Caco Ciocler to Star in Disney’s Brazilian Drama Series “Americana”

Caco Ciocler is celebrating Americana

The 51-year-old Brazilian actor will star in the Disney drama series Americana, which centers on the plight of ‘Confederados’ who left the U.S. for Brazil after the American Civil War.

Caco Ciocler, The streaming series, which is for Disney’s Star+ in Brazil, is shooting in São Paulo with a cast including Kaiwi Lyman.

São Paolo production house CineFilm is making the show based on scripts from Maurilio Martins and Manuel Moruzzi. Two six-episode seasons have been ordered ahead of a 2024 launch date.

In addition to Ciocler, other Brazilian actors starring in the project include Andre Ramiro, Bruno Gissoni, Larissa Nunes, Zeze Motta, Thalma de Freitas, David Júnior, Maria Luiza Mendonça, Luciano Quirino, Zahy Tentehar, Lucila Gandolfo, Diego lleske, Arthur Garbe and Ditte Marie le-Fèvreare.

The series is set in Americana, a municipality in the state of São Paulo, during the late 19th century and follows the Confederates who left the U.S. for Brazil after losing the American Civil War. It reportedly follows a police officer and his female slave, who is also a detective, as they uncover the truth behind murders in the town. About 20,000 Confederate subjects — known as Confederados — left America to emigrate to Brazil in the 19th Century.

FX Releases Trailer for Fifth & Final Season of JD Pardo’s “Mayans M.C.”

JD Pardo is revving up for a final ride…

FX has released the trailer for Mayans M.C., starring the 42-year-old Argentine & Salvadoran American actor.

JD PardoThe hot series will premiere its fifth and final season on Wednesday, May 24 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on the network, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.

The premiere will include the first two episodes of the 10-episode final season, with one new episode each following week. The series will be available on Star+ in Latin America and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories.

Mayans M.C. follows the life of Ezekiel “EZ” Reyes (Pardo), president of the Mayans M.C. charter on the Cali/Mexi border. Once a golden boy with the American Dream in his grasp, EZ has now risen to lead his brother Angel (Clayton Cardenas) and the Santo Padre M.C. in a bloody war against their rival Sons of Anarchy. Defending the California territory and patch begins to claim lives within the club and causes strain between EZ and Angel — as one brother devotes himself to the club and the other to family. Felipe (Edward James Olmos) attempts to heal these fractured bonds for the future of the Reyes family.

JR Bourne, Danny Pino, Carla Baratta, Michael Irby, Emilio Rivera, Sarah Bolger, Frankie Loyal, Joseph Lucero, Vincent Vargas, Gino Vento, Emily Tosta and Vanessa Giselle also star.

Mayans M.C. was co-created by Kurt Sutter and Elgin James. The series is executive produced by James and Sutter. The series is produced by 20th Television and FX Productions.

FX Renews Harvey Guillen’s Vampire Comedy “What We Do in the Shadows” for Two More Seasons

Harvey Guillen has more shadow play in his future…

FX has renewed its acclaimed series What We Do in the Shadows, starring the 32-year-old Mexican American actor, has been renewed for both Season 5 and Season 6.

Harvey Guillen

The announcement comes ahead of the vampire comedy’s fourth season premiere.

“There’s a lot of life left in our favorite vampires from Staten Island and FX couldn’t be more thrilled to commit to two additional seasons of this phenomenal series,” said Nick Grad, president of original programming for FX Entertainment. “What We Do in the Shadows excels on every level, from the brilliant cast and surprising guest stars to the producers, writers, directors and crew. We can’t wait for everyone to enjoy season four, knowing that the next two are on the way.”

Season 4 of What We Do in the Shadows will debut on July 12 at 10:00 pm ET with two episodes.

Episodes will be available on Hulu the day after their linear premiere, with the show soon to be available on Star+ in Latin America and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories.

The series is based on the film of the same name by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, who both serve as executive producers on the show.

The TV version follows vampire roommates Nandor (Kayvan Novak), Laszlo (Matt Berry), Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) and Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) as they navigate the modern world of Staten Island with the help of their human familiar, Guillermo (Guillén).

The show has proven popular with audiences and critics alike. Its first two seasons garnered 10 Emmy Award nominations, including one for best comedy series. The third season is currently a contender for more nominations, which will be announced in July.

FX Productions is the studio.

Disney’s Onyx Collective Orders Don Francisco’s Limited U.S. Latino History-Themed Docuseries “Gigante”

Don Francisco is bringing a gigantic Latin immigrant-themed project to life…

Disney’s Onyx Collective has ordered the four-part limited docuseries Gigante from the 81-year-old Chilean television host (real name: Mario Kreutzberger) and Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado filmmakers Alex Fumero and Kareem Tabsch.

Don FranciscoGigante will be streamed exclusively on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America, and Disney+ in all other territories at a future date.

Spanning through four distinct eras in U.S. Latino history, Gigante tells the story of how immigrants from different Latin American countries created a tenuous alliance that would come to harness the social capital, economic prowess, and political influence that forever changed the United States. With the unfettered participation of Don Francisco, access to 53 years of Sabado Gigante archives, and interviews with A-list celebrities, Gigante explores how the longest-running variety show in the history of television helped shape a new demographic and became a political force.

“To say we are enthusiastic about this project would be an understatement,” said Jihan Robinson, vice president of Nonfiction, Onyx and Freeform. “Don Francisco and this series played such a huge role in the lives of the Latinx community and have left a lasting impact on this country. We are thrilled it has found a home with Onyx and to continue the Sabado Gigante legacy.”

Emmy Award-winner Don Francisco is the creator and star of Sabado Gigante, the iconic Spanish-language game show that ran for 53 seasons on Univision earning the Guinness World Record for longest-running variety program.

“I’m at a time in my life where it is more interesting looking backward,” shared Don Francisco. “Where I have the full perspective of not only my 60 years as a professional but also where I’m able to fully analyze Don Francisco and Sabado Gigante’s record-breaking run and what it meant to so many people. I’m beyond happy to have the opportunity to tell the story with this amazing team and thankful to Onyx for helping us bring our show to a brand new audience.”

Tabsch serves as executive producer and director alongside Fumero, who serves as executive producer and showrunner under their Trojan Horse banner. The series is a Foton.Pictures production. The concept was conceived by Fumero and Tabsch.

“Hispanics. Latinos. Latinx. Whatever you may call us or whatever we may call ourselves, so few people understand who we are and where we came from — including us,” Tabsch shared. “Gigante is the definitive Latino origin story told through the lens of Sabado Gigante, one of the most beloved programs in the Spanish-speaking world and a staple in all our homes. The series will tell how a Chilean Jewish immigrant in Miami managed to shape the way that millions of other immigrants from dozens of nationalities across the Western Hemisphere identified themselves, bringing us all closer together and forever changing the face of the United States and Latin America in the process.”

“This is an extremely personal project for us and is very much part of our DNA as a company,” adds Carlos Enrique Cuscó, CEO of Foton.Pictures. “Bringing impactful and relevant stories to the foreground with such hugely talented creative partners like Kareem and Alex is the reason we got into this business. To now partner with Onyx Collective and get the opportunity to share our story as Latinos, with the participation of Don Francisco, is a dream come true. We could not be more honored to be producing this ambitious project with Onyx Collective and Trojan Horse.”

William Levy to Star in Pantaya’s Dramatic Thriller “Montecristo”

William Levy is ready to thrill…

The 41-year-old Cuban actor and former telenovela star will be leading the cast of the newly announced dramatic thriller Montecristo, from Pantaya and Secuoya Studios.

William Levy

Levy’s new series is set in Havana, Madrid, and Miami.

Based on Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, the series tells the story of Alejandro Montecristo (Levy), an enigmatic figure who bursts into the public eye and raises concerns amongst the world’s elite because of the mysterious origins of his fortune.

He’s the founder and CEO of a new technology company that has incited the envy and interest of many, among those is Fernando Alvarez Mondego – a businessman connected to the Spanish aristocracy who wants to acquire the Montecristo startup. What Fernando doesn’t know is that Montecristo is someone he knew decades ago and the reason for his emergence is fueled purely by revenge.

“I’ve been drawn to the story of The Count of Montecristo since my youth,” Levy tells Deadline in an exclusive statement. “He’s a mysterious figure driven in his pursuit of justice and vengeance, which are powerful themes that resonate universally. I am so thrilled to be partnering with Secuoya Studios and Pantaya to bring this story to life in a way that has never been seen before.”

“Montecristo is our newest modernized premium classic series,” adds Mario Almeida, Head of Content for Pantaya. “This story of vengeance and passion has unforgettable characters at its core, and the new take on this timeless story is brilliantly conceived. We feel there is no better partnership to serve revenge coldly.”

Levy began his career in the Spanish-language market where he quickly rose to become to one of the most sought out talents where he remains today. He expanded his reach with U.S. audiences in the 2000s with roles in Tyler Perry’s The Single Moms ClubGirls Trip opposite Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Resident Evil: The Final Chapter; and most notably on the small screen as a regular in Lee Daniels’ Star.

“We are extremely proud in our multiple project slate with Pantaya and William, they both are an integral part of our expansion plan in the Americas and the world,” said David Martinez, head of fiction, and Sergio Pizzolante, head of the U.S. and Latin America from Secuoya Studios, respectively.

The television adaptation is written by Lidia Fraga and Jacobo Díaz and will be directed by Alberto Ruiz-Rojo. The series is produced by David Martinez and executive produced by Secuoya Studios and Sergio Pizzolante. Levy and his producing partner Jeff Goldberg will also serve as executive producers.

The series will premiere on Pantaya in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

AMC Networks’ Streaming Service AllBlk Gives Series Order to Meagan Good’s “A La Carte”

Meagan Good is ordering a la carte

AMC Networks’ streaming service AllBlk has given a series order to millennial dating dramedy À La Carte, executive produced by the 40-year-old part-Puerto Rican actress.

Meagan Good

The series hails from Breanna Hogan and executive producers Dijon Talton and Good.

The series follows one girl’s journey to the last place she ever thought she would end up…on the side. It’s been described as a cross between Sex & The City, Girlfriends and Insecure.

The six-episode show is centered around Mahogany Rose, an overachiever in her 20’s who’s had high moral standards her entire life… until now. After adopting a more ‘liberal’ approach to sex and dating, she finally lands the man of her dreams, Kaleb. There’s just one problem. He’s already spoken for. Accustomed to being number one, Mahogany must decide if she will stick to her preference of being the one and only – or step out of her comfort zone and learn to play number two.

It was created, written and exec produced by Hogan, with Talton, who starred as Matt Rutherford on Glee, directing and exec producing via his The Talton Company.

Good, who has starred in series like Minority Report and Star and had a recurring role on Prodigal Son, will also executive produce alongside Katrina Y. Nelson (Lace) and Christopher O’Conner, who will produce for Prodigi Arts Entertainment. Angela White will serve as producer. General Manager, Brett Dismuke, and SVP of Development & Production, Nikki Love will serve as executive producers for AllBlk.

Casting is currently underway with production set to begin in mid-November.

“AllBlk has had an exciting year of premieres, and 2022 is gearing up to be just as exciting, if not more so,” said Brett Dismuke, General Manager of AllBlk & WEtv. “Tales of the dating scene today are ripe for great storytelling, and the plot of À La Carte is a tale that is sure to ignite passionate conversations and fiery debates among friend circles everywhere.”

Talton added, “We are so excited to have À La Carte as our first production at the newly formed, The Talton Company. À La Carte is full of young, beautiful, bold, and nuanced Black characters who are funny, flawed, and on an intimate journey to figure out their lives. It’s the revolutionary act of just existing in Black love and joy for an age group of friends that often goes underserved in Hollywood. We couldn’t be prouder and more excited to partner with AllBlk on bringing this special gem to life.”

La La Anthony Lands Recurring Role on Showtime’s “The Chi”

La La Anthony is heading to Chicago’s South Side…

The 38-year-old Afro-Puerto Rican actress and television personality has landed a recurring role on Season 3 of Showtime’s The Chi.

La La Anthony

Created and executive produced by Lena Waithe and executive produced by CommonThe Chi is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents in Chicago’s South Side who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption.

In Season 3, Anthony will play Dominique “Dom” Morris, a savvy businesswoman with dreams of more lucrative opportunities. 

The season three cast includes Ntare Guma Mbaho MwineJacob LatimoreAlex HibbertYolonda Ross and Shamon Brown Jr. 

The Chi is produced by Fox 21 Television Studios.

Production is underway on Season 3 with new showrunner and executive producer Justin Hillian.

Anthony’s previous credits include television appearances on Power, Star and Daytime Divas.

Camila Perez to Appear on FX’s Limited Series “Teacher”

Camila Perez is about to be schooled

The Colombian actress is set to appear on FX’s limited series Teacher.

Camila Perez

Kate Mara and Nick Robinson will star in the 10-episode series, which is based on Hannah Fidell’s buzzy 2013 Sundance Film Festival feature, starring and executive produced by Mara.

A Teacherexplores the story behind the mugshot of a female high school teacher (Mara) caught in an affair with her male student (Robinson), revealing the complexities and consequences of these illegal relationships. 

Perez will appear in a recurring role, alongside Rya KihlstedtCameron Moulène and Ciara Bravo. Series regulars include Ashley Zukerman, Marielle ScottShane Harper and Adam David Thompson

Fidell, who wrote, directed and produced the film, will pen the adaptation, direct and executive produce the limited series.

Perezportrays Alison, Eric’s socially conscious and well-meaning ex-girlfriend. Bravoportrays Mary.

Perez recently recurred on Starand Gotham.

Bravo played Emma on Red Band Society.She was most recently seen on YouTube’s Wayne, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.Dand NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

Benjamin Bratt’s Cancelled Fox Series “Star” May Return with a TV Movie

Benjamin Bratt’s star could shine again soon…

The 55-year-old half-Peruvian American actor’s cancelled Fox musical drama Star could return as a televised movie, according to show’s co-creator Lee Daniels.

Star

“The bad news is that Star is not getting picked up for series,” said Daniels in a video post on Instagram, calling the explanation “too long of a story to cry about.”

“The good news is: we’re doing a movie of the week to wrap things up for you all,” he said, adding, “We’re going to make something real special for you to scream about, with all of our cast members – even the dead ones.”

Star, a drama series about three girls’ rise to fame, was cancelled in May after three seasons on the air. Co-created by Daniels and Tom Donaghy, the show was produced by 20th Century Fox Television and Lee Daniels EntertainmentJude Demorest.

Bratt starred alongside Ryan DestinyBrittany O’GradyQueen LatifahQuincy Brownand Amiyah Scottin the series.

William Levy Lands Series Regular Role on Fox’s Music Drama Series “Star”

William Levy’s star is on the rise…

The 37-year-old Cuban actor is joining the cast of Fox’s music drama series Star as a new series regular for the upcoming third season.

William Levy

Levy will play Mateo Ferrera, a driven media mogul who can charm the devil into church. He is rich, successful, smooth as silk and married to his equal, Nina Ferrera, played by Camila Banus. Mateo makes and breaks his own rules as he sprints toward success. The first generation son of immigrant parents, he is determined to make his mark and build his legacy by any means necessary.

Co-created by Lee Daniels and Tom DonaghyStar follows three talented singers – running from their pasts and desperate for a new start – with ambitions of stardom, as they navigate the cutthroat music business.

The large ensemble cast includes Queen Latifah, Benjamin Bratt, Jude Demorest, Ryan DestinyBrittany O’Grady, Amiyah Scott, Quincy Brown, Miss LawrenceMichael Michele, Stephen Dorff and Luke James.

Telenovela star Levy’s Spanish-language Triunfo Del Amor was the most watched scripted series on American television. On the film side, Levy appeared in Lionsgate’s Addicted, Universal’s Term Life alongside Vince Vaughn, and most recently, Universal’s blockbuster Girls Trip.