Fernanda Andrade to Star in Fox Drama Pilot “neXt”

Posted on March 4, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Fernanda Andrade’s got next!

The 34-year-old Brazilian actress/model has been cast in the Fox drama pilot “neXt,” according to Variety.

She joins previously announced cast member Eve Harlow.

neXt is described as a fact-based thriller grounded in the latest A.I. research. It features a brilliant but paranoid former tech CEO who joins a Homeland Cybersecurity Agent and her team to stop the world’s first artificial intelligence crisis: the emergence of a rogue A.I. with the ability to continuously improve itself.

Andrade will play Shea, an FBIagent with the cybercrime division. Shea has overcome a troubled, sometimes violent past in her home country to become the youngest agent to run her own cyber division.

Andrade recently appeared in The First, NCIS: Los Angelesand Here and Now. She’ll also appear in Season 2 of Narcos: Mexicoon Netflix.

Her other television credits include Sons of Anarchy, Scorpionand Kingdom.

Manny Coto, who previously worked on Fox shows like 24 and 24: Legacy, will write and executive produce neXt. Twentieth Century Fox Televisionwill produce.

Ortiz to Guest Star on TBS’ “The Guest Book”

Posted on January 15, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

John Ortiz has signed in…

The 48-year-old Puerto Rican actor will guest star on TBS’ The Guest Book, the new 10-episode comedy series from My Name Is Earl’s Greg Garcia.

The Guest Book emerged from Garcia’s habit of writing fictitious stories in the guest books of various rental cabins in an effort to freak out the next renters. Now he is bringing some of those stories to life on screen centering on the vacation home Froggy Cottage and its visitors. While the house and cast of characters living in this small mountain town remain the same, each episode will feature a different set of vacationing guests.

The anthology-style show, written by Garcia and executive produced by him and Alix Jaffe, will premiere in August.

It will star Kellie Martin (Army Wives), Charlie Robinson (Hart of Dixie), Aloma Wright (Suits), Carly Jibson (Broadway’s Hairspray), Lou Wilson (Tween Fest), Garret Dillahunt (The Mindy Project), Laura Bell Bundy (Scream Queens) and Eddie Steeples (My Name Is Earl).

Martin will play Officer Kimberly Leahy, who serves on the police force in the small mountain town of Mount Trace. Robinson is Wilfrid, an easygoing, friendly gentleman who manages a group of mountain rental cottages with his wife, Emma, played by recurring guest star Wright. Jibson is Vivian, a tough, strong-willed woman who runs a bikini bar called Chubbys with her stepson Frank, played by Wilson.

In addition to Ortiz, other guest stars include Danny Pudi (Community), Jenna Fischer (The Office), Tommy Dewey (The Mindy Project), Lauren Lapkus (Orange Is the new Black), Michaela Watkins (Casual), Mary Lynn Rajskub (24), Michael Rapaport (Sully), Kate Micucci (Raising Hope), Jaime Pressly (My Name Is Earl), Stockard Channing (The Good Wife), Andrew J. West (The Walking Dead), David Zayas (Gotham), Shannon Woodward (Westworld), Margo Martindale (The Good Wife) and Stephnie Weir (The Comedians).

Peña Lands Series Regular Role on Fox’s Pilot “24: Legacy”

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Coral Peña is building her Hollywood legacy…

The Latina actress has been cast as a series regular opposite Miranda Otto and Corey Hawkins in Fox’s pilot 24: Legacy, a reboot of the network’s iconic 24 franchise with brand new characters and cast.

Written by 24 veterans Manny Coto and Evan Katz and directed by Stephen Hopkins, who helmed the original 24 pilot, 24: Legacy chronicles military hero Eric Carter’s (Hawkins) return to the U.S. and the trouble that follows him back – compelling him to ask CTU for help in saving his life, and stopping what potentially could be one of the largest-scale terror attacks on American soil.

Bucatinsky will play Andy, a communication analyst at CTU who has enjoyed Rebecca’s (Otto) trust and is unhappily paired with bright, young, self-taught computer analyst Gia (Pena).

She joins previously announced cast members Teddy Sears, Anna Diop and Jimmy Smits.

Peña, a Hollywood newcomer, previously appeared on CBS’ Blue Bloods.

Torres to Star in Title Role in ABC’s Drama Pilot “The Death of Eva Sofia Valdez”

Posted on March 5, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Death has knocked on Gina Torres’ door…

The 46-year-old Cuban American actress and Suits star has been cast as the lead in ABC’s drama pilot The Death of Eva Sofia Valdez.

Don’t despair! Torress’ casting shouldn’t impact her status on the popular USA drama series, which just ended its fifth season and has been renewed for Season 6. Torres is expected to remain a regular through season 6, fulfilling her six-year contract, with her character likely getting phased out.

Written by Cuban-American playwright Charise Castro Smith, The Death of Eva Sofia Valdez is described as a sexy revenge drama with supernatural elements and Macbeth with a Cuban twist.

It centers on Eva Sofia Valdez (Torres), an immigrant who rose from rags to riches and is a celebrated Miami entrepreneur and a champion for immigrant rights. But the success of this ” modern-day Havana-born Cleopatra” is fueled by an insatiable ambition that could destroy her family, a vendetta against the lover who betrayed her, and ghosts from the past who threaten to reveal the dark sacrifices Eva Sofia made to attain the American Dream.

Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters executive produce alongside Castro Smith for ABC Studios.

This would mark the first series lead role for the Firefly and 24 alumna who has been a standout on Suits as the smart and decisive Jessica Pearson. She also recurred on NBC’s Hannibal and ABC’s Revenge.

Televisa USA to Adapt Spain’s Hit Drama Series “Gran Hotel” in English

Posted on September 26, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Spain’s Downton Abbey is getting an English makeover…

Televisa USA is breaking ground on Gran Hotel, an English-language adaptation of the popular Spanish series.

Stephen Kronish, the executive producer of 24 and The Kennedys, will pen the project, which will move the setting for the mystery drama from 1905 Spain to pre-Castro Havanam Cuba.

In the new version, following his sister’s disappearance, Julio is led on a dangerous journey that takes him to the opulent Gran Hotel, a frequent getaway for the rich, powerful, famous and infamous and into the arms of the sexy daughter of the hotel’s wealthy owner.

“It was a time when mobsters, politicians and celebrities flocked to Havana, the world’s most exotic and permissive playground,” said Chris Philip, head of Production and Distribution at Televisa USA. “Setting Gran Hotel in a sexy, sinful atmosphere offers up a rich fusion of glamour and intrigue deeply rooted in an exceptional murder mystery format with a proven global footprint.”

Televisa USA, a subsidiary of the Mexican media company Grupo Televisa, is teaming up with Lantica Media for the series, which will be shot at Lantica’s Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios.

It’s one of several projects planned for Lantica to co-develop and co-finance with Televisa.

Televisa USA plans to shop the series to U.S. and international buyers.

The original Gran Hotel was created and produced by Bambu Producciones and ran on Spain’s Antena 3 for three seasons, with its first season reaching a 18.5% share.

Dubbed “a Spanish Downton Abbey,” the original series has been a top international seller for Beta Films, which is co-producing an Italian version airing on RAI. As a finished series, Gran Hotel has been sold to networks in France, the UK and Russia.

Gallegos’ “American Sniper” Breaks All-Time Christmas Day Record at the Box Office

Posted on December 26, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a very Merry Christmas for Reynaldo Gallegos…

The Latino actor’s latest film project, American Sniper, has launched impressively in its Christmas Day debut.

Warner Bros.’ “Sniper,” starring Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller, has a stellar performance with $240,212 at four venues — breaking the all-time record for a limited release under 10 screens on Christmas Day.

It played in Dallas, Los Angeles and New York.

Clint Eastwood directed the R-rated American Sniper from a script by Jason Hall, based on Chris Kyle’s autobiography about his tour of duty in Iraq and his struggles as a father and husband.

Warner Bros. will expand American Sniper into a nationwide release on January 16 — the day after Oscar nominations are announced.

Gallegos stars as Tony in the film.

His previous credits include Gang Related, Sons of Anarchy, 24, Prison Break, NYPD Blue, Castle, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and NCIS: Los Angeles.

His feature film credits include Bad Boys II, Rambo 4 and Spider-Man 3.

Ramirez Upped to Series Regular on Starz’s “Power”

Posted on August 16, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

J.R. Ramirez is powering up…

The 33-year-old Latino actor, who recurred on the first season of Starz’s drama series Power, has been promoted to regular for the show’s second season.

Power centers on wealthy New York City nightclub owner James “Ghost” St. Patrick (portrayed by Omari Hardwick), who is living a double life as a kingpin.

Ramirez portrays Julio, second in command to Tommy (Joseph Sikora).

Ramirez, who portrayed Dr. A.J. Aquino on Emily Owens M.D., was also recently cast as Ted “Wildcat” Grant on the upcoming third season of the CW‘s Arrow.

His other television credits include GCB, 24 and Hacienda Heights.

Parrilla Reportedly Ties the Knot with Fiance Fred Di Blasio

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

The Evil Queen has found her real-life king…

Lana Parrilla, who portrays the evil queen/Regina on ABC’s Once Upon a Time, married her beau on the sly, according to Us Weekly, just before filming began on the show’s fourth season.

The 37-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress was also reportedly spotted wearing two rings on her left hand at several recent events.

Parrilla was engaged to boyfriend Fred Di Blasio last year during a holiday trip to the Negev, Israel.

“Being up there has given me the freedom to invest in a relationship,” she said of her relationship in an interview while shooting the fairytale series in Canada. “It’s been slightly rewarding.”

In addition to playing one of the main characters on Once Upon a Time, Parrilla was also once a series regular on Spin City, Boomtown, 24, Windfall, Swingtown and Miami Medical.

NBC Acquires U.S. broadcast rights to EuropaCorp Television‘s “Taxi Brooklyn,” Starring José Zúñiga

Posted on March 27, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

José Zúñiga is Brooklyn bound…

NBC has acquired the U.S. broadcast rights to EuropaCorp Television‘s action/comedy series Taxi Brooklyn, starring the Honduran-born American actor.

The 12-episode series, based on Luc Besson‘s Taxi feature film franchise, stars Grey’s Anatomy alumna Chyler Leigh and Inglourious Basterds’ Jacky Ido.

Leigh portrays Detective Caitlyn “Cat” Sullivan, who is determined to find out the truth about the death of her father, an New York PD detective who was killed in the line of duty. When her stubborn character and recklessness behind the wheel see her demoted to foot patrol, she teams with the highly skilled and charming Marseille-born cabbie Leo Romba. Realizing Leo lied on his immigration form, Cat offers him a deal: in exchange for his driving prowess and taxi, she will help Leo with his papers situation. He becomes her personal driver and police consultant as they race through the streets of New York City solving cases.

Formerly known as Taxi: Brooklyn South, Taxi Brooklyn was shot in English in the titular borough along with Manhattan and Queens.

No word on Zúñiga’s character in the series, which NBC plans to debut the series this summer.

Former Blue Bloods co-star Jennifer Esposito, Ally Walker, James Colby, Bill Heck and Raul Casso round out the cast.

The series hails from EuropaCorp Television with the participation of France’s TF1 which starts airing the series April 14.

Zúñiga’s previous television credits include 24, Prison Break, CSI: Miami, The Event, Scandal, Person of Interest and Dexter.

Gallegos to Star in Clint Eastwood’s New Film “American Sniper”

Posted on March 22, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Rey Gallegos is getting Clint Eastwood’s SEAL of approval…

The Latino actor, one of the stars of Fox’s upcoming action-drama Gang Related, has joined the cast of the legendary actor-turned-director’s latest film American Sniper.

Starring Bradley Cooper as decorated marksman Chris Kyle, the film is based on Kyle’s memoir American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History.

Gallegos will portray Tony, chief of a U.S. Navy SEALs team and one of the instructors during Kyle’s training.

In addition to Cooper and Gallegos, the film also stars Navid Negahban, Eric Close and Eric Ladin.

Filming on the Warner Bros. project is set to start at the end of March in Morocco.

Gallegos’ previous credits include appearances on Sons of Anarchy, Castle, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Saving Grace, Cold Case, 24 and Prison Break.

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