Morales to Star in Fox Searchlight’s Tennis-Themed Film “Battle of the Sexes”

It’s game, set and match for Natalie Morales

The 31-year-old Cuban American actress has been cast in Battle of the Sexes, Fox Searchlight’s film about the historic 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.

Natalie Morales

Emma Stone and Steve Carell will play the leads, while Morales will portray Rosie Casals, a one of “The 9” — the first women to form their own tennis league and go on tour. She became good friends with King and supported her leading up to the big match with Riggs.

Jonathan Faris and Valerie Dayton are directing the film from a script by Simon Beaufoy.

Morales currently co-stars on Fox’s The Grinder, and her credits also include Trophy Wife, Parks and Recreation, Girls and 90210.

Cruz Cordova to Star in “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk”

Ismael Cruz Cordova has his walking papers…

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican actor has been cast in the upcoming film adaptation of Ben Fountain’s novel Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk.

 Ismael Cruz Cordova

The film follows a unit of decorated Iraq War soldiers who, at the height of the war, survive a bloody battle and come out of it hailed as heroes. Brought back stateside to participate in patriotic events to boost support for the war, they become disillusioned with the military and noncombatant civilians when they learn that despite their service, they’re going to be sent back for another tour.

Directed by Ang Lee from a script by Simon Beaufoy and Jean-Christophe Castelli, the film is being shot using state-of-the-art Sony cameras in native 3D, promising high resolution and an unprecedented frame rate.

Cordova, who gained national attention playing Mando on Sesame Street, joins a cast that includes Arturo Castro, Barney Harris, Beau Knapp, Mason Lee and Brian “Astro” Bradley. In addition, Makenzie Leigh will play Faison, a Texas cheerleader and love interest to main character Billy Flynn. They join actor Joe Alwyn, already cast in the title role.

Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk hits theaters November 11, 2016.

Cruz Cordova’s credits include several appearances on The Good Wife.