Hayek to Star Opposite Eugenio Derbez in “How to Be a Latin Lover”

Salma Hayek has a new lover

The 49-year-old Mexican actress has joined the cast of Lionsgate and Pantelion Films’ How to Be a Latin Lover, the comedy that marks Eugenio Derbez’s first English-language starring role.

Salma Hayek

Hayek joins Rob Lowe, Kristen Bell, Raquel Welch, Rob Riggle and McKenna Grace in the film being directed by The State alum and Wet Hot American Summer co-star Ken Marino.

The story, written by Chris Spain and Jon Zack, is about an aging Latin lover forced to return to live with his estranged sister and her young son after being dumped by his sugar mama.

Other actors who have also joined are Renee Taylor, Rob Huebel, Michaela Watkins and Linda Lavin.

Latin Lover is a joint venture between 3Pas Studios, Pantelion Films, Lionsgate and Televisa Cinefrom.

Derbez’s previous collaboration with Pantelion Films, Instructions Not Included, became the highest grossing Spanish-language film released in North America, breaking box office records with a combined domestic and international gross of over $99M.

Hayek, who is a filmmaker as well as an actress, just finished Hitman’s Bodyguard starring opposite Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson and Gary Oldman.

She was honored only a week ago by Pope Francis with the Olive Medal for her work in the arts, and for the responsible use of her celebrity to promote unity and peace.

Hayek Receives Olive Medal of Peace from Pope Francis

Salma Hayek has been extended a new olive medal…

Pope Francis has honored the 49-year-old Mexican actress, awarding her the Olive Medal of Peace at a Vatican event to promote the Scholas Occurrentes foundation.

Salma Hayek

In addition to Hayek, Richard Gere and George Clooney and Salma Hayek with the Olive Medal of Peace in an event.

Hayek and her fellow honorees have agreed to work as ambassadors for the foundation’s arts projects, said The Hollywood Reporter.

According to its website, Scholas is an International Organization founded in 2013 and operating under the auspices of the Vatican, which “connects technology with arts and sports in order to promote social integration and the culture of encounter for peace.”

Hayek was joined by husband Francois-Henri Pinault and daughter Valentina.

“Important values can be transmitted by celebrities,” said Lorena Bianchetti, an organizer of the event.