Nickelodeon to Relaunch Dora the Explorer with Diana Zermeño’s Animated Theatrical Short “Dora and the Fantastical Creatures”

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a fantastical time for Diana Zermeño.

Nickelodeon is relaunching the famed Latina explorer in new animated theatrical short, Dora and the Fantastical Creatures, featuring the Latina actress in the voice cast as the titular character, exclusively in theaters on Friday, September 29.

The short film will precede the Spin Master Entertainment/Nickelodeon Movies/Paramount picture, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie.

It’s a Dora like you’ve never seen her before — in complete CGI animation.

The new CGI animated preschool series of Dora will debut in spring 2024 on Paramount+ stateside. Internationally, Dora will stream day-and-date on Paramount+ and air on Nickelodeon channels in all markets where available.

In Dora and the Fantastical Creatures, Dora (Zermeño) and Boots (Asher Spence) embark on an incredible adventure to the land of alebrijes, the most magical and colorful creatures in the rainforest. There, they must band together against Swiper (Marc Weiner) to save the beloved alebrijes and their Copal Tree Celebration.

The short film also features: Anairis Quiñones as Luna Arcoiris; Danny Burstein as Sol; and Kate del Castillo as Ale. Following the debut of Dora and the Fantastical Creatures, additional Dora content will also be available across Nickelodeon platforms, Paramount+ and Noggin.

The short is produced by Nickelodeon Animation in Burbank, Calif. William Mata is directing from a screenplay by Alejandro Bien-Willner and a story by Bien-Willner and Sean Gill. Production is overseen by Eryk Casemiro, Executive Vice President, Global Animated Series, Nickelodeon. Miriam Ritchie and Marielle Kaar serve as Nickelodeon’s Executives in Charge of Production for the short. Dora the Explorer is created by Chris Gifford, Valerie Walsh Valdes and Eric Weiner.

Joining the cast of Dora and the Fantastical Creatures in the new Dora series are additional voice actors, including: Anairis Quiñones as Map and The Fiesta Trio’s armadillo; Maria Canals-Barrera as Abuela; Danny Burstein as Grumpy Old Troll, and The Fiesta Trio’s frog and marmoset; Katarina Sky as Backpack; Donovan Monzon-Sanders as Tico; Tandi Fomukong as Isa; Quintún Muñoz as Benny; and Chris Gifford as Big Red Chicken.

Disney+ Renews Alisa Reyes’ “Proud Family” Revival, “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder,” for Second Season

Posted on April 18, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

There are more proud moments in Alisa Reyes’ future…

Disney+ has given The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, its Proud Family revival – featuring the 41-year-old Latina actress as part of the voice cast – a second season renewal.

The news comes only days before the first season’s upcoming finale on Wednesday, April 20. Season 2 has started production.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, from creator Bruce W. Smith and executive producer Ralph Farquhar, picks up the story of its central character, Penny Proud, and includes her madcap family: parents Oscar and Trudy, twin siblings BeBe and CeCe, and grandmother Suga Mama (and Puff).

Of course, it would not be The Proud Family without Penny’s loyal crew Dijonay Jones, LaCienega Boulevardez (Reyes) and Zoey Howzer, among others.

The series touts the voice talents of original cast members Kyla Pratt, Tommy Davidson, Paula Jai Parker, JoMarie Payton, Cedric the Entertainer, Karen Malina White, Soleil Moon Frye, Reyes, Carlos Mencia, Maria Canals-Barrera, Alvaro Gutierrez, Raquel Lee Bolleau and Marcus T. Paulk.

Set to return for Season 2 are Keke Palmer, Billy Porter, Zachary Quinto, EJ Johnson, Asante Blackk, Artist “A Boogie” Dubose, Bresha Webb and Aiden Dodson.

Disney+ also unveiled a buzzy lineup of Season 2 guest stars.

Set to appear are Chance the Rapper, Gabrielle Union, Normani, Leslie Odom Jr., Anthony Anderson, Dominique Dawes, Gabby Douglas, Latina Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez, Jane Lynch, Holly Robinson Peete, Maury Povich, Storm Reid, Courtney B. Vance and Spanish actress Liana Mendoza.

In addition to Smith and Farquhar, Calvin Brown, Jr. is co-executive producer and story editor, Jan Hirota is producer, Eastwood Wong is art director, and directors are Latoya Raveneau, Rudi Bloss and Tara Nicole Whitaker.

Eva Longoria to Guest Star on Disney+’s “The Proud Family” Revival “Louder and Prouder”

Posted on September 15, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Eva Longoria is preparing for a moment of Proud…

Disney+ has locked in a stacked cast of guest stars and new recurring talent for The Proud Family revival Louder and Prouder, including the 46-year-old Mexican American actress/producer, in commemoration of the original animated series’ 20th anniversary.

In addition to Longoria, best known for her starring role on Desperate Housewives, the guest-starring voice cast will feature A-listers from the worlds of music, film, TV and sports including Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Chance the Rapper, Normani, Leslie Odom Jr., Tiffany Haddish, Lena Waithe, Anthony Anderson, Gabrielle Union, Debbie Allen, James Pickens Jr., Courtney B. Vance, Jane Lynch, Marsai Martin, Jaden Smith, Glynn Turman, Lamorne Morris, Brenda Song, Tina Knowles, Holly Robinson Peete, Al Roker, Bretman Rock, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez and Dominique Dawes, among others.

The series is set to launch on Disney+ in 2022

New recurring stars announced include Asante Blackk as Penny’s boyfriend, Kareem; rapper Artist “A Boogie” Dubose as Maya’s gamer brother, Francis “KG” Leibowitz-Jenkins; Raquel Lee Bolleau, who will reprise her role as Nubia Gross; and Marcus T. Paulk, who reprises his role as Penny’s classmate, Myron.

Airing on Disney Channel between 2001 and 2005, The Proud Family followed the misadventures of teenager Penny Proud (Kyla Pratt) and her numerous eccentric family members.

Louder and Prouder is currently in production at Disney Television Animation and will pick up the story of its central character, as it catches up with her parents Oscar (Tommy Davidson) and Trudy (Paula Jai Parker), her twin siblings BeBe and CeCe, her grandmother Suga Mama (JoMarie Payton) and dog Puff, and members of her loyal crew including Dijonay Jones (Karen Malina White), LaCienega Boulevardez (Alisa Reyes) and Zoey Howzer (Soleil Moon Frye), among others.

Other original cast members reprising their roles, as previously announced, are Cedric the Entertainer, Carlos Mencia, Maria Canals-Barrera and Alvaro Gutierrez. Additional recurring cast members new to the world of The Proud Family include Keke Palmer, Billy Porter, Zachary Quinto, and EJ Johnson.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is executive produced by Bruce W. Smith and Ralph Farquhar, who served in the same capacity on the original series.

All seasons of The Proud Family are currently available for streaming on Disney+. Disney+ has release a 20th anniversary featurette, in which Louder and Prouder stars reflect on their draw to the original series.

Canals-Barrera to Star in CMT’s Pilot “His Wives and Daughters”

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Maria Canals-Barrera has gone country…

The 50-year-old Cuban American actress has booked a series regular role opposite Jane Seymour in CMT’s soapy, comedic pilot His Wives and Daughters.

Created and produced by Dina Chapman and Steve Sessions, the project centers on the eclectic and cunning wives and daughters of larger-than-life country music legend (and infamous womanizer) Eddie Ray Banks (Jeff Kober).

After his estranged family is brought together unexpectedly, tempers flare and old rivalries resurface, setting the stage for startling secrets to emerge as an unforgettable mystery begins to unfold.

Canals-Barrera will play Magdalena Guzman, Eddie’s housekeeper and personal assistant for nearly 30 years. She’s been his loyal confidante through multiple marriages and may know him better than anyone else, and also is hiding a big secret.

The Cristela and Wizards of Waverly Place alumna recently guest-starred on The Big Bang Theory.

Trailer Released for Orrantia’s New Film “God’s Not Dead 2”

Posted on November 6, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Hayley Orrantia’s career’s not dead… It’s booming.

A new trailer has been released for the sequel to God’s Not Dead, the faith-based film starring the 21-year-old Mexican-American actress/singer.

The original film, released last year, earned more than $60 million on a budget of $2 million.

God’s Not Dead 2 stars Melissa Joan Hart as a school teacher who ends up in a lawsuit for answering a student’s question about the similarities between Jesus’ teachings to those of Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi.

In addition to Orrantia and Hart, the film also stars Ernie Hudson, Jesse Metcalfe, PureFlix CEO David A.R. White, Sadie Robertson, Robin Givens, Maria Canals-Barrera and the late Fred Thompson in one of his final film appearances star alongside cameos by Pat Boone and Ray Wise.

It will be released on April 1, 2016.

Santiago Lands Key Role in Fox’s Drama “Gang Related”

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Saundra Santiago is returning to television…

The 56-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American actress has joined the cast of Fox‘s midseason drama Gang Related.

Santiago, best known for her role as Detective Gina Calabrese on Miami Vice, replaces Wizards of Waverly Place star Maria Canals-Barrera on the Ramon Rodriguez-starrer, according to The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

The drama centers on Ryan (Rodriguez), a gang member sent in to infiltrate the San Francisco Police Department and rise through its ranks. He must balance obligations to his crime family with an increasing sense of loyalty to his new “family” — the SFPD’s Gang Task Force.

Santiago will recur as Marciela, Javier’s (Cliff Curtis) wife and mother to Carlos (Reynaldo Gallegos) and Dante (Jay Hernandez). Though they’re not related by blood, she considers Ryan to be a third son.

In addition to Miami Vice, Santiago’s credits include Guiding Light, The Sopranos, Damages and One Life to Live.

An exact premiere date for Gang Related has yet to be announced.

The Disney Channel Releases “The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex” Trailer

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

In less than a week, Selena Gomez will be back on the Disney Channel…

Leading up to the premiere of the network’s special The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex, the network has released a trailer for the project, which stars the 20-year-old half-Mexican American actress and her fellow Wizards of Waverly Place co-stars.

The trailer offers a sneak peek to Alex Russo’s battle against the “evil” version of herself and includes commentaries from the who talk about the plot and their excitement about returning to the Wizards set .

In the hour-long special, the Russo family heads to Italy to visit relatives, but Alex accidentally invokes a spell that splits her into two people: An “Evil Alex” and a “Good Alex.” When “Evil Alex” joins forces with a young wizard to take over the world, “Good Alex” must battle her nasty twin in a battle that culminates atop the Tower of Pisa.

In addition to Gomez, the special includes the return of Jake T. Austin, Jennifer Stone, Maria Canals-Barrera and David DeLuise.

The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex will premiere on Friday, March 15 at 8:oo pm ET.

Gomez’s “The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex” Trailer Released

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a battle of good vs. evil when Selena Gomez returns to Waverly Place…

The Disney Channel has released the official trailer for the Wizards of Waverly Place movie special featuring the 20-year-old half-Mexican American actress/singer battling herself.

Gomez returns as Alex Russo in the highly anticipated television event, “The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex” — a movie based on the Disney Channel’s popular series — and she’s facing her “biggest battle yet,” the trailer teases: Herself.

The Alex vs. Alex trailer informs fans that since winning the family wizard competition, Alex has struggled to use magic for good, so she decides to use magic to remove “just the parts that nobody likes” from herself.

Despite her father’s warning that “magic is not for getting what you want or using it for selfish reasons,” Alex accidentally conjures up two versions of herself: Good Alex and Evil Alex.

Alex vs. Alex sees Alex’s younger brother Max (Jake T. Austin), mom Theresa (Maria Canals-Barrera), dad Jerry (David DeLuise), best friend Harper (Jennifer Stone) and boyfriend-cum-werewolf Mason (Gregg Sulkin) travel to Tuscany to meet the Russo’s long-lost relatives. Though David Henrie will not be back as Alex’s older brother Justin for Alex vs. Alex, Beau Mirchoff of MTV’s Awkward fame joins the cast as an evil sorcerer.

The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex will premier on the Disney Channel on Friday, March 15 at 8 p.m. EST.

Gomez’s “Wizards of Waverly Place” Special to Air in March

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

If you’ve been missing Selena Gomez’s Wizards of Waverly Place, you’re in luck…

The 20-year-old Mexican-American actress and her Disney Channel co-stars will be returning with a one-hour special more than a year after hanging up their wands.

Dubbed The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex, the Gomez-executive-produced special will air on Friday, March 15 at 8:00 pm ET.

In the special, directed by Victor Gonzalez, the Russo family and their friends travel to Tuscany, Italy, to meet relatives. But while trying to prove that she’s serious about her craft as a wizard, Alex (Gomez) accidentally conjures up a spell that splits her personality into two — a Good Alex and an Evil Alex. The dueling Alexes eventually battle over the fate of her family and mankind atop the Tower of Pisa.

The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex also stars Jake T. Austin, Jennifer Stone, Maria Canals-Barrera, David DeLuise, Gregg Sulkin and Beau Mirchoff.

The original Wizards of Waverly Place ran for more than 100 episodes and earned multiple Emmy Awards. It was also the No. 1 series on TV among kids 2-11, kids 6-11 and tweens 9-14 during its run.

The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex will first debut Friday, March 8 on Disney Channel On Demand. The special will be available for iTunes download starting Tuesday, March 19.

Gomez Returning to Disney for New “Wizards of Waverly Place” Movie

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

She may be starring in more grown-up projects like Spring Breakers… But that doesn’t mean Selena Gomez is forgetting her Disney Channel roots.

The 20-year-old half-Mexican American actress/singer has signed on to executive-produce and star in a one-hour special based on Wizards of Waverly Place, which ended its run on the Disney Channel early this year.

Gomez will join Jake T. Austin, Jennifer Stone, Maria Canals-Barrera, David DeLuise and Gregg Sulkin, who will reprise their original roles.

The storyline for the special takes the Russo family and friends to Tuscany, Italy, to meet their long lost relatives. But when Alex (Gomez) tries to prove that she’s more than a seemingly carefree young wizard, she inadvertently conjures up a spell that creates a Good Alex and an Evil Alex. When Evil Alex gets roped into a foreboding plan to take over the world, Good Alex must find a way to save her family and humankind, which leads to a monumental battle between the two versions of herself – all atop the Tower of Pisa.

The made-for-television special was written by Vince Cheung and Ben Montanio (Wizards Of Waverly Place) and Dan Berendsen (Baby Daddy).

Victor Gonzalez (Wizards Of Waverly Place) will direct. Wizards Of Waverly Place was created by Todd J. Greenwald (Hannah Montana) and is produced by It’s a Laugh Productions for Disney Channel.

The Wizards Of Waverly Place won its third Best Children’s Program Emmy at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards earlier this month. It has won twice for the series (2009, 2012) and once for the series’ first TV movie offshoot in 2010. It’s the only scripted series to win the award in the past two decades, since Disney Channel’s Avonlea did it in 1993.

The new Wizards of Waverly Place special is scheduled to premiere in early 2013.

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