Tubi Acquires Rights to Olivia Goncalves’ Former Max Series “Gordita Chronicles”

Olivia Goncalves is preparing for a tubi-ular time…

The Max original Gordita Chronicles, starring the Latina actress, is getting a second life on Tubi after the company acquired the rights to Season 1 and will be the exclusive AVOD home of the comedy.

Olivia Goncalves

All 10 episodes of the single-cam series will be available on March 29 at 7:30 a.m. PT.

Created by Claudia Forestieri based on her real-life childhood experiences, Gordita Chronicles is about family, opportunity, love, resilience and boldly defying the status quo in pursuit of the “American Dream.”

It tells the story of Cucu “Gordita” Castelli (Goncalves), who has just said goodbye to all of her friends and family in Santo Domingo and moved to Miami with her marketing executive father Víctor (Juan Javier Cardenas), bold and vivacious mother Adela (Diana-Maria Riva) and status-obsessed older sister Emilia (Savannah Nicole Ruiz). While life in America is far from what they imagined, the Castellis are determined to take charge of their strange new world.

Additionally,  Dascha Polanco voiced adult Cucu.

The series also boasted a list of executive producers with big names from Latino Hollywood like Eva Longoria, who also directed the pilot, and Zoe Saladana alongside her sisters/producing partners, Cisely and Mariel Saldana. Additional EPs are Josh Berman, Jennifer Robinson and Christopher King.

Gordita ChroniclesGordita Chronicles was one of the only series showing an authentic representation of a Latino family living in the U.S. Max canceled the series last summer as the streamer decided to pull back on live-action kids and family programming following WarnerMedia’s acquisition by Discovery. The show’s studio Sony Pictures Television was also behind the series One Day at a Time—also a show about a Latino family— developed by Gloria Calderón Kellett and Mike Royce, which found a second and third life at PopTV and CBS following Netflix’s cancellation after three seasons.

“Thanks to the tireless folks at Sony and my favorite new streamer Tubi, Gordita lives! Beyond happy to give the shows’ fans another chance to view our episodes and looking forward to sharing them with a new audience, too,” Forestieri, who also served as co-showrunner, writer and Executive producer, tells Deadline in an exclusive statement.

Adds co-showrunner and executive producer Brigitte Muñoz-Liebowitz, “We’re so thrilled that Gordita Chronicles now has a home at Tubi. This is a huge win for comedy, for underrepresented audiences, and for fans who have been relentless in their support of the show. It gives me hope that all the stories and incredible creative work we lost in the streaming purge can continue to live on.”

Tubi Acquires North American Rights to Alberto Ammann’s Tense Drama-Thriller “Upon Entry”

Alberto Ammann’s latest Entry is headed to North America…

Tubi has acquired North American rights to Spanish and English-language thriller Upon Entry, starring the 45-year-old Argentine and Spanish actor, from French sales firm Charades and Anonymous Content Independent.

Alberto Ammann, Upon EntryThe SXSW film from writer-directors Alejandro Rojas and Juan Sebastián Vásquez, which recently received three Spirit Award nominations and three Goya Awards nominations, will launch on the ad-supported platform on December 12.

The tense drama-thriller Upon Entry finds a couple held and interrogated by border agents determined to see if they have something to hide.

In addition to Ammann, the cast comprises Bruna Cusí, Ben Temple and Laura Gómez.

Internationally, the film has played at festivals including San Sebastian, Tallinn and Thessaloniki.

The films Spirit Award nominations include Best First Feature and Best First Screenplay, while the Goya Awards nominations came for Best Actor, Best Screenplay and Best New Director.

Tubi Picks Up Haley Sanchez’s “Generation,” Now Airing All 16 Episodes of Series

Haley Sanchez is preparing for the next generation

Generation (Genera+ion), the HBO Max original starring the Latina actress, has been picked up by Tubi, with all 16 episodes of the series now available.

Haley Sanchez, GenerationsCreated by Zelda Barnza and Daniel BarnzGeneration centers on a diverse group of high school students whose fearless exploration of identity and sexuality challenges the antiquated social norms embedded in their conservative community. As they navigate the intricacies of growing up with the help (and hindrance) of their ever-present devices and social media, they lean on one another to cultivate unique voices and stamp their individuality on the world around them.

Generation was short-lived on the Warner Bros. Discovery streamer and although it was full of rich characters with plenty to explore for a second season, it was canceled after its first season.

The show was recently removed from HBO Max as WBD explores new strategies and strikes deals with FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) providers.

In addition to Sanchez, the ensemble cast of the dramedy includes Nathanya Alexander, Chloe East, Nava Mau, Lukita Maxwell, Uly Schlesinger, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and Chase Sui Wonders with Justice Smith and Martha Plimpton.

Recurring guest stars include J. August Richards, Mary Birdsong, Alicia Coppola, Patricia De Leon, Diego Josef, Anthony Kevyan, Sydney Mae Diaz, John Ross Bowie, Marwan Salama, Marisela Zumbado and Sam Trammell.

Erica Mena to Reprise Role in Tubi’s Original Thriller “The Stepmother 2”

Erica Mena is stepping up…

The 34-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American actress will star in The Stepmother 2, which has received the green light from Tubi.

Erica MenaFrom Marques Houston and Chris Stokes, the original thriller is a sequel to The Stepmother, with Mena portraying the role of Elizabeth Carter/Diana Valdez.

The project is slated to premiere in December.

The Stepmother 2 picks up after Elizabeth, a woman with dissociative identity disorder, cheats death in a showdown with the Linbrook family, as she breaks free from the hospital with a new mission— find a new family and live happily ever after. Yet, as much as she longs for normalcy, she can’t escape her tormented past and will fight to protect her fairy tale at all costs.

The cast will also include Daniel Johnson in the role of Kevin Smith, a loving, caring father who has fallen in love with a woman that he knows as Diana, who we know as Elizabeth Carter. Kevin becomes conflicted when his ex-wife shows up and wants to reconcile; LaVell Thompson Jr. as Dustin Smith, Kevin’s teenage son who also happens to love his new mother figure, Diana. Dustin has questions when his real mother shows up out of nowhere after 10 years; Wesley Jonathan as Chris Harris, a retired cop, now private investigator, who happens to be Kevin’s best friend. Chris is very smart and observant. He becomes suspicious of Diana almost immediately; Judi Johnson as Janet Smith, Kevin’s ex-wife who shows up after 10 years of no communication following the death of their daughter. She wants to reconcile, but Kevin doesn’t feel the same.

The thriller also stars Houston, Justin Sweat, Michael Toland, Alfred Nolan Thomas and Billie King in undisclosed roles.

The Stepmother 2 is directed by Stokes who executive produces alongside Houston, with Juanita Stokes, president of Footage Films, serving as producer.

Mena’s previous credits include Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, CSI: Cyber and Master of None.

Tubi Renews La La Anthony’s Adult Animated Comedy “The Freak Brothers” for Second Season

La La Anthony has more Freak moments in her future…

Tubi has given a Season 2 renewal to The Freak Brothers, featuring the 39-year-old television personality, author, businesswoman, producer and actress, for premiere in December.

La La AnthonyThe streaming service has ordered eight episodes of the adult animated comedy – its first animated original series – based on Gilbert Shelton’s cult classic underground comic.

In addition to Anthony, its all-star voice cast includes Woody Harrelson, John GoodmanPete DavidsonTiffany Haddish, Adam Devine, Blake Anderson, Andrea Savage and rapper ScHoolboy Q. They are all returning for the second season.

The series’ renewal follows strong viewership for season 1, which the streamer says delivered nearly twice as many viewers as the No. 2 series on the platform in its first seven weeks (November 14-January 3).

Based on Shelton’s The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers, the series chronicles the escapades of a trio of stoner anti-establishment characters and their cat who wake up from a 50-year nap after smoking a magical strain of weed in 1969, and must adjust to life with a new family in present-day San Francisco.

“We’re excited to bring back our favorite trio of Freaks – and their trippy pet Kitty – for another wild season,” said Adam Lewinson, Chief Content Officer, Tubi. “The Freak Brothers has received overwhelming reception since its debut in November and has been a key driver in our growing adult comedy offering, cementing Tubi as a destination for adult animation.”

Produced by WTG Enterprises and distributed by LionsgateThe Freak Brothers is executive produced by Courtney Solomon and Mark Canton, along with showrunners Alan Cohen and Alan Freedland.

“We’re thrilled to embark on another even more freaky trip with Adam Lewinson, Rachel Koehler and the fantastic teams at Tubi, Fox and Lionsgate. And we’re most excited for our fans to twist one up and enjoy Season Two,” said EP Solomon.

Critiquing the Establishment, while satirizing counterculture at the same time, Shelton’s comics sold more than 45 million copies in 16 languages. Starburns Industries and Pure Imagination Studios, the studios behind Rick & Morty and The Simpsons: Brick Like Me, handled the animation for Season One.

“We’re pleased to continue our ‘trip’ with Fox and Tubi on a hilarious second season of The Freak Brothers,” said Lionsgate President of Domestic Television Distribution Ryan Lowerre. “With a fresh and inventive spin for their second season, Freewheelin’ Franklin, Fat Freddy, Phineas T. Phreakers and Kitty are ready to continue to grow the show’s audience.”

Camilla Belle to Star in Tubi’s Rom-Com “10 Truths About Love”

Camilla Belle is on a mission to find the truth…

The 34-year-old Brazilian American actress will star in Tubi’s romantic comedy feature 10 Truths About Love

Camilla Belle

Belle will portray Carina, a relationship columnist for whom, despite her professional expertise, love does not come easy.

The film also stars David Lafontaine as Liam, Belle’s love interest.

“We are delighted to have Camilla Belle star in our Tubi Original Movie for Valentine’s Day,” said Adam Lewinson, Chief Content Officer at Tubi. “Camilla’s charismatic performance is perfectly paired with the charming screenplay for 10 Truths About Love, and we’re so pleased that this movie will anchor our Valentine’s programming event with thousands of bingeable romantic titles.”

10 Truths About Love also stars Sebastian Marziali (Party Mamas), David Keeley (Warehouse 13), Kelsey Verzotti (Top 10 Dorothy), Paula Rivera (Impulse), Maya Cieszynska (And He Was Gone), Karn Kalra (The Dictator’s Playbook), Robert Ifedi (Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker), Danielle Verayo (The Next Step), Jennifer de Lucia (Jupiter’s Legacy), Kristen Kurnik (Designated Survivor), Neil Crone (New York Minute) and Carly Street (The Handmaid’s Tale).

Brian Roberts serves as director and Ryan Brown and David Perrault serve as cinematographers. Shannon Latimer wrote the script.

10 Truths About Love is scheduled for release in February 2022 and will headline Tubi’s Valentine’s Day programming. Romance is a popular genre on Tubi, which features many romance titles. This month, those titles include How Stella Got Her Groove BackFour Weddings and a FuneralBeyond the Lights, Message in a Bottle, The Preacher’s Wife, John Tucker Must Die, Career Opportunitiesthe Tubi summer original movie A Chance for Christmas and From Prada to Nada, starring Belle.

Belle recently starred in the Hulu series Dollface and starred opposite Daniel Day-Lewis in The Ballad of Jack and Rose, directed by Rebecca Miller. Later that year, she joined the ensemble cast of The Chumscrubber, with Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Allison Janney and Jamie Bell, and starred with Edie Falco in The Quiet, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.

Additionally, she played the lead role in the hit remake of the 1979 thriller When a Stranger Calls, which opened at the top of the box office to $21.6M. She previously co-starred in À Deriva, a feature in her native language of Portuguese, starring Vincent Cassel. Belle also starred in the sci-fi thriller Push, with Chris Evans and Dakota Fanning, as well as 10,000 B.C., directed by Roland Emmerich.

She also starred in the romantic comedy From Prada to Nada and in the dramas Amapola, a bilingual (Spanish/English) Argentinian film; Open Road, another bilingual (Portuguese/English) film, opposite Andy Garcia and Juliette LewisThe American Side, opposite Matthew Broderick; and The Mad Whale, opposite James Franco. She also is a producer and director, and her feature directorial debut can be seen in the anthology thriller Phobias.

Tubi Acquires Streaming Rights to Robert Rodriguez’s Sci-Fi Horror Film”Red 11″ & Companion Docuseries

Life is but a stream for Robert Rodriguez

Tubi has scored the exclusive streaming rights to the 51-year-old Mexican American filmmaker and visual effects supervisor’s sci-fi horror film Red 11as well as his docuseries The Robert Rodriguez Film School.

Robert Rodriguez

Red 11 is based on Rodriguez’s experiences in a medical research facility to finance his first feature El Mariachi

The film, which made its world premiere at SXSW and went on to play in the Directors Fortnightsection at the Cannes Film Festival, is set in the dark, twisted world of legal drug research. College kids turn lab rats to make quick money. The film’s protagonist Rob (who is assigned the color and number Red 11), is trying to buy his way out of a huge debt to the tune of $7K. But things get surreal when he’s not sure if the hospital is really trying to kill him, or if it’s side effects from the experimental drugs.

Red 11 will hit the free ad-supported streaming service in the U.S., Canada and Mexico this summer.

Robert Rodriguez Film School is the companion piece to Red 11that explains the director’s guerrilla filmmaking process, while speaking to filmmakers and entrepreneurs alike on overcoming the perceived limitations of time, budget and other variables.

“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Tubi to deliver Red 11and its accompanying Film School docuseries free of charge and easily accessible to all audiences,” said Rodriguez. “I made both Red 11and the Film School series to celebrate the 25th anniversary of El Mariachi, and this project shows truly actionable methods using my no crew, micro budget filmmaking style that will inspire others to make their own films and have their voices be heard. These are both dream projects of mine, an entertaining culmination of ideas and ruminations on the creative process that also highlight the heightened sense of spirituality that comes from dancing with creativity when there is an absence of the usual financial resources. In other words, ‘low budget fun.’”

Red 11 and the story of how Robert made this movie is inspirational to up-and-coming filmmakers,” said Adam Lewinson, Chief Content Officer, Tubi. “We are thrilled to amplify Robert’s message to the next generation of filmmakers as a part of our commitment to helping independent films find a wide audience.”

Tubi counts more than 20K movies and TV series – more than double the size of Netflix. This month it was announced that Tubi will launch in Mexico with TV Azteca, one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language TV programming in the world. 

Tubi is available on Hisensetelevisions, Android and iOS mobile devices, Amazon Echo ShowGoogle Nest Hub MaxComcast Xfinity X1Cox Contour, and on OTT devices like Amazon Fire TVVizio TVs, SonyTVs, SamsungTVs, RokuApple TVChromecastAndroidTV, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.