Pardo to Star in FX’s “Sons of Anarchy” Spinoff Pilot “Mayans MC”

JD Pardo is ridin’ high…

The 36-year-old Argentine-El Salvadoran American actor has been cast as the lead in Kurt Sutter’s Sons of Anarchy spinoff pilot for FX, Mayans MC.

JD Pardo

Pardo, a Daytime Emmy Award nominee for his appearance on East Los High, is taking the baton from Charlie Hunnam, whose Jax Teller led the mothership series.

Set in the aftermath of Jax Teller’s death at the end of SOA’s seven-season run in 2014, Mayans MC will focus on the struggles of Ezekiel “EZ” Reyes (Pardo), a prospect in the Mayan MC charter on the California/Mexico border. EZ is the gifted son of a proud Latino family, whose American dream was snuffed out by cartel violence. Now, his need for vengeance drives him toward a life he never intended and can never escape.

Pardo joins previously cast Edward James Olmos, who plays EZ’s father, John Ortiz and Clayton Cardenas.

Mayans MC was co-created by Sutter and Elgin James.

Pardo, known for his role as Jesus on Hulu’s Emmy-nominated original series East Los High, as well as the role of Jason Neville in Revolution, fielded interest from multiple pilots.

His feature credits include The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 and Snitch.

Cabral to Star Opposite Mel Gibson in “Blood Father”

There will be blood for Richard Cabral

The Latino actor has been added to the cast of the Jean-Francois Richet-directed film Blood Father.

Richard Cabral

The film stars Mel Gibson as an ex-con who reunites with his estranged daughter to protect her from Mexican mobsters.

Cabral, a regular on ABC’s upcoming drama American Crime, will portray Joker, a tough enforcer for the Mexican Mafia.

Production is slated to begin this month in New Mexico.

Cabral’s other credits include appearances in the feature filmss Rampart and Snitch and television’s Southland and Luck.

Cabral to Star in the ABC Drama Pilot “American Crime”

Richard Cabral has crime on his mind…

The Latino actor, an East Los Angeles native, has joined the ensemble cast of John Ridley’s American Crime pilot for ABC Studios.

Richard Cabral

The ABC project centers on the home invasion and murder of a young war veteran and his beauty queen wife in Modesto, CA.

Cabral will play Hector Tonz, a hustler and occasional drug dealer who is implicated in the murder and attack of the young couple.

Cabral will star opposite Johnny Ortiz, who will play Tony Gutierrez, Alonzo’s son who is eager for independence and sick of his dad’s rules.

Cabral’s credits include appearances in the films Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, End of Watch, The Counselor and Snitch.

Bratt Lending His Voice to “Despicable Me 2”

It’s about to get downright despicable for Benjamin Bratt

The 49-year-old half-Peruvian American actor has signed on to replace Al Pacino as the voice of the villain Eduardo in the animated film Despicable Me 2.

Benjamin Bratt

Bratt, who wrapped up his stint on ABC’s Private Practice earlier this year, will get right to work on the film that Univeral Pictures has slated for a major summer release on July 3.

Despicable Me 2 is the fourth film from Illumination Entertainment and the sequel to its 2010 hit Despicable Me, one of Universal’s most profitable films ever, with north of $540 million worldwide on a $69 million budget.

The sequel is directed by Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin, and scripted by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio.

Bratt’s other movie credits include Snitch, La Mission, The Woodsman and Traffic.

Velazquez Cast as a Series Regular on TNT’s “Major Crimes”

Nadine Velazquez will be going on a Crimes spree this summer…

The 34-year-old Puerto Rican actress has joined the cast of TNT’s drama series Major Crimes as a series regular.

Nadine Velazquez

Velazquez, who starred opposite Denzel Washington in Flight last year, will portray deputy district attorney Emma Rios on the upcoming second season.

Newly assigned to the Phillip Stroh case on the spin-off of TNT’s hit series The Closer, Velazquez’s character Emma interviews Rusty (portrayed by Graham Patrick Martin) about his involvement as a key witness in the murder case. She immediately causes a stir within the department, coming into conflict with Captain Sharon Raydor (Mary McDonnell) when she questions Raydor’s intentions as Rusty’s guardian and challenges her authority.

Velazquez’s television credits include My Name Is Earl, Hart of Dixie, Raising Hope and recent recurring role on FX’s The League.

On the big screen, Velazquez recently appeared in Dwayne Johnson’s Snitch and will next star in Aztec Warrior.

The second season of Major Crimes will premiere on Monday, June 10 on TNT.

Bratt Returning to “Modern Family” as Sofia Vergara’s Ex

If you’ve missed Benjamin Bratt on television since the series finale of Private Practice in January, then you’re in luck.

The 49-year-old half-Peruvian American actor will be reprising his role as Sofia Vergara’s on-screen ex-husband Javier Delgado on Modern Family.

Benjamin Bratt on Modern Family

Bratt, who first appeared on January 6, 2010 during the ABC sitcom’s first season, will be back on Wednesday, April 10. And he’ll be bringing along his new woman, portrayed by Criminal MindsPaget Brewster.

Brewster plays Trish, who is basically Gloria’s opposite: book smart and sophisticated.

“Different from Javier’s usual assortment of bimbos and airheads, Trish is highly ­intelligent and confident,” says executive producer Jeffrey Richman, who co-wrote the episode. “This brings up new and unexpected feelings for ­Gloria, which come out in a fiercely competitive game of Charades.”

Bratt recently starred opposite Dwayne Johnson in the film Snitch.

Pinto Appears on “The Host” Soundtrack

Antonio Pinto is sharing his soul outside with the world…

The 46-year-old Brazilian film score composer appears on the soundtrack to the film adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s novel The Host.

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Pinto opens the film’s 10-track soundtrack, which has been titled The Host: Choose to Listen, with his instrumental theme “Soul Outside.”

Pinto’s previous film credits include Journey to the End of the Night, Central Station, Snitch and Love in the Time of Cholera.

The-Host

Interscope RecordsKIDinaKORNER imprint will release the soundtrack on March 26.

The Host, starring Saoirse Ronan, Max Irons and Jake Abel, will open nationwide on March 29.

Here’s a look at the complete track list:

THE HOST:  CHOOSE TO LISTEN

1.  Soul Outside – Antonio Pinto

2.  Chasing Rubies (Acoustic) – Hudson Taylor

3.  Big Ticket – Duologue

4.  Slowly Freaking Out – Skylar Grey

5.  Making Time – Jamie N Commons

6.  Lost – Die Mason Die

7.  Evening Ceremony – Active Child

8.  Hanging On – Ellie Goulding

9.  Litost – X Ambassadors

10.  Radioactive (The Dirty Tees Remix) – Imagine Dragons