Alice Braga to Star in Robert Rodriguez’s Thriller “Hypnotic”

Alice Braga has landed a hypnotic role…

The 38-year-old Brazilian actress has joined the cast of Robert Rodriguez’s thriller Hypnotic, starring Ben Affleck.

Alice Braga

Cameras are set to roll starting on September 20, in Austin, Texas, after the film’s original start date in April 2020 was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and then insurance issues.

Hypnotic will follow a detective who becomes entangled in a mystery involving his missing daughter and a secret government program while investigating a string of high-end crimes.  

The film is written by Sin City and Alita: Battle Angel filmmaker Rodriguez and Max Borenstein. Rodriguez, Studio 8 CEO Jeff Robinov and Studio8’s Guy Danella and John Graham are producing with Solstice.

Solstice has already sold the film well into international markets and is due to release Hypnotic in the U.S.

Braga will next be seen in The Suicide Squad, alongside Margo Robbie, Idris Elba and Viola Davis. She’s known for her starring role in the long-running USA Network series Queen Of The South, Luca Guadagnino’s limited series We Are Who We Are, and was one of the lead voices in Oscar-winning Pixar film Soul.

CBS Gives Straight-to-Series Order to “CSI: Vegas,” Starring Mel Rodriguez

Mel Rodriguez is officially hitting the (crime) scene

CBS has given a straight-to-series order to CSI: Vegas, a sequel – starring the 47-year-old Latino actor – to the mothership CSI series, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, for the 2021-21 season.

Mel Rodriguez

Headlined by returning CSI stars William Petersen and Jorja Fox, joined by new series regulars Paula Newsome, Matt Lauria, Rodriguez and Mandeep Dhillon, CSI: Vegas hails from writer Jason Tracey, CBS Studios and Jerry Bruckheimer Television.

Also coming back is another fan favorite CSI cast member, Wallace Langham, reprising his role as David Hodges.

With CSI: Vegas, the most watched drama series of the 21st century, CSI, opens a new chapter in Las Vegas, the city where it all began. Facing an existential threat that could bring down the Crime Lab, a brilliant team of forensic investigators must welcome back old friends and deploy new techniques to preserve and serve justice in Sin City.

Rodriguez is reportedly playing Hugo who took over as Head Medical Examiner three years ago.

“Twenty-one years ago, we launched CSI and watched in awe as this new cinematic series launched an entire genre and became a groundbreaking juggernaut that still has global resonance today,” said Kelly Kahl, President, CBS Entertainment. “We are thrilled to welcome the next generation of forensic criminalists to the CSI brand and unite them with the legendary characters from the past who we still love, including the extraordinary Billy Petersen and Jorja Fox. Crimefighting technology has advanced dramatically over the last several years, and combined with classic CSI storytelling, we can’t wait to watch this new CSI team do what they do best: follow the evidence.”

United Talent Agency (UTA) Signs Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba has new representation…

United Talent Agency (UTA) has signed the 39-year-old half-Mexican American actress, entrepreneur, and best-selling author.

Jessica Alba

Alba has made more than 25 feature films, earning a combined box office total of over $800 million. After breaking out in James Cameron’s Fox series Dark Angelshe went on to star in Fox/Marvel’s Fantastic Four

Her features also include Valentine’s DayRobert Rodriguez’s Machete and Machete Kills, Little Fockers, The Love Guru, Into the Blue, Spy Kids 4-as well as Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.

Recently, Alba has starred and executive produced the action drama L.A.’s Finest.  Up next, she will host and produce a docuseries, Parents Without Borders, for Disney+ and she will star in and executive produce the Netflix action thriller Trigger Warning.

In 2011, Alba founded The Honest Company, a mission-driven company dedicated to inspiring everyone to love living consciously through its clean, sustainable, effective and thoughtfully designed baby, personal care, household and beauty products. The Honest Company is committed to ensuring all families have access to basic necessities and the latest health information for safe growth and development—a commitment reflected in its ongoing partnership with nonprofit organizations like Baby2Baby. Since its inception, The Honest Company has donated over 25 million products and over 18,500 employee participation hours through its Honest to Goodness program.

Alba’s first book The Honest Life is a bestselling how-to handbook based on her mission to create a natural, authentic, and non-toxic life for her family.

Among her awards, she has received the March of Dimes Grace Kelly Award, the Entertainment Media Association’s Green Parent Award, and the Mount Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Center Champion for Children Award.

Vertical Entertainment Acquires Rights to Rosario Dawson’s Animated Action Comedy “Henchmen”

Rosario Dawson and her henchmen are coming to your home…

Vertical Entertainment has acquired the U.S. distribution rights to Henchmen, the Bron Animation action comedy featuring the voices of the 41-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American actress,  Thomas Middleditch and James Marsden.

Rosario Dawson

Adam Wood wrote and directed the film, marking his feature-length directorial debut.

Based on a story by Jay D. Waxman and Wood, the film will be available on digital platforms on October 9.

Henchmen

Here’s the synopsis: In a world of super-villains, evil schemes and global domination, someone has to take out the trash. Welcome to the world of Henchmen, third class. When Lester (Middleditch), a fresh-faced recruit, joins the Union of Evil, he is assigned to a motley crew of blue-collar workers led by fallen henchmen Hank. But when Lester accidentally steals a super-villain’s ultimate weapon, Hank must break his risk-nothing code to save the boy he’s befriended, even if it means becoming the one thing he has always avoided: a hero.

Additional voice performers include Nathan Fillion, Jane Krakowski, Rob Riggle, Bobcat Goldthwait and Craig Robinson.

Brenda Gilbert and Luke Carroll produced for Bron Animation.

“We loved the idea of exploring the fantastical world of superhero villains,” says Gilbert of the film. “We couldn’t be more thrilled for the film to have found a home at Vertical and we hope children and families will enjoy the imaginative story of the Henchmen.”

“There is a lot of heavy stuff happening in the world right now, so it’s exciting for us at Vertical to share a film that can provide some levity and laughs for everyone in the family” said Rich Goldberg, co-president of Vertical Entertainment. “Henchmen marries the fun of an animated movie with the excitement of superhero flick, and we think it’ll be a perfect movie for anyone to gather around safely at home.”

Dawson’s previous credits include Sin City, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, César Chávez and Zombieland: Double Tap.

Robert Rodriguez Directing Season Two of Disney+’s “The Mandalorian”

Robert Rodriguezis heading to a galaxy far, far away…

The 51-year-old Mexican American director/producer will serve as the director for Season 2 of Disney+’s The Mandalorian.

Robert Rodriguez

The Sin City and Spy Kidsfilmmaker tweeted a photo of himself with “the biggest star in the universe,” aka Baby Yoda.

“I am truly humbled to say I now have had the very rare privilege of directing the biggest star in the universe,” Rodriguez tweeted.

Production on the sophomore season of the Star Warsspinoff series already has wrapped. 

Among the new faces for Season 2 are Rosario DawsonMichael Biehnand a recurring Bill Burr. They join returning stars including Pedro Pascalin the title role, Gina CaranoGiancarlo EspositoEmily SwallowCarl WeathersOmid AbtahiWerner Herzog,Nick NolteJulia Jonesand Ming-Na Wen.

The live-action interstellar bounty hunter series premiered on November 12 on Disney+, the day the streaming service launched. Insiders have hinted that several established characters from the Skywalker saga’s feature films mythology will make appearances during the show’s sophomore season.

Season 2 of The Mandalorianwill premiere in the fall, but work already has begunon Season 3.

Robert Rodriguez to Direct Ben Affleck in the Action Thriller “Hypnotic”

Robert Rodriguez is ready to thrill…

The 51-year-old Mexican American filmmaker is set to direct Ben Affleck in the action thriller Hypnotic.

Robert Rodriguez

The film centers on a detective who, while investigating a string of impossible high-end heists, becomes entangled in a mystery involving his missing daughter and a secret government program.

The big budget film, which is reportedly set at $60m-$80m, comes from Studio 8 and Solstice Studios. And it’s the first project greenlit under a partnership between the two companies. 

Production is slated for April.

Rodriguez, Studio 8 CEO Jeff Robinovand his colleagues Guy Danellaand John Grahamwill produce the film with Solstice, which will handle US distribution and launch international sales beginning at American Film Market.

“Working with Ben on his award-winning projects, including Argoand The Town, I have seen how his versatility and creativity has made him one of the most talented filmmakers both in front of and behind the camera,” said Robinov. “It’s very meaningful to be collaborating with Ben again on this uniquely riveting suspense thriller, and I know he and Robert will make a terrific film together.”

Rodriguez’s previous credits include El MariachiMachete, theSpy Kidsfranchise, Sin Cityand Sin City: A Dame to Kill Forand Alita: Battle Angel. 

Netflix Renews Shakira Barrera’s Female Wrestling Dramedy “Glow” for Fourth & Final Season

Shakira Barrera will be getting her last fight…

Netflix has picked up its female wrestling dramedy GLOW, starring the Nicaraguan American actress, for a fourth and final season.

Shakira Barrera

The series, which stars Alison BrieBetty Gilpin and Marc Maron, is set to end after the next season. This is in line with a number of Netflix originals that end after three or four seasons.

GLOW, which has earned 15 Emmy nominations and three wins during its run, was inspired by the short-lived but beloved 1980s show. It tells the fictional story of Ruth Wilder (Brie), an out-of-work, struggling actress in 1980s Los Angeles who finds one last chance for stardom when she’s thrust into the glitter and spandex world of women’s pro wrestling.

In addition to working with 12 Hollywood misfits, Ruth also has to compete with Debbie Eagan (Gilpin) a former soap actress who left the business to have a baby, only to be sucked back into work when her picture-perfect life is not what it seems. And at the wheel is Sam Sylvia (Maron), a washed-up, B-movie director who now must lead this group of women on the journey to wrestling stardom.

Season 3 followed the ladies of GLOW as they took the Vegas strip by storm. Now headliners at the Fan-Tan Hotel and Casino, the women quickly realize that Sin City is much more grind than glitter. Ever the team cheerleader, Ruth’s passion for the show begins to take a backseat to her increasingly complicated personal life. Debbie is making headway as a producer but continues to be consumed with guilt over the distance between her and her son. As their residency wears on, the lines blur between performance and reality, and the cast finds itself struggling with identities both in and out of the ring.

Barrera has portrayed Yolanda “Junkchain” Rivas on the series since Season Two.

Creators Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch will return as showrunners and writers and will executive produce alongside Jenji Kohan, Tara Herrmann and Mark Burley.

The third season premiered last month, and the fourth season is expected in 2020.

Barrera’s previous credits include appearances on Grey’s Anatomy, Rosewood, East Los High, Faking It and Queen of the South.

Trailer Released for Robert Rodriguez’s VR Action Film “The Limit,” Starring Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez has reached herlimit

The 40-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican-American actress appeared in the trailer for The Limit, Robert Rodriguez’s 20-minute Virtual Reality action film first teased last spring at Mip TV in Cannes.

Michelle Rodriguez The Limit

“Look me in the eye when I’m talking to you,” says Rodriguez, who portrays the “super assassin” in the film.

The Limit, co-starring The Walking Dead‘s Norman Reedus, hails from STXsurreal, the VR and Immersive content division of STX Entertainment.

The film is available now as a paid app download across all major VR platforms. It’s available in 3-D and 2-D versions at www.TheLimitVR.com.

Rodriguez stars as an “enhanced super-assassin” known as M-13. You – the viewer – are a rogue agent “with a mysterious past,” and M-13 has been enlisted to help you retrieve your identity and strike against the deadly organization that created you.

The Mexican-American director (From Dusk Till Dawn, Sin City) says that, new technology aside, The Limit is a “full-blown Rodriguez action flick.” He said he’s considering The Limit as a franchise, and would be interested in taking some of his previous films into the VR world.

The Limit, shot entirely in Austin, was directed by Rodriguez from a script by himself and son Racer Max Rodriguez.

The Limit is a paid app download available across major VR platforms. To mark the launch, a sale price has been set at $4.99 for VR headset platforms, and $3.99 for mobile platforms, Google Play and iOS.

Rodriguez to Direct STX Entertainment’s Animated Film “Ugly Dolls”

Things are about to get a little Ugly for Robert Rodriguez

The 48-year-old Mexican American filmmaker will direct STX Entertainment’s animated Ugly Dolls, based on the children’s toys, which the company has long planned as the film to launch its family and animation division.

Robert Rodriguez

The movie will be released on May 10, 2019.

The dolls were created by David Horvath via his company Pretty Ugly LLC and have taken off in popularity in Asia.

Rodriguez, now better known for darker films like Sin CityEl MariachiDesperadoMachete and From Dusk Till Dawn, was the creative force behind the big-screen family-friendly Spy Kids franchise 

He’s known for pushing the envelope and trying new techniques whether its the graphic novel-like animation/live-action of Sin City or the digital eye candy of Spy Kids. He also did The Adventures of Sharkboy & Lavagirl in 3D back in 2005.

Rodriguez actually started out as a cartoonist and had a comic strip called Los Hooligans for his high school newspaper, the Daily Texan at St. Anthony’s in Austin. He also drew political cartoons and then started making short films.

Rodriguez, as previously reported, will direct 20th Century Fox’s Escape From New York, the remake of John Carpenter’s 1981 film.

Olguín to Direct English-Language Version of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”

Jorge Olguín is (hunch)back with a new project…

The Chilean horror filmmaker is set to direct an English version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Jorge Olguín

The ambitious project, with a more than $2 million budget, could make Olguín a bigger name in the U.S.

“I really think it’s what will catapult [him] to the next level,” said Olguín’s U.S. agent Chris Sablan of Original Artists.

Sablan’s client Peter Carlisle is penning the screenplay for the film tentatively titled The Hunchback.

“Visually he wants to shoot it a la Sin City, but storywise it’s Batman meets Sherlock Holmes,” said Sablan.

Talks are underway between Sablan and potential U.S. co-producers.

Olguin is also on track to film Indolencia, a self-written project based on the true case of a serial killer who murdered 16 young girls in Chile’s Atacama Desert region.

“This is probably my next film, which will shoot in early 2015,” said Olguín.

In 2002, Olguín released Sangre Eterna, a vampire film that became a cult classic and one of the highest grossing Latin American horror films.

He most recently worked on Whispers in the Forest, Chile’s first 3D feature.