George Lopez to Star in Dito Montiel’s Dramatic Thriller “Afterward”

George Lopez knows where he’s going afterward

The 59-year-old Mexican comedian/actor has joined the cast of Dito Montiel’s dramatic thriller Afterward.

George Lopez

The film centers on a father’s struggle to deal with the passing of his daughter, which leads him on a quest for truth and justice against corruption and small-town politics.

No word yet on what role Lopez will play in the film, but he joins an ensemble that includes Aaron Eckhart and Terrence Howard.

Lionsgate Grindhouse is distributing the film in North America., with Angel Oak Films backing the film and all pre-sold foreign rights.

Afterward will shoot this winter in California. Production was supposed to begin in the spring, but was delayed due to COVID-19.

Montiel made his feature directorial debut with 2006’s A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints. His other credits include Fighting, The Son of No One, Empire State, Boulevard, Man Down and The Clapper.

Lopez starred in ABC’s George Lopez, a situation comedy that ran from 2002 to 2007, as well as headlined the TBS talk show Lopez Tonight for two seasons. On screen, Lopez has starred in Meet the Blacks, River Runs Red, Gnome Alone and The Smurfs.

Lopez is best known for his comic work, but has been branching out of late into other genres. He recently appeared in The Tax Collector, a gritty thriller from David Ayer.

His upcoming projects for Lopez include No Man’s Land, an American western film, directed by Conor Allyn, and co-starring Frank Grillo and Andie MacDowell; as well as Walking With Herb, a comedy film helmed by Ross Marks, and toplined by Edward James Olmos and Kathleen Quinlan.

Vergara to Star in the Revenge Thriller “Bent”

Sofia Vergara is getting bent into shape…

The 44-year-old Colombian American has been cast as one of the leads in the revenge thriller Bent.

Sofia Vergara

From AMBI Media Group / Deadly Codes Productions, the film will also star Karl Urban, and Andy Garcia as leads in the film/

Written and directed by Bobby Moresco, based on characters created by Joseph O’Donnell, Bent follows Danny Gallagher (Urban), a shamed and discredited narcotics detective who, upon his release from prison, makes plans to seek revenge on the accuser who framed him and killed his partner. Through his quest, Gallagher is forced to confront a ruthless, seductive government agent (Vergara), who may or may not be on his side; and his mentor (Garcia), a retired cop who’s fought corruption his entire career.

The film is set to begin filming in Rome this month.

Vergara, best known for her critically acclaimed role on ABC’s Modern Family, has starred in the films The Smurfs, New Year’s Eve, Happy Feet Two,The Three Stooges, Escape from Planet Earth, Machete Kills, Chef and Hot Pursuit.

Lovato to Voice Smurfette in The Smurfs Reboot “Get Smurfy”

Smurf’s up for Demi Lovato

The 22-year-old part-Mexican American actress/singer has joined the cast of Sony Pictures Animation’s fully computer-animated The Smurfs reboot Get Smurfy.

Demi Lovato

Lovato, who recently launched her own record label, will voice Smurfette.

She joins a cast that includes Mandy Patinkin as Papa Smurf and Rainn Wilson as evil wizard Gargamel.

The castings were announced in conjunction with Global Smurfs Day on Sunday.

“We have gathered a group of filmmakers and artists who have grown up with these loveable characters, and Get Smurfy will be imbued with the same spirit of adventure that first made all of us lifelong fans of these little blue guys…and girl,” says Kristine Belson, president of Sony Pictures Animation.

The film, which hews back to Smurfs creator Peyo Culliford’s original style, will follow Smurfette and her fellow blue creatures as they search the Enchanted Forest for the fabled Smurfs Village. The film will answer some long-held questions about the Smurfs, including why there’s only one girl among them.

“We felt it was important to take a very different approach with this origin story. It returns to the roots of Peyo’s creation in this CG-animated adventure,” explains producer Jordan Kerner in a statement. “I hope it will delight not only fans but audiences worldwide. We couldn’t be more excited with the talented new cast we’re starting to assemble for our ‘Smurfy’ reboot. ”

The film is being helmed by Kelly Asbury.

“The continued popularity of the Smurfs is unmistakeable, and this new outing will return them to the fully animated world that launched them,” said Asbury.

Sony Pictures Animation plans to release the film on March 31, 2017.

Vergara to Star in Fading Gigolo

Sofia Vergara has landed a pimped up role…

The 40-year-old Colombian actress and Modern Family star, who allegedly got engaged to boyfriend Nick Loeb last week, will reportedly star in Fading Gigolo, according to Deadline.com.

Sofia Vergara

Written and directed by actor John Turturro, the film revolves around a book store owner with a money-making scheme who convinces his friend (played by Turturro) that a fortune can be made by becoming a professional gigolo.

In addition to Vergara and Turturro, the film stars  Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, Vanessa Paradis and Liev Schreiber.

No word yet on what role Vergara will play in the movie.

In addition to Fading Gigolo, Vergara has signed on to star in two other high-profile projects: The Smurfs sequel and Machete Kills with Jessica Alba and Danny Trejo.

Filming on Fading Gigolo is expected to begin in October.

Vergara Returning to Smurf Village

Sofia Vergara is planning to return to Smurf Village following her scene-stealing moments in The Smurfs

The 39-year-old Colombian actress—who received a Kids’ Choice Award nomination for Favorite Film Actress for her role in the CGI/live-action hybrid film—will participate in the sequel, according to Sony Pictures.

Sofia Vergara at Smurfs Premiere

Filming has reportedly already begun on the sequel with director Raja Gosnell and actors Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays and Hank Azaria, who portrays the evil Gargamel, back at work on the film.

In addition, George Lopez, Katy Perry, Alan Cumming and Anton Yelchin will return to provide the voices of their respective characters, with actress Christina Ricci added as a cast member.

In the second movie, part of the action will take place in Paris. Like the original film, the sequel will combine animation and real images using 3D technology.

The Smurfs, based on the books of Belgian artist Peyo, followed the beloved little blue man-like creatures from their village to the streets of New York City as they tried to escape Gargamel. The 2011 blockbuster earned $560 million worldwide.

The sequel is slated to open in theaters in July 2013.

Gomez Leads the Latino Pack of Kids’ Choice Award Nominees…

So what do Selena Gomez, Sofia Vergara and Victoria Justice have in common? They all run the risk of being slimed this spring!

Nickelodeon has announced the nominees for 25th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards with some of today’s biggest Latino and Latina stars gettin’ some serious love from the tween set.

Selena Gomez

Gomez leads the Latino pack with two nods. The 19-year-old half-Mexican American singer/actress is nominated for Favorite TV Actress for her work on Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place, as well as in the Favorite Female Singer category.

Here’s a look at this year’s Latino/a nominees:

Favorite TV Actress
Selena Gomez
Victoria Justice

Favorite Movie Actress
Sofia Vergara (The Smurfs)

Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie
Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots)

Favorite Music Group
Big Time Rush (with Carlos Peña)
Black Eyed Peas (with Fergie)

Favorite Male Singer
Bruno Mars

Favorite Female Singer
Selena Gomez

Favorite Buttkicker
Jessica Alba

Fans will have the chance to vote for their favorite stars beginning March 1 on Nick.com, as well as via Facebook and Twitter.

The 2012 Kids’ Choice Awards will be handed out on March 31 in Los Angeles.