Tag Archives: Blue Beetle

Felipe Esparza Signs with United Talent Agency for Global Representation

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Felipe Esparza has new representation…

United Talent Agency (UTA) has signed the 47-year-old Mexican stand-up comedian and actor for representation in all areas globally.

Felipe Esparza, Rising to fame as the 2010 winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Esparza’s most recent special was the dual-language Felipe Esparza: Bad Decisions, which debuted on Netflix to critical acclaim, in both English and Spanish, in 2020.

His special, Translate This, premiered on HBO in 2017 and continues to be available for streaming on all HBO platforms.

His first, 2012’s They’re Not Gonna Laugh At You, made its way to Netflix after debuting on Showtime.

Esparza has also appeared on series like NBC’s Superstore, Adult Swim’s The Eric Andre Show, Netflix’s Gentefied, and Cartoon Network’s Victor and Valentino.

His notable film credits include Guest House with Pauly Shore, 7th & Union with Omar Chaparro, Daddy Daughter Trip with Rob Schneider, You People with Eddie Murphy and Jonah Hill, and Blue Beetle with Xolo Maridueña and George Lopez.

The host of the weekly podcast What’s Up Fool?, which has consistently topped comedy podcast charts across platforms since its launch in 2014, Esparza is preparing his fourth special as he performs at theaters around the world, as part of his “Big Foo” tour.

Ramón Rodríguez to Receive Spotlight Award at National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts’s Visibility Awards

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Ramón Rodríguez is officially in the Spotlight…

The National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts is honoring three artists at its annual Visibility Awards in D.C. on Wednesday, including the 43-year-old Puerto Rican actor, at an event designed to advance Latino representation in film and television.

Ramón RodríguezRodríguez will receive the organization’s Spotlight Award for producing and starring in the adaptation of the Karin Slaughter crime novel Will Trent.

“Ramón has been a leading voice in continued efforts to open doors for Latino talent in the industry,” the foundation said.

Ángel Manuel Soto, director-producer of the Latino superhero movie Blue Beetle, is being recognized with the organization’s Raul Julia Award for Excellence.

“Ángel’s work advances the presence of Latinos in film and highlights studies demonstrating that Latino directors are more likely to bring Latino talent to their projects,” the foundation said.

Camila Morrone, honored with the Horizon Award, is starring with Willem Dafoe in Patricia Arquette’s, Gonzo Girl, based on Cheryl Della Pietra’s semi-autobiographical novel, based on her time as Hunter S. Thompson’s personal assistant.

The event and Noche Musical, to be held at the Mayflower Hotel, will follow the foundation’s 2023 Visioning Summit, Advancing Representation in Media, Arts, & Beyond. Felix Sanchez, the foundation’s chair and co-founder, said in a statement that the summit’s intent is to “rethink the landscape with images of the American Latino.”

Among those leading panel discussions at the event, to be held Wednesday morning at the National Press Club, will be CBS News’s Ed O’Keefe, CNN’s Jim Acosta, NBC News’ Monica Alba, and NPR’s Claudia Grisales.

Also scheduled to participate are Soto, Carla Dirlikov, senior advisor and envoy for cultural exchange at the National Endowment for the Arts; Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX), actor and comedian Eugenio Derbez and producer Flavio Morales. The summit is free and open to the public.

Organizers said that the event will adhere to any modifications per SAG-AFTRA guidelines.

Ángel Manuel Soto Teaming Up with Dave Bautista & Jason Momoa for Buddy Action Comedy “The Wrecking Crew”

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Ángel Manuel Soto is wrecking things…

The 40-year-old Puerto Rican film director, producer, screenwriter and Blue Beetle director is teaming up with Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa on The Wrecking Crew, the buddy action comedy that they’ve set up at MGM.

Angel Manuel SotoBautista and Momoa were both in talks for the film, scripted by Warrior creator Jonathan Tropper, long before the SAG-AFTRA strike. Tropper’s deal was negotiated and closed, and his script submitted, prior to the WGA strike began in early May.

Plot details are being kept under wraps for now, but Bautista and Momoa sold the pitch to MGM following a four-bidder battle in the fall 2021. Jeffrey Fierson, Momoa’s collaborator on the Netflix/Discovery Canada series Frontier, will produce.

Soto most recently helmed Blue Beetle — the first DC film fronted by a Latino superhero, which opened this past weekend.

Other notable recent projects from the filmmaker include two for Max: the docuseries Menudo: Forever Young and drama Charm City Kings.

DC Releases New Trailer for Xolo Maridueña-Starrer “Blue Beetle”

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Xolo Maridueña is preparing for a major battle…

DC has release the latest trailer for Blue Beetle, starring the 22-year-old Mexican, Cuban and Ecuadorian American actor and Cobra Kai star.

Jaime Reyes (Maridueña) may not be familiar with his new superpowers in the film, but his family unites to help him as he faces off against supervillain Carapax.

Maridueña’s character is described as a recent college grad who returns home with aspirations for his future, but finds out his home is no longer the same. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab.

When the Scarab suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the Super Hero Blue Beetle.

Maridueña is joined by a cast that includes Adriana Barraza as Jaime’s grandmother, Nana, Damían Alcázar as his father, Elpidia Carrillo as his mother, Bruna Marquezine as Jenny Kord, Raoul Max Trujillo as Carapax, with Susan Sarandon as Victoria Kord, and George Lopez as Jaime’s Uncle Rudy.

The film also stars Belissa Escobedo as Jaime’s sister Milagro and Harvey Guillén as Dr. Sanchez.

Angel Manuel Soto directs Blue Beetle from a screenplay by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, based on characters from DC. John Rickard and Zev Foreman are producing, with Walter Hamada, Galen Vaisman and Garrett Grant serving as executive producers.

Blue Beetle is schedule to hit theaters on August 18.

Becky G Offers First Look at Her “Blue Beetle” Character

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Becky G is feelin’ blue…

The 26-year-old Mexican American singer, rapper and actress will officially be part of the cast of Blue Beetle, the upcoming superhero film based on the DC Comics character Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle.

Becky GBecky G, born Rebbeca Marie Gomez, will voice the key role of Khaji-Da, an alien who controls the Scarab (an ancient relic of alien biotechnology), she revealed in a joint Instagram post with the film’s account.

“I’m so excited to finally be able to share with you guys that I am officially a part of the Blue Beetle familia,” she said in the short video. “I have the honor of playing the voice of Khaji-Da, who is an alien who decides to who she wants to give her superpowers, and when I say I could not be any more proud of what you guys are going to experience when watching this film, I mean that from the bottom of my heart.”

Produced by DC Studios and the Safran Company, and directed by Ángel Manuel Soto, Blue Beetle stars a Latino-led cast including Xolo Maridueña portraying the lead character and its alter ego Jaime Reyes, Becky G, Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcázar, Elpidia Carrillo, Bruna Marquezine, Raoul Max Trujillo, Susan Sarandon and George Lopez.

Known for Billboard hits such as “Mayores” with Bad Bunny, “Sin Pijama” with Natti Natasha, and “MAMIII” with Karol G, this marks one of Becky’s many efforts as an actress following her role as Trini Kwan (the yellow ranger) in Power Rangers (2017), Chloe in Gnome Alone (2017), Sara Reyes in A.X.L. (2018), and Apple in Good Mourning (2022).

Blue Beetle opens in theaters nationwide on August 18.

Harvey Guillén to Star in Sci-Fi Thriller “Companion”

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Harvey Guillén has a new companion…

The 33-year-old Mexican American actor will star opposite Jack Quaid, Lukas Cage and Megan Suri in Companion, New Line’s sci-fi thriller from the team behind last fall’s horror smash Barbarian, which Drew Hancock will direct from his own original script, in his feature debut.

Harvey GuillénDetails regarding the film’s plot are under wraps.

New Line acquired Companion in a competitive situation following the multi-studio bidding war for Barbarian filmmaker Zach Cregger’s new horror Weapons, which Cregger is producing alongside Vertigo’s Roy Lee and BoulderLight’s Raphael Margules & J.D. Lifshitz, as well as Miri Yoon.

Best known for his portrayal of Guillermo de la Cruz, the human ‘familiar’ of a group of Staten Island vampires, on FX’s hit comedy series What We Do in the Shadows, which returns for its fifth season on July 13 and has already been picked up for a sixth, Guillén will also soon be starring in Warner Bros.’ DC pic Blue Beetle, out August 18th.

He also recently voiced the role of Perrito in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, the critically acclaimed animated feature that proved a box office smash for Uni and DreamWorks, in a moment otherwise devoid of family fare.

Harvey Guillén to Star in Disney+’s “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” Reimagining

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Harvey Guillén is up to No Good…

The 32-year-old Mexican American actor will star in the Disney+ film Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day reimagining.

Harvey GuillénGuillén will portray the character of Claudio, a healer who helps the young titular hero take steps in the right direction.

Production is underway in New Mexico.

From writer Matt Lopez and director Marvin Lemus, Alexander tells the story of 11-year-old Alexander Garcia (Thom Nemer), who thinks he has the worst luck in the world. When his family sets off on a road trip to California, he’s pretty sure disaster awaits at every corner. His anxiety only increases when a family secret is revealed.

The film also stars Eva Longoria, Cheech Marin, Jesse Garcia, Paulina Chávez and Rose Portillo.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, a new take on Judith Viorst’s book following a 2014 movie starring Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner, is produced by Shawn Levy, Dan Levine and Lisa Henson.

Guillén is best known for his highly acclaimed breakout role in FX’s What We Do in the Shadows.

Most recently, he lent his voice to DreamWork’s Puss In Boots: The Last Wish.

Next, he can be seen in the Warner Bros. film Blue Beetle, starring opposite Xolo Maridueña, Susan Sarandon, and George Lopez, which is set to release in August.

His additional credits include Amazon’s Reacher, NBC’s Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, DC’s Harley Quinn and Apple TV+’s Shape Island, among others.

Warner Bros. Releases Trailer for Xolo Maridueña’s DC film “Blue Beetle”

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Xolo Maridueña is feelin’ blue…

Warner Bros has released the official trailer for the DC film Blue Beetle, starring the 21-year-old Mexican, Cuban, and Ecuadorian American actor.

Xolo MaridueñaFrom filmmaker Angel Manuel Soto, the film will hit theaters on August 18 and will be available for viewing in Imax.

The film was originally conceived for HBO Max, but then the studio pivoted to a theatrical release before Blue Beetle started production.

The first Latin DC superhero feature was developed under the Walter Hamada run era of the studio. Word is the character will be incorporated in the universe being developed by new DC bosses Peter Safran and James Gunn. In the DC canon, Blue Beetle is friends with Booster Gold, another DC character who Gunn/Safran are developing a TV series around.

Maridueña stars in the title role and as his alter ego Jaime Reyes. Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab. When the Scarab suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the superhero Blue Beetle.

Starring alongside Maridueña are Adriana Barraza as Jaime’s grandmother, Nana, Damían Alcázar as his father, Elpidia Carrillo as his mother, Bruna Marquezine as Jenny Kord, Raoul Max Trujillo as Carapax, with Oscar winner Susan Sarandon as Victoria Kord, and George Lopez as Jaime’s Uncle Rudy.

The film also stars Belissa Escobedo as Jaime’s sister, Milagro, and Harvey Guillén as Dr. Sanchez.

Soto directs off a screenplay by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, based on characters from DC.

George Lopez to Star in Snoop Dogg’s Sports Comedy “The Underdoggs” for MGM

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George Lopez is embracing the underdogg status…

The 61-year-old Mexican American comedian/actor will star in MGM’s Snoop Dogg sports comedy The Underdoggs.

George LopezLopez joins a roster of cast additions that includes Tika Sumpter, Mike Epps and Andrew Schulz.

Meanwhile, the kid team of actors added to the cast include Jonigan Booth, Adan James Carrillo, Kylah Davila, Caleb Dixon, Alexander Michael Gordon and Shamori Washington.

Billed as The Bad News Bears in the world of Youth Football, The Underdoggs tells the story of Jaycen Jenning, “2J’s” (played by Snoop Dogg), a former NFL superstar who, after a run in with the law, agrees to coach a youth football team in lieu of prison in the hopes of relaunching his fledgling career.

Charles Stone directs off a script by Danny Segal and Isaac Schamis based off a pitch by Snoop Dogg and Schwartz-Morini.

The film is produced under Snoop Dogg’s Death Row Pictures banner, with Kenya Barris and Mychelle Deschamps for Khalabo Ink Society, Snoop Dogg’s longtime producing partner Constance Schwartz-Morini of SMAC Entertainment and Jonathan Glickman for Panoramic Media.

Production is underway for an October 20, 2023 theatrical release.

Lopez is currently shooting his upcoming multi-camera comedy series Lopez vs. Lopez, featuring his real-life daughter Mayan Lopez, and is performing stand-up in arenas across the country on his OMG Hi! Comedy Tour, through October.

Lopez will join the DC Extended Universe in the upcoming superhero film Blue Beetle, releasing in-theaters August 2023.

His extensive film credits include Walking with Herb, the modern-day Western No Man’s Land, The Tax Collector, El Chicano, the romantic comedy box-office hit Valentine’s Day, The Spy Next Door, The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, and Spare Parts, which he also produced. Lopez has produced and starred in the series Lopez, co-created and starred in the series Saint George, hosted TBS’ inaugural late night talk show, Lopez Tonight, and co-created, wrote, produced and starred in the hit sitcom George Lopez.

Carrillo began his career at the age of nine and has shared the screen with Robert DeNiro in About My Father, appeared in David E. Kelley’s Lincoln Lawyer, as well as As We See It from creator Jason Katims, and Mayans M.C. from creator Elgin James.

Davila appeared in the pilot episode HBOMax’s Gordita Chronicles, and the short film Troop Invaders. The Underdoggs reps her first feature film role. An actor and gymnast, Davila hails from Manhattan Beach, California.