Gina Rodriguez to Star in Robert Rodriguez’s Next “Spy Kids” Film for Netflix

Posted on June 25, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Gina Rodriguez is ready for her next adventure…

The 37-year-old Puerto Rican Golden Globe-winning actress will star in Spy Kids creator Robert Rodriguez’s next installment of the hot family adventure film franchise.

The Jane the Virgin star will star opposite Zachary Levi, Everly Carganilla and newcomer Connor Esterson in the upcoming film from Netflix, Skydance and Spyglass.

Robert Rodriguez will write, direct and produce the next film, which will introduce the world to a new family of spies. Racer Max will co-write the film.

The film marks Rodriguez’s second family film with Netflix following the success of the 2020 family action film We Can Be Heroes.

This latest Spy Kids chapter is set after the children of the world’s greatest secret agents unwittingly help a powerful game developer unleash a computer virus that gives him control of all technology, leading them to become spies themselves to save their parents and the world.

David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger will produce for Skydance, which will oversee development and production. Elizabeth Avellan and Max will also produce. Spyglass’ Gary Barber and Peter Oillataguerre will executive produce. Nick Nesbit will be Netflix’s creative lead on the film.

Rodriguez most recently landed a starring role in the ABC’s single-camera comedy Not Dead Yet, which just got picked up to series. She also was tapped to lead the Amazon series Last Known Position.

She was most recently seen in Amazon’s I Want You Back as well as Awake.

Carganilla was most recently seen in The Afterparty, The Haunted Man and The Chair.

Gina Rodriguez to Star in ABC’s Comedy Pilot “Not Dead Yet”

Posted on March 29, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Gina Rodriguez is stayin’ alive…

The 37-year-old Puerto Rican actress and television producer has been cast as the lead in ABC’s single-camera comedy pilot Not Dead Yet.

Hailing from Casey Johnson and David Windsor, McG and 20th Television, the project is based on Alexandra Potter’s Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up.

Published in 2020, broke, newly single and feeling old, Nell Stevens (Rodriguez) – a self-described disaster – works to restart the life and career she left behind 10 years ago. Moving back home to Pasadena – a world where everyone seems to have a better life than she does (kids, careers, happy marriages, etc.) Nell can only afford to share an apartment with a stranger who monitors how much electricity she uses and pesters her about her recycling habits (which lately include a lot of empty White Claws.) A once successful journalist, Nell put her career on hold to help her fiancé get his restaurant off the ground. Following their break up, she takes the only job she can get – writing obituaries – which at first seems like a step backwards but ultimately may be exactly what she needs to move forward.

Johnson and Windsor, who wrote the script, executive produce with Wonderland Sound and Vision’s McG, Mary Viola and Corey Marsh. 20th Television is the studio.

Rodriguez is best known for playing the title role on the hit series Jane The Virgin, for which she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy. Her upcoming projects include Netflix’s film Awake and Netflix’s miniseries Lost Ollie.

Rodriguez founded I Can and I Will Can Productions, whose mission is to create art and tell stories from those who are traditionally unseen and unheard. The company is behind Diary of a Future President, the series which Rodriguez directed, produced, and appeared in as the future president. It ran on Disney+ for two seasons.

Gina Rodriguez to Make Feature Directorial Debut with Film Based on Ryan Garcia’s Boxing Life

Posted on June 15, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Gina Rodriguez is heading behind the lens…

The 36-year-old Puerto Rican actress will be making her feature film directorial debut on a feature film about a fictional character inspired by some of Mexican American boxer Ryan Garcia’s experiences in and around the sport.

Rodriguez is developing the project alongside Garcia, One Community and Endeavor Content.

Rodriguez will direct, star, produce and co-write the screenplay with actor and playwright Bernardo Cubria. Garcia will also star star.

“I grew up in a boxing family and loved watching sports dramas with my dad. The philosophies of fighting – working hard, staying focused, being honest, fighting fair but to win – has stayed with me,” said Rodriguez. “On behalf of myself and my production company I Can and I Will, I couldn’t be more excited to partner with Ryan Garcia on this film. He is not only an outstanding athlete and champion, but a true advocate of normalizing and furthering conversations on mental health. His bravery has inspired me, and I am honored to have his trust to direct this film and guide his first foray into the arts. In One Community, Endeavor Content and WME, I have found empowering partners who are driven to tell stories that bring love, tolerance and healing to the world. I am humbled by their support, in addition to that of my incredibly talented friend and fellow artist Bernardo Cubria who will be leading us in creating a script that celebrates both the sport and our community. We cannot wait to share this story with audiences worldwide.”

Similar to films like Rocky and Creed, this inspiring sports drama follows a Mexican-American boxer, Alex Guerrero (Garcia), whose struggles with mental health rival his toughest bouts in the ring. After a chance encounter with a World Champion propels him into the spotlight, he must prove to himself and the world that he has what it takes to come out on top.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to work with Gina, Bernardo, One Community, and Endeavor Content on this project,” said Garcia. “My goals have always been to prove myself in the ring and to also continue to share my story in hopes that it will inspire others. Boxing will always be at the forefront of my career and I cannot wait to return to the ring very soon as a stronger and healthier KingRy.”

The film will shoot mid-next year so as not to interfere with Garcia’s fight schedule.

“Ryan is an incredible fighter and remarkable human whose relentless focus and dedication has made him a superstar in the ring, but even more impressive is his desire to use his platform to help others by sharing his own struggles with anxiety and depression. Gina and Bernardo’s vision for this story spoke to us immediately and we are so excited to work with this incredibly inspiring team,” said Scott Budnick, CEO One Community.

The project is sure to become one of the hottest properties on the market as it is set to break barriers with a Latinx presence in front and behind the camera.

Garcia started boxing at age 7 and was a 15-time national champion. Since joining the Golden Boy stable in 2016, Garcia has steadily made his case as one of the best and most exciting up-and-coming boxers by defeating fighters such as Romero Duno, Francisco Fonseca, Carlos Morales and Jason Velez. His most recent match against Olympic Gold Medalist Luke Campbell was a true display of perseverance as Ryan hit the floor for the first time in his professional career to come back and defeat Campbell with a gut-wrenching punch to the body in the seventh round.

At 22, Garcia has an undefeated professional record of 21-0, 18 by way of knock out, currently holds the WBC Interim Lightweight title and trains under world renowned trainer, Eddie Reynoso and his father, Henry Garcia. In addition, he has amassed over 13 million followers across social platforms bringing new audiences to the sport.

Rodriguez is best known for playing the title role on the hit series Jane the Virgin, for which she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy. Her upcoming projects include Netflix’s film Awake and Netflix’s mini series Lost Ollie.

William Morris Endeavor (WME) Signs Gina Rodriguez & Her Production Company

Posted on March 1, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a new endeavor for Gina Rodriguez…

William Morris Endeavor (WME) has signed the 36-year-old Puerto Rican actress and her production company I Can and I Will Productions, run by Molly Breeskin, in all areas.

The Golden Globe-winning former Jane the Virgin star was previously at Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

Rodriguez played the title role in the CW series Jane the Virgin for 100 episodes, winning a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Series Musical or Comedy in 2015.

Rodriguez recently starred in the Focus Features title Kajillionaire opposite Evan Rachel Wood and Richard Jenkins. The Miranda July directed feature made its world premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.

Rodriguez’s upcoming projects include the Netflix film Awake and the miniseries Lost Ollie for the streamer.

She has starred in Sony/Screen Gems’ Miss Bala and the Netflix feature Someone Great, a film in which she also served as a producer.

Her voice can be heard in the title role of Netflix’s Carmen Sandiego, and she also had starring voiceovers in Twentieth Century Fox/Blue Sky’s Ferdinand, Warner Brothers’ Smallfoot and Scoob, and Sony’s The Star.

In addition to her acting career, the native Chicagoan and NYU Tisch School alum is a driving force for inclusion and the empowerment of women in all ways, particularly in the entertainment industry. This passion led her to create her production company, I Can and I Will Productions, with a mission directly reflecting her commitment to create art and tell stories from those who are traditionally unseen and unheard.

The company has finished its second season of Diary of a Future President where Rodriguez directed, produced, and performed as the future president.

With her family, she established the We Will Foundation, which aims to uplift and champion underprivileged youth through arts, education, scholarship funding, and financial literacy.

Valderrama to Voice the Male Lead in the Animated Musical “Charming”

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Wilmer Valderrama has landed a royal role…

The 35-year-old Colombian and Venezuelan American actor will voice the male lead in the animated musical Charming.

Valderrama, who stars in Fox’s new series Minority Report, joins a cast that includes Demi Lovato as Lenore, Ashley Tisdale as Cinderella, Avril Lavigne as Snow White and Chinese pop star G.E.M. as Sleeping Beauty in the pic from writer-director Ross Venokur.

“Wilmer had everything we were looking for while we were contemplating who to cast as this Prince Charming: irresistible charm, perfect comedic timing and a lot of heart,” said John H. Williams, who is producing the film with fellow 3QU Media co-founder Henry Skelsey. “We needed a Prince Charming who could convey the love of being a lover and someone who isn’t afraid of being absurd and over the top at times but also be deep and emotional when he actually meets his unexpected (not a princess) true love.”

Valderrama is a regular on Robert Rodriguez’s El Rey Network series From Dusk Till Dawn and voiced the title role on Disney’s toon series Handy Manny.

Other recent credits for the That 70’s Show alum include features The Adderall Diaries and To Whom It May Concern and TV’s Raising Hope and Awake.

“We’ve all been waiting so long to see a Latin princess represented in an animated fairy tale,” Valderrama said. “I’m grateful to the enlightened producer John Williams for anointing me as the first Latin prince.”

Matos Lands Recurring Role on the CW’s “Hart of Dixie”

Posted on December 13, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Eddie Matos won’t just be whistlin’ Dixie…

The 41-year-old Puerto Rican actor has joined the third season of the CW’s Hart of Dixie, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Matos, an All My Children and General Hospital alum, will appear in a recurring role with potential romantic implications.

Matos will play Enrique, the “gorgeous” Latino driver for Grandma Bettie Breeland (Maree Cheatham), who is saving money to attend poetry school. Described as passionate, charming and incredibly romantic, Enrique attempts to win the heart of one of the Bluebell ladies.

Matos’ other television credits include guest spots on Psych, Awake, Ghost Whisperer and House.

Hart of Dixie returns on January 13 on the CW.

Bobadilla Signs with Paradigm Talent Agency

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Daniela Bobadilla has new representation…

The 20-year-old Mexican-born Canadian actress, who currently stars on FX’s Anger Management, has signed with Paradigm Talent Agency, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Bobadilla, who plays the teenage daughter of Charlie Sheen‘s character on the FX comedy series, is leaving ICM Partners to reunite with Iris Grossman, the veteran agent who departed for Paradigm in June.

Other Grossman clients who have already made the move include Mandy Patinkin, Julie Benz and Ed O’Neill.

Last month Bobadilla starred in the Lifetime telepic The Cheating Pact.

Previously she was a series regular on the NBC drama Awake and has guest-starred on Desperate Housewives, Big Time Rush and Emily Owens M.D.

Valderrama Returning to ABC’s “Suburgatory”

Posted on September 8, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

It appears that Wilmer Valderrama will be heading back to the ‘burbs…

The 32-year-old Venezuelan/Colombian American actor, who recently signed a deal with 20thCentury Fox Television, will be reprising his role as Yoni on Suburgatory this season, according to TVGuide.com.

When Dallas’ dog Yakult becomes extremely depressed after losing his dog walker, Dallas (Cheryl Hines) brings in Yoni to heal Yakult’s energy. Chatswin’s premier new age guru then attempts to steal Dallas back from George (Jeremy Sisto).

Valderrama’s episode is scheduled to air later in the season.

The That ’70s Show alum first appeared on the ABC comedy earlier this year when Yoni began dating Dallas after she split from her husband, Steven.

Valderrama is also set to guest-star on Raising Hope this fall as a love interest for Sabrina’s mom, played by Melanie Griffith.

He most recently co-starred on NBC’s Awake.

Season 2 of Suburgatory premieres Wednesday, October 17 at 9:30 pm ET on ABC.

Valderrama Signs Talent Deal with 20th Century Fox Television

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Wilmer Valderrama could soon return to the small screen full-time…

The 32-year-old Venezuelan/Colombian American actor has signed a one-year development and talent holding deal with 20th Century Fox Television.

As part of the deal, the studio will develop a television project for the former That ‘70s Show actor to star in and produce.

Valderrama will reportedly start meeting with writers next week to consider potential comedy and drama projects. He could also bring his own show ideas or elect to join a project already in development at the studio.

Should the project Valderrama gets attached to not get a pick up, the studio has the option to cast him in another pilot for next season.

Valderrama, who recently starred on the studio’s NBC drama series Awake, has had a similar development/holding deal in the past.

He’s already set to guest star on the 20th/Fox comedy series Raising Hope where he’ll play Melanie Griffith’s boyfriend.

“Wilmer is that great cousin who is funny and charming and talented, and you want him to come to every gathering,” said 20th Television’s head of casting Sharon Klein. “He is a breath of fresh air, all light and fun and smart.”

Along with his acting work on recent shows like Suburgatory and Are You There, Chelsea?, the actor is creator/executive producer of MTV Tr3s’ Ricardo Laguna Project and the webseries King Of The Floor for the YouTube channel NuevOn.

He’ll next be seen in Spike Lee’s The Girl Is In Trouble.

Valderrama to Play Cougar Bait on “Raising Hope”

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Wilmer Valderrama will be wooing a Working Girl in the near future…

The 32-year-old Venezuelan/Colombian American actor will be returning to Fox to guest star on Raising Hope, according to TVGuide.com.

Valderrama, who rose to acclaim on Fox’s That ’70s Show, will be part of a multi-episode arc that sees his character romance Sabrina’s mother Tamara, played by the recently cast Melanie Griffith.

Valderrama has been known to woo younger women in real life. But his Raising Hope character only has eyes for the 54-year-old Griffith. Further details on his role aren’t available, except that he’ll appear in at least three episodes.

In Season 2, Stephen Root played Sabrina’s dad. Over the years, the only thing known about Sabrina’s parents is that they’re wealthy — a stark contrast to her boyfriend Jimmy’s slightly more financially strapped family.

Valderrama, who recently starred in NBC’s short-lived Awake, has also appeared on Are You There, Chelsea?, Suburgatory, Men at Work and Royal Pains.

Raising Hope returns Tuesday, October 2 at 8/7c on Fox.

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