Esai Morales in Negotiations to Star in the Action Thriller “Shadow”

Esai Morales could be preparing for a little shadow play soon…

The 60-year-old Puerto Rican actor is in talks to star in the action thriller Shadow, which XYZ Films has boarded.

Esai MoralesXYZ acquired world sales — minus select territories — to the film, which is inspired by true events.

Colombian filmmaker Antonio Negret is directing from a screenplay he co-wrote with his brother Daniel Negret.

The film will begin production in the fall in Colombia.

The plot follows a real-life Colombian police dog named Sombra, who, after piling up hundreds of arrests, became the cartel’s public number one enemy. As a result, a bounty is put on her head. After the cartel’s new leader sets a trap to abduct the dog, Sombra’s once reluctant handler must risk his life and career to save his partner.

The cast features Colombian actors Juan Pablo Raba and Natalia Reyes alongside Kate Del Castillo.

Previously sold territories include Latin America (CDC), Brazil (CDC), Mexico (CDC), Russia (Volga), Middle East (Selim), Korea (Noori), and Indonesia (PT Amero).

“After having spent a great deal of time in Colombia, I became incredibly passionate about and committed to telling important and inspiring stories from a regional perspective with local stars like Juan Pablo & Natalia,” said Sentient president Renee Tab. “I’m looking forward to once again teaming up with long-term collaborators Pierre Morel, and Antonio Negret (as well as his brother Daniel) to shape this true story into an action narrative inspired by a drug-sniffing German Shepherd named Sombra.”

Morales’ previous credits include La Bamba, American Family, Resurrection Boulevard, Ozark and Titans.

Negret is best known for his debut film Towards Darkness, starring America Ferrera, which premiered in competition at Tribeca. His follow-ups Seconds Apart, a supernatural horror/thriller, was released by Lionsgate, and thriller Transit starring Jim Caviezel, was released by Silver Pictures/Dark Castle.

Apple to Release Season Three of “Echo,” Featuring Juan Pablo Raba, in November

There are more echoes in Juan Pablo Raba’s future…

Apple has announced the premiere date of Echo 3, the 10-episode action-thriller from Mark Boal that features the 45-year-old Colombian film, television and telenovela actor among the cast.

Juan Pablo RabaStarring Luke Evans and Michiel Huisman alongside Jessica Ann Collins, the series will premiere with the first three episodes of season three on Wednesday, November 23, followed by one new episode weekly every Friday through January 13, 2023.

The action series, filmed in Colombia with English and Spanish dialogue, follows Amber Chesborough (Collins), a young scientist who is the emotional heart of a small American family. When she goes missing along the Colombia-Venezuela border, her brother, Bambi (Evans), and her husband, Prince (Huisman) – two men with deep military experience and complicated pasts – struggle to find her against the backdrop of a secret war.

In addition to Raba, additional cast includes Martina Gusman as Violetta, a prominent political columnist, James Udom, Maria Del Rosario, Alejandro Furth and special guest star Bradley Whitford.

The show’s narrative is based on the series When Heroes Fly, created by Omri Givon, and inspired by the novel by Amir Gutfreund.

Echo 3 is produced for Apple TV+ by Keshet Studios, the US production arm of Keshet International. Boal serves as showrunner and director.

Pablo Trapero directed four episodes, including the pilot, and serves as an executive producer.

Julieth Restrepo to Star as Colombian Women’s Rights Pioneer & Politician Esmeralda Arboleda

Julieth Restrepo is taking on the old boy network

The 35-year-old Colombian actress and Loving Pablo star will portray Colombian politician and women’s rights pioneer Esmeralda Arboleda in the Spanish-language feature Estimados Señores.

Julieth RestrepoArboleda, was a Colombian politician and the first woman elected to the Senate of Colombia, serving from 1958-1961. A leader of the women’s suffrage movement in the country, she played an intrinsic role in achieving universal voting rights for women in the 1950s.

The new film will chart how Arboleda managed to convince 70 of the most powerful men in Colombia to approve the vote for women, despite the powerful influence of the country’s religious right.

Restrepo, also known for her work in the Amazon and AGC series Noticia de un Secuestro with Juan Pablo Raba and Netflix miniseries Griselda with Sofia Vergara, is due to star with Elkin Diaz and Claudio Cataño in the film.

Agora Films and El Circo Film are producing. Actress, producer and writer Patricia Castañeda will make her feature directorial debut based on her script.

Featured in the Ventana Sur works in progress market of 2020, the project is now lining up to shoot next month in Bogota.

Director Castañeda says the project has particular resonance right now given that Colombia earlier this year voted to decriminalize abortion during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, marking a major victory for reproductive rights in the country. This follows a string of similar victories in other Latin American countries.

Juan Pablo Raba to Star in the Action Comedy “Freelance”

Juan Pablo Raba is freelancing

The 45-year-old Colombian actor will star in director Pierre Morel’s action comedy Freelance.

Juan Pablo RabaRaba, best known for his roles in NarcosPeppermint and Coyote, will appear opposite John Cena and Alison Brie in the film.

Filming is now underway in Colombia on the film, which follows a special forces operator (Cena) who decides to retire from the Army and start a family back in the U.S. After several years of mortgage payments, school drop-offs, backyard barbecues and trying to conform to life in suburbia, he decides to come out of retirement to take a gig providing security for a female journalist (Brie) as she interviews a cruel dictator who may or may not have ordered the attack on him and his men. When a military coup breaks out in the middle of the interview, the three are forced to escape into the jungle where they must survive the elements, the military and one another.

Endurance Media’s Steve Richards is producing alongside Sentient Entertainment’s Renee Tab and Christopher Tuffin. Jaime Hernandez is executive producer.

The film is written by Jacob Lentz, marking his feature writing debut.

Raba recently appeared in the action-thriller The Marksman alongside Liam Neeson. His television roles include Ricky Ortiz in History’s military drama Six and Gustavo in hit Netflix series Narcos.

He can currently be seen in Netflix’s original Colombian series Distrito Salvaje, in which he stars and executive produces.

“So pleased to have such a great cast coming together on Freelance and to be working with such accomplished actors,” said Richards. “With Pierre Morel at the helm, John, Alison and Juan Pablo make a perfect trio for this fun adventure!”

CBS All Access Offers First Episode of Juan Pablo Raba’s “Coyote” Series for Free Viewing on YouTube

Juan Pablo Raba’s latest project is opening its borders on YouTube

CBS All Access is offering the public a chance to watch the first episode of its new drama series Coyote, starring the 43-year-old Colombian actor, on YouTube.

Juan Pablo Raba, Coyote

For a limited time, CBS’ streaming service is posting the premiere episode “Call of the Void” for free on YouTube.

The series stars Michael Chiklis as U.S. Border Patrol agent Ben Clemens, who has spent more than three decades protecting the U.S. border from threats to the nation – but now times have changed. Clemens now finds himself in a position of having to work for the very people he’s spent most of his life fighting against. But as Clemens experiences life on the other side of the wall, he soon realizes that his black-and-white views of the world no longer hold up to the cold, hard facts. Clemens will find his ideologies challenged and his loyalties questioned when it becomes all too clear that some of the deadliest threats he faces are “red, white, and blue.”

Raba stars as Juan Diego “El Catrin” Zamora, the head of a small family cartel in Mexico.

The series also stars Adriana Paz, Kristyan Ferrer, Octavio Pisano, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams, Julio Cedillo, and newcomer Emy Mena.

Emmy Award-winning executive producer Michelle MacLaren directed the series premiere and second episode and serves as an executive producer on the series.

David Graziano serves as showrunner. Co-creators Graziano, Michael Carnes, and Josh Gilbert (also serve as executive producers and writers on the series.

Adriana Paz Cast in Paramount Network’s “Coyote”

The huntis over for Adriana Paz.

The 39-year-old Mexican actress and dancer has been cast as a series regular opposite Michael Chiklis and Juan Pablo Raba in Coyote, Paramount Network’s one-hour scripted drama series.

Adriana Paz

Written by David Graziano, Michael Carnes and Josh GilbertCoyote is the story of Ben Clemens (Chiklis), who, after 32 years as a border patrol agent, is forced to work for the very people he spent his career trying to keep out of America. Now exposed to life on the other side of the wall, Ben will start to question his black-and-white views of the world, challenging his ideology and his loyalties.

Paz joins a cast of series regulars that includes Kristyan FerrerOctavio PisanoCynthia Kaye McWilliams and Julio Cedillo

Paz will play Silvia, the proprietor of the local taqueria. Ferrer will portray Chayo, a member of the Cartel and has a very personal ax to grind. Pisano will play Sultan, member of the Cartel, he is a second generation Mexican American who has fled to Mexico. McWilliams will portray Holly Vincent, the smart, savvy, and streetwise HSI Agent. Cedillo will play Neto, a seasoned, local cop in a small Mexico town.

The project hails from Emmy-winning executive producer and director Michelle MacLarenDark Horse Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television. It’s slated to premiere in 2020.

MacLaren will direct the pilot and executive produce the series. Graziano serves as showrunner. Graziano, Carnes and Gilbert are writers and executive producers. 

Paz’s previous credits include her Ariel Award-winning performance in La Tirisia, as well as roles in Rudo y CursiSpectreHilda and El Autor.

Ferrer, a 24-year-old Mexican actor, previously appeared in Sin Nombre, Ramon and600 Millas.

Pisano previously appeared in New York UndercoveriLove and If Loving You is Wrong.

Cedillo, a 49-year-old Mexican American actor, previously appeared in The Three Burials of Melquiades EstradaSicario and Narcos: Mexico.

Juan Pablo Raba to Star in Paramount Network’s Drama Series “Coyote”

Juan Pablo Raba is on the hunt…

The 42-year-old Colombian actor will star opposite Michael Chiklis in Coyote, Paramount Network’s one-hour scripted drama series from Emmy-winning executive producer and director Michelle MacLarenDark Horse Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television.

Juan Pablo Raba

 

Written by David Graziano, Michael Carnes and Josh GilbertCoyote is the story of Ben Clemens (Chiklis), who, after 32 years as a U.S. Border Patrolagent, is forced to work for the very people he spent his career trying to keep out of America. Now exposed to life on the other side of the wall, Ben will start to question his black-and-white views of the world, challenging his ideology and his loyalties.

Raba will play El Catrin, head of a small family cartel in Mexico. El Catrin is something of an anomaly — charming and impeccably dressed, a man of his word who would just as soon invite you to dinner as have you killed for breaking a deal.

Coyoteis slated to premiere in 2020.

Raba recently wrapped production on action-thriller The Minuteman alongside Liam Neeson, from director Robert Lorenzs

On television, Raba is known for his starring role as Ricky Ortiz on the military drama Six, which aired for two seasons on History, and for his role as Gustavo, on Narcos. Raba can be seen in Netflix’s original Colombian series, Distrito Salvaje, in which he stars and also executive produces. He’s also known for his recurring role in the third season of ABC’s Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. His character Joey Gutierrez is the first openly gay hero in the Marvelfranchise. 

Juan Pablo Raba to Star in the Action Thriller “The Minuteman”

Juan Pablo Raba is staying up to the Minute(man)

The 42-year-old Colombian actor has joined the cast of The Minuteman, the action thriller starring Liam Neeson.

Juan Pablo Raba

The film follows a rancher (Neeson) on the Arizona border who becomes the unlikely defender of a young Mexican boy desperately fleeing the cartel assassins (led by Raba) who’ve pursued him into the U.S. 

Hailing from Sculptor Media, the film is being directed by Robert Lorenz.

The screenplay is from Chris Charles and Danny Kravitz, with Lorenz penning the latest draft.

The Minuteman begins production next week in New Mexico and Ohio.

Raba, who played Gustavo Gaviria on Netflix’s Narcos, is next up starring opposite Lawrence Fishburne in the film Imprisoned.

Cinema Libre Studio Acquires North American Rights to Esai Morales’ Indie Drama “Imprisoned”

Esai Moralesis facing (im)prison(ed)time this September…

Cinema Libre Studio has acquired the North American distribution rights to Imprisoned, the indie drama starring 56-year-old Puerto Rican actor.

Esai Morales

Morales stars alongside Laurence FishburneJuana AcostaJuan Pablo Raba and Edward James Olmosin the Paul Kampf-directed film.

Imprisoned was filmed entirely in Puerto Rico in 2017, and was among the last productions to shoot before Hurricane Mariahit and devastated the island. 

Cinema Libre will now return the film there for its world premiere on September 10, followed by a 15-theater rollout on the island September 12. 

The film will be released in select cities in the U.S. beginning September 13.

“It was important for us to hold theImprisonedpremiere in Puerto Rico, as the film has a powerful Latin cast including Juan Pablo Raba, Juana Acosta, Jon Huertas, Esai Morales and Edward James Olmos,” Kampf said. “Imprisoned was the last project filmed on the island before hurricane Maria hit in 2017 and we are proud to support and celebrate the revival of this special location.”

In the thriller, Raba plays Dylan Burke, who attempts to move on from his former life as a criminal with his true love Maria (Acosta). He soon realizes his past will continue to haunt him when he learns the new local prison warden, Daniel Calvin (Fishburne), has not forgiven him for a previously committed crime. Calvin frames him for a murder he didn’t commit, landing him back in jail. When the prison erupts into a riot, they are forced to make a choice between righteousness and revenge.

Equitas Entertainment Partnersproduced the film, and as part of their social impact aims included more than 30 formerly incarcerated and a dozen currently incarcerated men as part of the production. Eight of the current inmates will receive a pass to leave the jail and attend the premiere.

Equitas and Caribbean Cinemasare handling the Puerto Rico rollout.

Ana Isabelle Starring in the Indie Thriller “Imprisoned”

Ana Isabel is getting imprisoned

The 31-year-old Puerto Rican actress and singer, whose full name is Ana Isabel Acevedo Avilés, will star in the indie thriller Imprisoned, according to Variety.

Ana Isabelle

Ana Isabel joins a cast that includes Laurence Fishburne, Juan Pablo Raba, Juana Acosta, Jon Huertas, Esai Morales and John Heard.

Paul Kampf is directing from his own script, described as a revenge thriller wrapped around a love story with the question of the sacrifices made for love. Fishburne is playing the local prison warden. Raba and Acosta play a couple and Ana Isabel portrays her daughter — a young woman who never knew her father.

The film is scheduled to begin production in May in Puerto Rico.

Ana Isabel released her first album, Por El Amor, in 2007. She won Univision’s reality show Viva el Sueño in 2009.

Her acting resume includes having the lead role in five episodes of Decisiones Puerto Rico and minor roles in the movies Yellow, El Cantante and Talento de Barrio.