Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias to Star on Season Two of Disney+’s “The Santa Clauses”

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a case of clause and effect for Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias.

The 46-year-old Mexican American comedian/actor is joining the cast of Disney+‘s The Santa Clauses as a series regular.

Iglesias will play Kris Kringle, the owner and operator of a Christmas-themed amusement park called Santaland. Sweet, happy, and perpetually-optimistic, Kris is a warm, generous soul who is determined to keep his struggling theme park afloat. However, his belief in Santa and love for all things Christmas may not be enough.

In the second season, the Calvin family is back in the North Pole as Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) continues his role as Santa Claus after retirement plans were thwarted when failing to find a worthy successor in season one. Now that Scott and his family have successfully saved Christmas, Scott turns his focus towards training his son Calvin to eventually take over the family business as Santa Claus.

Also returning as series regulars in season two are Elizabeth Mitchell as Mrs. Claus/Carol, Elizabeth Allen-Dick as Sandra Calvin Claus, Austin Kane as Cal Calvin Claus, and Devin Bright as Santa’s elf bestie Noel. Matilda Lawler will reprise her role of Santa’s chief of staff, Betty, as a recurring guest star.

Additional guest stars include newcomer Marta Kessler as Olga, a surly, take-no-prisoners gnome who is a sidekick to Magnus Antas (Eric Stonestreet), aka The Mad Santa; along with returning guest stars Liam Kyle as Gary, Isabella Bennett as Edie, Sasha Knight as Crouton, Ruby Jay as Riley, Mia Lynn Bangunan as Pontoon, and Laura San Giacomo as La Befana, the Christmas Witch.

Jack Burditt will continue as executive producer and showrunner, while Kevin Hench, Richard Baker and Rick Messina will serve as executive producers along with Jason Winer and Jon Radler for Small Dog Picture Company.

The Disney Branded Television series is produced by 20th Television.

Iglesias recently became the second highest grossing touring comedian and is one of the most watched comedians on YouTube with over 1.1 billion views and over 25 million fans on social media.

His acting credits include Mr. Iglesias, Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL, A Haunted House and Smurfs: The Lost Village.

Warner Bros. Releases First-Look Photo of “Magic Mike’s Last Dance,” Featuring Salma Hayek

Posted on October 22, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Salma Hayek is sharing a little magic…

Warner Bros. has released a first-look photo for its third and final Magic Mike film, Magic Mike’s Last Dance, starring the 56-year-old Mexican Oscar-nominated actress/producer.

The new film reunites franchise star Channing Tatum with director Steven Soderbergh.

Magic Mike is a film franchise centered on the world of male stripping, which the pair launched with the 2012 film of the same name. The film was followed up by the 2015 sequel Magic Mike XXL, directed by Gregory Jacobs, with the two films collectively grossing nearly $286 million at the global box office.

The franchise spurred the creation of the popular stage show Magic Mike Live, which launched in Las Vegas before expanding to London, Berlin and other major cities, including others in the U.S.

Specifics as to the plot of Magic Mike’s Last Dance have been kept under wraps so far. But Tatum will be joined in the film by returning cast members Hayek and Caitlin Gerard, as well as Gavin Spokes and others.

Reid Carolin wrote the screenplay and produced the film along with Jacobs, Nick Wechsler and Peter Kiernan.

While it was initially believed that the final Magic Mike would be released straight to HBO Max, Warner Bros said last month that the film would be going the theatrical route, with a release date of February 10, 2023.

Warner Bros. to Release “Magic Mike’s Last Dance,” Starring Salma Hayek, in February

Posted on September 16, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Salma Hayek is bringing the magic to theaters…

Warner Bros. has announced plans to release the latest installment of Magic Mike, starring the 56-year-old Mexican Oscar-nominated actress, in theaters on February 10, 2023 — Super Bowl weekend.

The third installment of the male stripper-themed film originally conceived by Steven Soderbergh, entitled Magic Mike’s Last Dance, sees the return of franchise star Channing Tatum.

Hayek, who replaced Thandiwe Newton in the film, is reportedly involved in a steamy lap dance with Tatum in the new film, according to Tatum.

Gregory Jacobs, who directed the 2015 hit Magic Mike XXL, returns to produce along with Reid Carolin, who wrote the screenplay, Nick Wechsler and Peter Kiernan.

Both Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL have grossed a combined $285.6M at the global box office.

The franchise spawned the successful stage show Magic Mike Live. It launched in Las Vegas and quickly expanded internationally to London, Berlin, Australia and in the U.S.

Salma Hayek to Star Opposite Channing Tatum in Warner Bros. “Magic Mike’s The Last Dance”

Posted on April 13, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Salma Hayek is preparing for a last dance…

The 55-year-old Mexican Oscar-nominated actress will star opposite Channing Tatum in Warner Bros. Magic Mike’s The Last Dance.

Hayek replaces Thandie Newton, who had to step away from the project for personal reasons.

“Thandiwe Newton has made the difficult decision to step away from the production of Warner Bros. Pictures’ Magic Mike’s Last Dance to deal with family matters,” a Warner Bros. spokesperson said in a statement.

The film is in production in London and will premiere on HBO Max. Plot details for the film are unknown at this time.

Steven Soderbergh, who directed the first Magic Mike film, returns to direct this film with Reid Carolyn writing the script. Gregory Jacobs, who directed the 2015 hit Magic Mike XXL, returns to produce along with Carolin, Nick Wechsler and Peter Kiernan.

The first two films combined to gross nearly $300 million worldwide, and in 2017, the franchise spawned the successful stage show Magic Mike Live.

Hayek was most recently seen in Marvel’s Eternals.

Adam Rodriguez Shares Trailer for His Upcoming CBS Holiday Film “A Christmas Proposal”

Posted on December 3, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Adam Rodriguez has a proposal for you…

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American actor and Magic Mike star has shared the official trailer for his upcoming holiday film A Christmas Proposal. The CBS film premieres on Sunday, December 12 at 8:30 pm ET/8:00 pm PT and will be available on demand via Paramount+.

Rodriguez— who executive produces and stars in the project—is proud to bring a holiday story featuring a Latino family to the small screen that focuses on the lives of the characters and steers clear of stereotypes.

“It was my goal from the beginning [that we’re represented in a non-stereotypical way],” Rodriguez tells Deadline.”The script was never written for a Latino family, to begin with. It was written, I’m sure, with a white family in mind. And CBS had the foresight to jump aboard and get a Latin cast in there. I was really happy to get to participate in that and help give it shape because we wanted this to be authentic. We wanted this to be about the people in it and not having to make those people characters that we’ve seen so many times before. It’s really time to see something fresh and I think we accomplished that.”

In the film, Rodriguez plays Julian Diaz, an attorney willing to do whatever it takes to win his father’s favor over his brother to ascend to the role of managing partner of the family firm upon their dad’s retirement.

When Julian meets Maria Winters (Jessica Camacho),—a chef who is hustling as a rideshare driver for extra income—he sees an opportunity to impress his parents. The pair go down this rabbit hole together but could it all be a huge recipe for disaster?

“Julian is a guy that has become obsessed with getting what he thinks is ahead like getting ahead at work, being the most important person there, and the best dressed. He’s so caught up in this competition with his brother, which really feels like it’s just a competition to see who gets the most attention from their parents. It’s sad. He’s in a place in his life where he’s missing out. He’s missing out on the things in life that are really important,” Rodriguez revealed.

He continued, “Julian doesn’t even think about slowing down until all of a sudden this person with a completely different outlook on life, forces him to do that. And the only reason she forces him to do it is that he needs her. Without that, he would have kept being the Julian he was—somebody that looks past people and is not really evaluating his life in any way.”

Rodriguez hopes A Christmas Proposal helps open up the floodgates for more Black and brown love stories in the future, especially in holiday-themed projects.

“I’ll be honest, in my head, I look at these things all on a big scale. We don’t see enough of [Black and brown love stories] and slowly but surely we’re seeing more of it. But especially in the Christmas genre, you never see it,” he shared. “I think just by putting it out there and hopefully having it be something that pops with people, they’ll be excited about the next one. Not even necessarily with these characters but where’s the next brown Christmas movie?”

Although he wasn’t specifically referring to a sequel for A Christmas Proposal, he clarifies he would be open to exploring Julian and Maria’s relationship further.

“Listen, I had a great time working with Jessica and would work with her again anytime. She’s a wonderful actress and a great person. I’m on board!” he exclaimed.

Adam Rodriguez to Appear on NBC’s Drama Series “Ordinary Joe”

Posted on July 23, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Adam Rodriguez isn’t afraid of the ordinary…

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American actor has landed a recurring role in Ordinary Joe, NBC’s upcoming drama series starring Jimmy Wolk.

From Russel Friend and Garrett Lerner and writer/director Matt Reeves and his 6th & Idaho banner. The project, which co-stars Natalie Martinez, Charlie Barnett and Elizabeth Lail, is a co-production of 20th Television, Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, 6th & Idaho and 3 Arts.

Written by Friend and Lerner, Ordinary Joe explores the three parallel lives of the show’s main character (Wolk) after he makes a pivotal choice at a crossroads in his life. The series asks the question of how different life might look if you made your decision based on love, loyalty or passion.

Rodriguez will play Bobby Diaz. Charismatic and ambitious, Bobby is a young Congressman on the rise… but the impressive life path he’s forged for himself suddenly all changes in an instant.

Rodriguez is best known for his starring roles as Eric Delko in CSI: Miami and as Luke Alvez in Criminal Minds. He’s next set to serve as mentor and executive producer on HBO Max’s upcoming unscripted competition series The Real Magic Mike! a spinoff of Steven Soderberg’s original hit film in which he starred opposite Channing Tatum. He also stars and executive produces CBS’ upcoming movie A Christmas Proposal. His other recent television credits include Ugly Betty, Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, Jane the Virgin and Empire.

Adam Rodriguez to Serve as a Mentor & Executive-Producer on HBO Max’s “The Real Magic Mike!” Competition Series

Posted on June 18, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Life is about to imitate art for Adam Rodriguez…

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban-American actor and former Magic Mike star will be returning to the world of male strippers as he joinsThe Real Magic Mike! (working title), HBO Max’s upcoming unscripted competition series.

Rodriguez, who played Tito in the 2012 film and 2015 sequel, has joined the project as a mentor and executive producer.

The series, from the producers behind the Magic Mike franchise and live shows, begins production next month in Las Vegas and is set to debut on HBO Max later this year. Channing Tatum, who starred in the titular role in both Magic Mike films, and director Steven Soderbergh, are among the series’ executive producers.

The competition series will transform a group of men into real-life Magic Mikes. Ten men who have “lost their magic” will come together, baring their souls and more as they learn to perform routines with one being crowned the Real Magic Mike. The winner will pocket a cash prize and an opportunity to perform on the Magic Mike Live stage in Las Vegas.

The Real Magic Mike! (wt) is produced by Eureka Productions and Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon.

In addition to his role as Tito in both Magic Mike feature films, Rodriguez starred as Eric Delko in CSI: Miami and as Luke Alvez in Criminal Minds.

His other recent television credits include Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, Jane the Virgin and Empire, among others.

Alejandro Patiño Starring Opposite Matt Bomer in the Heartfelt Drama “Papi Chulo”

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

It’s Papi time for Alejandro Patiño…

The Latino actor stars opposite Magic Mike hunk Matt Bomer in the heartfelt drama Papi Chulo, a story that explores a friendship between two very different people.

Making its World Premiere at the Toronto Film Festival on September 8, Papi Chulois writer-director John Butler’s third feature to premiere at TIFF.

The film follows a single TV weatherman (Bomer) living in Los Angeles who is put on leave from work. While on leave, he tries to enjoy his time alone but realizes this solitary lifestyle isn’t for him. When he drives past a hardware store, he spots Ernesto (Patiño, in his first leading feature role), a middle-aged Latino migrant with a friendly face, and hires him to do some home repairs. Despite the language barrier, they develop an unexpected but profound friendship based on the everlasting need for connection.

The film is a new take on the buddy comedy with two very different people as it provides commentary on empathy, stereotypes, and xenophobia — two of today’s very timely topics.

Patiño’s previous credits include appearances on Superstore, Life in Pieces, The Bridge and East Los High.

Click here to see the trailer.

Iglesias Lands Comedy Series Pilot Deal at ABC

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Gabriel Iglesias may be returning to ABC…

The 39-year-old Mexican American stand-up comedian/actor, who had a recurring role on the network’s short-lived series Cristela, has reached a put pilot deal to write and star in a multi-camera comedy series at ABC. ABC Studios will produce.

The Fluffy Shop (working title) is inspired by the Iglesias’ life experiences, including the challenges of managing a home life during the few days he spends off the road each week.

This is Iglesias’ first network pilot.

Iglesias will co-write the pilot with Jay Lavender and Tim Doyle who will also serve as the show runner.

Iglesias is the creator and producer of Fuse TV’s non-scripted comedy docuseries Fluffy Breaks Even. The comedian also has starred in several stand-up comedy specials for Comedy Central as well as produced and hosted the hit series Stand-up Revolution for the cable network.

On the feature side, Iglesias starred in the stand-up concert comedy film The Fluffy Movie and co-starred in Warner Bros. Magic Mike and most recently Magic Mike XXL.

Rodriguez Lands Lead Male Role in ABC’s Drama Pilot “Runner”

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Adam Rodriguez is ready to run(ner)…

The 39-year-old Puerto Rican/Cuban-American actor and CSI: Miami alum has landed the male lead role opposite Paula Patton in ABC’s drama pilot Runner.

Based on the Turkish series Son and directed by Michael Offer, the project, from 20th Century Fox Television and ABC Studios, centers on Lauren Marks (Patton), a wife and mother who had believed her husband had died in a plane crash, only to discover him alive, well and traveling with a mysterious woman who uses Lauren’s stolen identity. Thrown into a world of secrets and crime, Lauren finds herself running into Mexican cartels and people from her past she had hoped to forget.

Rodriguez plays Troy, who is hated by Lauren’s family as he is responsible for the death of her nephew years ago but may be the only person who can help Lauren find her husband.

The project was written by Michael Cooney.

Rodriguez has a recurring role on NBC’s The Night Shift and next reprises his role in the Magic Mike XXL sequel this summer.

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