Juani Feliz Tapped to Lead CBS’ Potential “The Equalizer” Spinoff

Posted on January 18, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Juani Feliz may be equalizing her career soon…

The 36-year-old Dominican actress and Titus Welliver have been tapped as the two leads of CBS‘ potential spinoff from The Equalizer.

The Queen Latifah procedural will introduce the two new characters, which could anchor their own series, in Episode 516 this season.

Welliver will play Hudson Reed, a former top CIA operative with a dark secret who is connected to Robin McCall (Queen Latifah) by an old mentor.

Feliz plays Samantha Reed who has been trained by her father to be a weapons expert, skilled martial artist and true chameleon all while hiding a mysterious past.

Both Welliver and Feliz have been cast as guest stars with series regular options for the potential spinoff.

Episode 516, written by Joseph C. Wilson who’ll serve as executive producer on the potential series, will air in the spring.

It’s not designated as a backdoor pilot. CBS has been taking a more informal approach with its lead offshoot characters in storylines integrated into regular episodes of the mothership series, something the network has done twice now on Fire Country, first with Morena Baccarin, whose offshoot was picked up to series, and more recently with Jared Padalecki.

A reimagining of the classic series, The Equalizer stars Queen Latifah as Robyn McCall, an enigmatic woman with a mysterious background who uses her extensive skills as a former CIA operative to help those with nowhere else to planted spinoff efforts, introducing potential turn.

If the offshoot goes forward, its two-hander format would be a departure from the original 1985 Equalizer series, the current CBS reboot as well as the film franchise, all of which had a single lead, male (first series and movies) and female (the Queen Latifah version).

The Season 5 cast also includes Tory Kittles, Adam Goldberg, Liza Lapira, Laya DeLeon Hayes with Lorraine Toussaint.

From Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with CBS Studios, The Equalizer is executive produced by Joseph C. Wilson, Dana Owens (Queen Latifah), Debra Martin Chase, Shakim Compere, John Davis, John Fox, Loretha Jones and Rob Hanning.

The series airs on Sundays at 9:00 pm, moving to 10:00 pm on February 18.

Feliz recurs on Tracy Oliver’s Amazon television series Harlem, currently airing its third season.

Her credits also include series Fleishman Is In Trouble and DMZ and the upcoming A24 feature Civil War and AMC’s The Terror: Devil In Silver.

Prime Video Announces Third & Final Season of Meagan Good’s “Harlem”

Posted on January 8, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Meagan Good is bidding adieu to Harlem…

Prime Video’s Harlem, starring the 43-year-old part-Puerto Rican actress, will end with its upcoming third season, it was revealed with the trailer release on Wednesday.

The news comes as a surprise following November’s announcement that Season 3 would premiere on January 23 and the drop of first-look photos, but no mention it would be ending.

However, the good news is that the whole gang is back for a lot more drama and fun before it’s time to say goodbye including Angie (Shoniqua Shandai), Quinn (Grace Byers), Camille (Good) and Tye (Jerrie Johnson).

From creator, writer and executive producer Tracy Oliver, Harlem follows the core four women on the precipice of change like never before.

Whether it’s motherhood, singlehood, sisterhood, complicated career journeys, or even more complicated families, the stylish and ambitious best girlfriends strive to choose themselves above all else. Season 3 picks up following the shocking cliffhanger from last season.

“I’m beyond grateful to the whole team at Amazon for giving me the chance of a lifetime to tell these four Black women’s stories and shoot it in the city I love: Harlem. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m honored to see the impact it’s made in the culture, as well as the impact it’s had on all of us who’ve been blessed to work on it,” Oliver shared. “A huge thank you to everyone who’s watched the show. I’m excited to finally share our best season yet.”

The core quad will be joined by newcomers Kofi Siriboe, Logan Browning, Robin Givens and Gail Bean who will appear in recurring roles.

Siriboe will portray Seth, an MLB player whose confident, charming, and sweet mannerisms land him a spot in one of the ladies’ hearts. Browning will portray Portia, an edgy and beautiful woman from Ian’s (Tyler Lepley) childhood, whose return to Harlem causes a stir. Givens will portray Jacqueline, Eva’s no-nonsense mother. Bean will portray Given’s daughter Eva, a driven, yet playful, venture capitalist who has started working with Tye (Johnson).

María Elisa Camargo to Make English-Language Acting Debut in “Off The Grid”

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

María Elisa Camargo is preparing for a special first…

The 38-year-old Colombian-Ecuadorian actress will make her English-language debut in the action-thriller Off The Grid, starring Josh Duhamel and Greg Kinnear.

In the film, a scientist (Duhamel) steals an experiment and hides off the grid in Europe to prevent it from becoming weaponized. His former research partner (Kinnear), along with an extraction team, is sent in to find him and locate the missing experiment.

Camargo plays Josey, a resilient Colombian immigrant who runs a bed and breakfast with her parents and works as a bartender in the local bar, where her sharp wit have made her a beloved figure in the community.

Red Sea Media is handling sales on the film.

Directed by Johnny Martin, the film is being produced by Luca Matrundola and Richard Salvatore and is executive-produced by Red Sea’s Roman Kopelevich.

The film is currently in post-production. Grindstone has taken domestic rights.

The supporting cast also includes Anna Golja and Michael Papajohn. Production companies also include BondIt, Buffalo 8 and Latigo.

Former X Factor Colombia contestant Camargo is known for leads in Spanish-language series for Televisa, Telemundo, VIX, Amazon and Netflix.

Nicky Jam Named Ambassador of Fat Joe’s Rewind It 10 Beard Dye Brand

Posted on October 15, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Nicky Jam is adding a little color to his resume…

The 43-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American urban singer-songwriter has been named the latest ambassador for Fat Joe’s Rewind It 10 beard dye brand.

Nicky Jam’s dark brown beard dye coloring package is now available at CVS, Sally Beauty, Amazon and the Rewind It 10 website.

“I’ve been coloring my beard for years and tried all the other brands, but nothing looks more natural than Rewind It 10,” said Nicky Jam in a statement. “I love Rewind It 10. Thank you to Fat Joe and the whole team at Rewind for the opportunity – let’s go.”

Nicky Jam joins a decorated lineup of Rewind It 10 ambassadors, including Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (who is dating Taylor Swift), DJ Khaled, model Tyson Beckford, Tank, television personality Brody Jenner, MMA fighter Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and more.

“Nicky Jam is truly a global icon in the music industry. He shattered the mold as a musician and now we’re proud to partner together to break new barriers in the hair and beard coloring industry,” Rewind It 10 co-founder Jeff Aronson added. “He embodies the essence of the product and is a perfect addition to our Rewind It 10 family to ensure we’re continuing to reach a wide-ranging array of consumers.”

On the music side, Nicky Jam released his Insomnio album in September, featuring Sean Paul, Ryan Castro, Eladio Carrión and more.

“I’m not going to be a singer for the rest of my life,” he told Billboard as part of his September cover story. “I think I’ll probably retire soon … Well, not retire. Singers never retire. You just tone it down.”

Mattel Honors Juan Gabriel’s Legacy with Signature Barbie Doll

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

The late Juan Gabriel is being celebrated in a special way…

Mattel is honoring the legendary Mexican singer-songwriter with a signature Barbie doll ahead of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The doll commemorates the six-time Grammy nominee’s nearly four-decade career, which includes the release of more than 30 studio albums and 1,500 composed songs, highlighting his influence as one of Latin America’s most significant musical figures.

Juan Gabriel’s greatest hits, known for their heartfelt ballad style, include “No Tengo Dinero,” “Abrázame Muy Fuerte,” “Amor Eterno” and “Siempre En Mi Mente.”

To honor the singer’s music and career, the Barbie Signature Juan Gabriel Doll ($55) dazzles with a mic in her hand and a glittering bolero jacket, drawing inspiration from the outfit he wore during his iconic 1990 performance at Mexico City’s El Palacio de Bellas Artes.

Juan Gabriel expressed his love and appreciation for his Mexican culture not just through his music, but also through his attire, often wearing mariachi suits with gold accents onstage — just like the Barbie’s outfit.

For those inspired by his legacy, the doll serves as a collaboration that pays tribute to the extraordinary artistry of this beloved music icon.

The late Juan Gabriel is being celebrated in a special way…

Mattel is honoring the legendary Mexican singer-songwriter with a signature Barbie doll ahead of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Juan Gabriel’s greatest hits, known for their heartfelt ballad style, include “No Tengo Dinero,” “Abrázame Muy Fuerte,” “Amor Eterno” and “Siempre En Mi Mente.”

For those inspired by his legacy, the doll serves as a collaboration that pays tribute to the extraordinary artistry of this beloved music icon.

Fans have been anxiously waiting for the doll’s release, with one Reddit user writing, “Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor. I am absolutely blown away by this Barbie. I love the darker hues… which we haven’t seen before.” Another Reddit user described the doll as “beautiful.”

Mattel’s Signature Doll inspired by Juan Gabriel is now available at Amazon, Walmart, Target and Mattel Shop.

Keyla Monterroso Mejia to Star Opposite Keke Palmer & Sza in TriStar’s Untitled Buddy Comedy

Posted on July 29, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Keyla Monterroso Mejia has found her buddies…

The 26-year-old Guatemalan & Mexican American has joined the cast of TriStar’s untitled buddy comedy starring Keke Palmer and four-time Grammy-winning musician Sza.

Monterroso Mejia is among a roster of new cast additions that includes Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Maude Apatow and Katt Williams.

Joshua Neal, Aziza Scott and Patrick Cage will also star.

The logline is being kept under wraps.

Lawrence Lamont is directing with the screenplay written by Syreeta Singleton.

The project came together from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures, a previous pact between ColorCreative and Sony to source and incubate emerging, diverse screenwriters to develop and write their first studio feature based on original ideas.

Monterroso Mejia is best known for her character Maria Sofia Estrada on Season 11 of HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Upcoming, Monterroso Mejia will star opposite Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon in You’re Cordially Invited for Amazon, written and directed by Nick Stoller.

She’ll star opposite Seth Rogen in The Studio, Apple TV+’s upcoming comedy series from Rogen’s Point Grey, and will also appear in Mindy Kaling’s pro basketball comedy series Running Point for Netflix.

Raúl Castillo to Lead the Cast of William Atticus Parker’s Suspense Sci-Fi Tale “The Auction”

Posted on July 24, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Raúl Castillo is headed to an auction…

The 46-year-old Mexican American actor will star as the lead in William Atticus Parker’s third film, The Auction.

The suspense science-fiction tale is loosely inspired by Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.

The film is set at the Aztec Corp., a company that auctions off ancient antiquities and semi-distinct wild exotic animals.

Castillo will portray the newest sales representative, David Valdez, with Ben Vereen appearing as his father and K. Todd Freeman as the head of the corporation.

The previously announced cast also includes Audra McDonald, Mary-Louise Parker and Richard Kind. Details about their specific roles aren’t being released yet.

Castillo will next be seen in Paramount’s upcoming Smile 2 and alongside Mark Ruffalo in HBO’s untitled Brad Ingelsby series.

He’s known for movies including Steven Soderbergh’s Cold Wallet, Amazon’s Cassandro opposite Gael Garia Bernal, Army of the Dead, Cha Cha Real Smooth and A24’s The Inspection, as well as TV series including HBO’s Looking, Starz’s Vida and Netflix’s Atypical.

Agatha Christie’s book And Then There Were None is one of the world’s best-selling mystery novels, and it has been adapted multiple times for big and small screen.

Benjamin Bratt Starring in Amazon MGM Studios’ Action Comedy “Balls Up”

Posted on July 18, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Benjamin Bratt is having a ball…

The 60-year-old half-Peruvian American Emmy-nominated actor has joined the cast of Balls Up, Amazon MGM Studios’ upcoming action comedy from director Peter Farrelly and Skydance.

He joins previously announced cast members Mark Wahlberg, Paul Walter Hauser, Molly Shannon and Eva De Dominici.

Balls Up follows two American marketing executives who are fired for blowing a client sponsorship opportunity and decide to use their free tickets to a major soccer match. Their drunken debauchery leads them to be hunted by every person across the country.

Details surrounding Bratt’s role are under wraps.

Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese wrote the script.

Previously seen in films like Piñero, Steven Soderbergh’s Traffic, Miss Congeniality and Curtis Hanson’s The River Wild opposite Meryl Streep, Bratt has most recently appeared in Netflix’s Mother of the Bride, as well as the hit Peacock series Poker Face and Apple TV+’s Loot on and respectively.

He’ll next appear alongside Julianna Margulies, Minnie Driver, Brian d’Arcy James and Patrick Wilson in Edward Burns’ film Millers in Marriage.

Videocine to Release Cristo Fernandez’s Ensemble Comedy “Una Pequeña Confusión” in December

Posted on June 16, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

There’s no confusion about the release date of Cristo Fernandez’s latest project.

Una Pequeña Confusión, an ensemble comedy starring the 33-year-old Mexican actor and Ted Lasso star, is set for a December theatrical release by Mexican powerhouse film company Videocine.

Fernandez stars opposite Juanpa Zurita, Ana de la Reguera and Vico Escorcia in the comedy.

The film revolves around two couples: Lola and Cuau (De la Reguera and Fernández), a progressive middle-class pair, and Iñigo and Majo (Zurita and Escorcia), a young conservative, well-heeled duo. Both couples turn to artificial insemination as a last resort to have children.

In a madcap twist based on actual events, a mix-up at the clinic results in each mom-to-be carrying the other one’s baby. The couples must navigate their vastly different lifestyles and parenting philosophies, finding common ground for the sake of their future children, all while dealing with societal norms and the complexities of love.

Produced by No Dancing Today and Gebo Films, Una Pequeña Confusión is penned by Marcos Bucay whose credits include Netflix hit Club de Cuervos and the Amazon Original series How to Survive Being Single, created by Sebastián and Emiliano Zurita.

The comedy is directed by Argentina’s Ariel Winograd who has helmed a few episodes of How to Survive Being Single and is best known for his action comedy The Heist of the Century.

Chuy Chavez served as the cinematographer.

Jorge Aragón lead produces while De la Reguera, Arco Entertainment, the production company of Zurita and Brenda Tubilla, and Fernandez’s Espectro MX Films are co-producers.

“It combines humor and heart, showcasing the incredible talents of our cast and crew,” said Videocine director general Rodrigo de Pedro who added: “It’s a story about the unexpected, the importance of family, and finding laughter amidst chaos.”

“The Boys,” Starring Laz Alonso, to End with Upcoming Fifth Season

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

It’s the end of the road for Laz Alonso…

Eric Kripke, the creator of The Boys starring the 50-year-old Afro-Cuban American actor, has announced that the series will end with the upcoming fifth season.

“Season 5 will be the Final Season!,” Kripke wrote on X. “Always my plan, I just had to be cagey till I got the final OK from Vought. Thrilled to bring the story to a gory, epic, moist climax. Watch Season 4 in 2 DAYS, cause the end has begun!

The Boys received an early renewal for Season 5 last month ahead of this month’s Season 4 release.

In 2020, Kripke told fans that his “rough idea” for The Boys was “five seasons total,” acknowledging at the time, “But I also know better than to say how many seasons a show is gonna have.”

Kripke’s last show Supernatural lasted for 15 seasons.

In a recent interview with SFX Magazine, Kripke wouldn’t speculate on how many seasons The Boys would go, but said he did have “an ending in mind.”

The Boys Season 4 premieres June 13 on Prime Video.

In addition to Alonso, The Boys stars Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Jessie T. Usher, Chace Crawford, Tomer Capone, Karen Fukuhara, Colby Minifie, Claudia Doumit,and Cameron Crovetti.

The Boys is based on The New York Times best-selling comic by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, who also serve as executive producers, and developed by executive producer and showrunner Kripke.

The Boys is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Amazon MGM Studios with Kripke Enterprises, Original Film and Point Grey Pictures.

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