. “I am excited to partner with Univision and really pull back the layers of his double life.”

News of the deal between Gomez and Univision follow the recent announcement of a partnership between the Spanish network and Mexican actor/comedian Eugenio Derbez, who will also produce original Spanish-language content for the streaming service.

“As we build the largest Spanish-language streaming platform in the world and an indispensable service to this audience, one of our top priorities is bringing diverse voices and stories and investing in Latin storytellers,” said Rodrigo Mazon, executive vice president, general manager of SVOD at Univision. “We are proud to welcome Selena Gomez to our roster of globally acclaimed creators that will help create the best in-language, in-culture original content.”

According to Univision, in 2022, it will launch its “global streaming service, including a new premium subscription (SVOD) and an expanded free advertising-supported (AVOD) tier, to become the home to the most extensive offering of originally produced Spanish-language content in the world.”

Most recently, Gomez — who produced the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why — starred in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building co-created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman.

The show’s cast also includes Martin and Martin Short. The show, which has been renewed for a second season, is about three neighbors (Gomez, Short and Martin) who come together to solve a murder when someone who lives in their building winds up dead.

Angel Manuel Soto to Direct New Paramount “Transformers” Feature

Posted on March 28, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Angel Manuel Soto is ready for a transformation…

There’s a new Transformers feature is in the works at Paramount, according to Deadline, with the 38-year-old Puerto Rican filmmaker set to direct the project.

The new film is said to be separate from the studio’s main Transformer franchise, which includes the five installments directed by Michael Bay, as well as the Bumblebee spin-off.

Soto, who made a splash with his Sundance and HBO Max drama Charm City King, will direct the standalone film based on the popular Hasbro brand.

Marco Ramirez, the former showrunner and co-creator of the Netflix Marvel series The Defenders, will pen the screenplay. The film is in the early stage of development and no details on the plot were made available at this time.

Michelle Rodriguez to Star in Film Adaptation of Hasbro’s “Dungeons & Dragons” Game

Posted on February 8, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Michelle Rodriguez is ready to battle monsters, solve puzzles and reap rewards…

The 42-year-old Puerto Rican & Dominican American actress will star alongside Chris Pine and Justice Smith in the film adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons, Hasbro’s popular game franchise from Wizards of the Coast.

Hasbro/eOne and Paramount are jointly producing and financing the film, with eOne distributing in the UK and Canada and Paramount in the rest of world.

Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley will direct and write the script based on a draft by Michael Gilio.

Plot details behind this latest take on the IP are being kept under wraps. Dungeons & Dragons is a leading fantasy entertainment franchise, fueled by the imagination of storytellers around the world. More than 40 million fans have interacted with or played D&D since it was first published 46 years ago, including via video games and livestream entertainment on Twitch and YouTube.

Rodriguez is best known for her role of Letty in the long running Fast & Furious franchise. She reprises the role in the next installment F9, which bows later this year.

John Ortiz to Star in Transformers Spinoff “Bumblebee”

Posted on October 27, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

John Ortiz is transforming his resume…

The 49-year-old Puerto Rican actor is set to star opposite Hailee Steinfeld and Jon Cena in Paramount Pictures’ Bumblebee, the first spinoff of the Transformers franchise.

It’s set in 1987, where Bumblebee, who is refuged in a junkyard, is discovered and revived by Charlie (Steinfeld) who, on the cusp of turning 18, is trying to find her place in the world.

The blockbuster film, which will open in theaters on December 21, 2018, has Travis Knight directing from a script by Christina Hodson.

Lorenzo Di Bonaventura, Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg are producing with Hasbro’s Brian Goldner and Stephen Davis.

Ortiz’s upcoming film slate includes Paramount’s God Particle, produced by JJ Abrams and starring David Oyelowo, Replicas opposite Keanu Reeves, and Nostalgia with Jon Hamm.

Disney Channel Renews Carrero’s “Elena of Avalor” for a Third Season

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Aimee Carrero’s reign continues…

Disney Channel has ordered a third season of its hit animated series Elena of Avalor, featuring the 28-year-old Dominican actress as the voice of the title character.

The announcement comes months ahead of its Season 2 premiere.

Created and executive-produced by Emmy winner Craig Gerber, the series centers on a brave and adventurous teenager who rules her kingdom as crown princess, Elena of Avalor. It stars Carrero as the voice of Elena; Jenna Ortega as Princess Isabel; Chris Parnell, Yvette Nicole Brown and Carlos Alazraqui as the jaquins Migs, Luna and Skylar, respectively; Emiliano Díez as Francisco; Julia Vera as Luisa; Christian Lanz as Chancellor Esteban; Jillian Rose Reed as Naomi; Joseph Haro as Mateo; Jorge Diaz as Gabe; Keith Ferguson as Zuzo; and Joe Nunez as Armando. The recurring guest voice cast includes: Constance Marie, Lou Diamond Phillips, Rich Sommer, Justina Machado and Jaime Camil.

When it premiered in July 2016, Elena of Avalor quickly became television’s No.1 series for Girls age 2-11 in the U.S. It also ranks No. 1 in its timeslot among kids in the UK, Spain and Portugal.

Season 2 is scheduled to premiere this fall on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

Elena of Avalor has spawned a franchise aside from the television series, including a line of dolls from Disney Store and Hasbro which recently reached the mark of one million dolls sold. The Elena character also is featured at Disney Parks & Resorts where she greets well-wishers with stories and songs from her native land during special character appearances. The series also has spawned print and e-book titles from Disney Publishing; an “Elena of Avalor” original soundtrack album from Walt Disney Records; and multiple DVD releases from Walt Disney Studios, including the recently released Elena and the Secret of Avalor.

Peña Among Voice Cast Members of Hasbro and Lionsgate’s “My Little Pony: The Movie”

Posted on July 23, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Michael Peña is ponying up to the sound booth…

The Mexican American actor has joined the voice cast of Hasbro and Lionsgate’s My Little Pony: The Movie

Michael Peña

Peña joins other voice actors: Sia, Uzo Aduba, Emily Blunt, Kristen Chenoweth, Taye Diggs and Liev Schrieber.

My Little Pony: The Movie is being scripted by Rita Hsiao (Toy Story 2, Mulan) and My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic writer Meghan McCarthy and directed by Jayson Thiessen.

My Little Pony: The Movie is scheduled to land in theaters around the world on October 6, 2017.

Peña’s other voice credits include Turbo and Hell and Back.

Guzman Appears in First Trailer for Universal Pictures’ “Jem And The Holograms”

Posted on May 15, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Ryan Guzman is Rio for his close-up…

The 27-year-old Mexican-American actor appears in the first trailer for Universal Pictures’ Jem And The Holograms, the film adaptation of the popular animated series.

Guzman stars as Jem’s love interest Rio Pacheco in the film , which stars Aubrey Peeples as the iconic Jem character and her alter ego Jerrica Benson.

“I, Jerrica Benson, am living the most unexceptional life. … At some point we all wish we could become someone else,” states Peeples at the beginning of the clip.

Peeples stars as a kid who writes songs that no one outside of her family hears — until sister Kimber (Stefanie Scott) uploads a video that explodes on YouTube. Suddenly she and her three sisters are signed by “the biggest record company in the world” — and the hard life lessons begin.

Smarmy company honcho Erica (Juliette Lewis) first changes Jerrica’s name and then the way “Jem” and the group act, sound and look.

Jon M. Chu directs the film from a script by Ryan Landels. Aurora Perrineau and Hayley Kiyoko co-star in the pic based on Hasbro’s cult 1980s cartoon series.

Universal is set to release Jem on October 23.

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