Belissa Escobedo to Star in Reba McEntire’s Still-Untitled NBC Comedy Pilot

Posted on March 18, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Belissa Escobedo has lined up her next project…

The 25-year-old Latina actress and Blue Beetle star has been cast in Reba McEntire in her as-yet-untitled NBC multi-cam comedy pilot.

The project is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

The pilot follows Bobbie (McEntire) who inherits her father’s restaurant and is less than thrilled to discover that she has a new business partner in the half-sister she never knew she had.

Escobedo stars as Bobbie’s sister Isabella, an enthusiastic 20-something, who has studied psychology and loves to analyze people. She is thrilled to start working at the tavern and is full of “great” ideas about how to bring it to life.

Escobedo’s star continues to rise following two major roles in DC Entertainment/Warner Bros’ Blue Beetle, where he portrayed the titular character’s (played by Xolo Maridueña) sister Milagro, and Disney’s Hocus Pocus 2 where she popped off the screen—no easy task when you’re starring opposite Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, who returned as the Sanderson sisters.

Additional credits include the ABC dramedy The Baker And The Beauty alongside Carlos Gomez, Lisa Vidal and Victor Rasuk; Ryan Murphy’s FX anthology series American Horror Stories, the Catherine Hardwicke-directed Quibi limited series Don’t Look Deeper and the American High films Sex Appeal (Hulu) and Sid Is Dead.

Sofia Carson Teams Up with Diane Warren on “Applause,” Official Single for Female Empowerment Film “Tell It Like a Woman”

Posted on July 9, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Sofia Carson is ready to tell it like a woman…

The 29-year-old Colombian American actress/singer has teamed up with superstar songwriter and 13-time Oscar nominee Diane Warren on “Applause,” the official song for the star-studded female-powered feature Tell It Like A Woman.

“Applause,” performed by Carson, will be released later this year as a single through Disney Music Group label Hollywood Records. An accompanying music video was directed by Catherine Hardwicke, starring Carson.

Warren’s song is described as “the defining sound of the film and intended to serve as a hymn for female empowerment.” The filmmakers say they’ll be embarking on an Oscar campaign for the track.

Tell It Like A Woman is comprised of seven segments, making a feature length film. The segments are directed by female directors from different parts of the world, shot in Italy, India, Japan, and the U.S.. Genres include drama, comedy, docudrama and animation.

Tell It Like A Women’s filmmakers and actors include Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Hudson, Pauletta Washington, Cara Delevingne, Catherine Hardwicke, Margherita Buy, Marcia Gay Harden, Eva Longoria, Leonor Varela, Jacqueline Fernandez, Anne Watanabe and Mipo O.

The intertwining segments comprise: Unspoken, directed by Maria Sole Tognazzi and starring Buy; Lagonegro, directed by Lucia Puenzo and starring Longoria; Elbows Deep, directed by Hardwicke and starring Delevingne, Harden and Jasmine Luv; Sharing A Ride, directed by Leena Yadav and starring Fernandez and Anjali Lama; A Week In My Life, directed by Mipo O and starring Watanabe; and Pepcy & Kim, directed by Henson and starring Hudson and Washington.

The project is the result of a collaboration with We Do It Together, a non-profit film production company that advocates for gender equality, founded by producer Chiara Tilesi. Producers are Tilesi, Andrea Iervolino, Lucas Akoskin and Monika Bacardi.

Samuel Goldwyn Films has closed a deal with Italian outfit Iervolino & Lady Bacardi Entertainment to acquire U.S. distribution rights to the project.

Samuel Goldwyn Films plans to release the movie in theaters this winter and says it is lining up an awards campaign.

Netflix Releases Trailer for the Upcoming Anthology Series “Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities”

Posted on June 6, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Guillermo del Toro is sharing some scary stories.

Netflix has revealed the first trailer for “Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities,” an upcoming anthology series created by the 57-year-old Mexican Oscar-winning director of The Shape of Water and Pan’s Labyrinth.

Each episode will tell a different horror story “curated” by del Toro, who hosts the series and introduces each episode.

Two of the episodes feature stories developed by del Toro, with different writers and directors taking on each episode.

Notable directors and writers who will contribute to the series include Jennifer Kent, David Pryor, Guillermo Navarro, Keith Thomas, Panos Cosmatos, Catherine Hardwicke, Vincenzo Natali and Ana Lily Amirpour (“A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night”).

The teaser shows a series of unsettling images, and reveals the cast list for the episodes.

Alongside previously announced names like Ben Barnes, Essie Davis, Crispin Glover and Andrew Lincoln, the teaser confirms that Eric André, Sofia Boutella, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Rupert Grint, Kate Micucci and Charlyne Yi will star in episodes of the show’s first season.

Other actors who were previously announced include F. Murray Abraham, Luke Roberts, Tim Blake Nelson, Hannah Galway, Glynn Turman, Elpidia Carrillo, Demetrius Grosse, Sebastian Roché, Peter Weller and David Hewlett.

Del Toro serves as co-showrunner of “Cabinet of Curiosities” with J. Miles Dale. The two executive produce alongside Gary Ungar. Regina Corrado co-executive produces.

A release date for “Cabinet of Curiosities” has not yet been announced.

Elpidia Carrillo to Star on Netflix’s Upcoming Anthology Series “Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities”

Posted on September 2, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Elpidia Carrillo is embracing the curiosities…

The 60-year-old Mexican actress and director will appear in Netflix’s upcoming anthology series Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, which is set to premiere next year.

Other cast members include Essie Davis, Luke Roberts, Andrew Lincoln, F. Murray Abraham, Glynn Turman, Ben Barnes, Hannah Galway, Crispin Glover, Demetrius Grosse, David Hewlett, Tim Blake Nelson, Sebastian Roché and Peter Weller.

Other cast members are to be announced later.

Meanwhile, Guillermo Navarro, Panos Cosmatos, Jennifer Kent and Vincenzo Natali will write and direct single episodes of the series, which has been retitled from Guillermo del Toro Presents 10 After Midnight.

Production has begun in Toronto on creator, EP and co-showrunner del Toro’s collection of live-action stories that Netflix says is meant to challenge our traditional notions of horror. From macabre to magical, gothic to grotesque or classically creepy, the eight sinister tales — including two original works by del Toro — will be brought to life by a team of writers and directors personally chosen by the Shape of Water Oscar-winning filmmaker.

Additional episode directors include Ana Lily Amirpour, Catherine Hardwicke, David Prior and Keith Thomas, and writers include Haley Z. Boston, Regina Corrado, David S. Goyer, Lee Patterson, Aaron Stewart-Ahn and Mika Watkins.

Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities is created and executive produced by del Toro and executive produced by Oscar winner J. Miles Dale, who also serves as co-showrunner, and Gary Ungar. Regina Corrado serves as co-EP.

Here’s the list of cast and creatives for Cabinet of Curiosities, along with the actors’ credits:

Essie Davis (The Babadook), Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead) and Hannah Galway (Sex/Life) star in an episode written (based on an original story by Guillermo del Toro) and directed by Jennifer Kent (The Babadook)
AmadeusOscar winner F. Murray Abraham (Mythic Quest), Glynn Turman (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) and Luke Roberts (Ransom) will appear in an episode written by David S. Goyer (The Dark Knight) (based on a short story by Michael Shea), and directed by David Prior (The Empty Man).
Tim Blake Nelson (Watchmen), Elpidia Carrillo (Euphoria), Demetrius Grosse (Fear The Walking Dead) and Sebastian Roché (The Man in the High Castle) star in an episode written by Regina Corrado (Deadwood; The Strain) (based on an original story by Guillermo del Toro); and directed by Guillermo Navarro (Godfather of Harlem; Narcos)
Crispin Glover (River’s Edge) and Ben Barnes (Shadow and Bone) star in an episode written by Lee Patterson (Curve) (based on a short story by H.P. Lovecraft) and directed by Keith Thomas (Firestarter)
Peter Weller (Star Trek Into Darkness) stars in an episode directed by Panos Cosmatos (Mandy), who also writes along with Aaron Stewart-Ahn
Mika Watkins (Origin) writes an episode (based on a short story by H.P. Lovecraft) directed by Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight); with cast to be announced
David Hewlett (See) cast in an episode written (based on a short story by Henry Kuttner) and directed by Vincenzo Natali (Hannibal)
Haley Z. Boston (Brand New Cherry Flavor) serves as writer of an episode (based on a short story by comic book author Emily Carroll) directed by Ana Lily Amirpour (A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night) with cast to be confirmed.

Eva Longoria to Star in the Anthology Feature “Women’s Stories”

Posted on January 25, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Eva Longoria is telling stories…

The 45-year-old Mexican American actress has joined the all-star cast of the anthology feature Women’s Stories, whose segments will be directed by filmmakers including Catherine Hardwicke.

Longoria joins a roster of cast additions that includes Cara Delevingne, Margherita Buy, Marcia Gay Harden, Leonor Varela and Jacqueline Fernandez.

The film will be comprised of six segments directed by female directors from different parts of the world, shot in Italy, India and the U.S. They will range in genre from drama to comedy, docu-drama to animation. The cast will be all female.

The first four segments have been mapped out: Unspoken will be directed by Maria Sole Tognazzi (Me, Myself & Her) and star decorated Italian actress Margherita Buy (My Mother), the seven-time David di Donatello award-winner; Lagonegro will be directed by Lucia Puenzo (La Jauria) and star Desperate Housewives and Overboard actress Longoria; Elbows Deep will be directed by Twilight filmmaker Hardwicke and star model and actress Delevingne (Suicide Squad), Oscar-winner Marcia Gay Harden (Pollock) and Jasmine Luv (Starter Pack); and Sharing A Ride will be directed by Leena Yadav (Three Cards) and feature Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez and transgender model Anjali Lama.

Producing are Iervolino Entertainment (Waiting For The Barbarians) and non-profit production company We Do It Together, which campaigns for gender equality.

Chiara Tilesi, founder and President of We Do It Together, said of the project: “At We Do It Together, our mission is to enhance and change the image of women in films and media, from object to subject. We are dedicated to telling stories of women, both in front of and behind the camera. That’s why Women Stories is so important to us – we have brought together female directors, from all over the world, who collaborate and share personal stories from their own point of view. We are telling the stories of these heroines and their aspirations: from health workers to mothers, artists and business women, to name a few. We also want to be inclusive and have as many different perspectives as possible, which is why connecting globally is so important to us. Now more than ever, especially after the latest UN policy brief The Impact of Covid-19 On Women, it has emerged that gender inequality is still a very present reality and, unfortunately, we remain far from a solution. Some of the achievements that were made, are at risk of being erased once again. This is why it is so important for us to continue to tell stories about women, by women, but for everyone. Only together can men and women finally change these paradigms.”

Andrea Iervolino, President and founder of Iervolino Entertainment, added: “It gives me tremendous pride to collaborate with such an astounding ensemble, and to help deliver a message larger than the film itself. It’s important for us that this be done on a global scale, which is why we’re shooting, very carefully and safely, in Italy, India and the US.”

The project was initially announced five years ago in different form as Together Now.

Jan Luis Castellanos to Star in Quibi’s Sci-Fi Drama Series “Don’t Look Deeper”

Posted on July 10, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Jan Luis Castellanos is going deeper…

The 23-year-old Dominican actor has landed a role in Quibi’s sci-fi drama series Don’t Look Deeper.

Castellanos joins a supporting cast that includes Erin Pineda, Raquel McPeek Rodriguez andKaiwi Lyman.

They’ll appear opposite previously announced cast members Don Cheadle, Emily Mortimerand Helena Howard.

Belissa Escobedo, Ema Horvath, Harvey Zielinski, Brandon Win, Kayleigh Gilbert, Tyler Ghyzel, Cameron Roberts, Dana Gourrier, Bevin Bru, Amy Anderson, Harvey Guillen, Holly Long, Makenzie Lee-Foster, Hartlyn Hilsman and Kate Crashround out the supporting cast.

Catherine Hardwickeis attached to direct and executive produce.

Co-written by Lost co-creator Jeffrey Lieber, who also serves as showrunner, and Charlie McDonnell, Don’t Look Deeper is set in Merced, California, “fifteen minutes into the future.” It centers on a high school senior who can’t seem to shake the feeling that something about her just isn’t right. And that something is… she’s not human… not one of us. This revelation of what she really is, where she comes from, and who has started looking for her, sets in motion a series of events that suddenly puts her entire life in jeopardy.

Castellanosrecently appeared in television on Marvel’s Runaways.

Gina Rodriguez to Star in Untitled Original Comedy from Universal Pictures

Posted on September 30, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a laughing matter for Gina Rodriguez…

Universal Pictures has acquired an untitled original comedy pitch from Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham, which is will be a starring vehicle for the 34-year-old Puerto Rican actress.

The studio is keeping the film’s plot details close to the vest.

Rodriguez rose to acclaim while starring as the title character in the series Jane The Virgin, earning a Golden Globe for her performance.

Her first major studio starring role will be for Columbia Pictures in the Catherine Hardwicke-directed remake of Miss Bala, the 2011 thriller about a beauty pageant contestant who witnesses drug related murders and is conscripted to do the bidding of a drug cartel.

Rodriguez has also been generating projects as producer, wrapping Someone Great, another star vehicle. She will also lend her voice and produce the animated series Carmen Sandiego, which will be released by Netflix in January.

Rodriguez and Emily Gipson will produce for their I Can & I Will Productions.

St. Clair and Parham are the co-creators and stars of the USA comedy series Playing House. Along with scripting, they will be executive producers.

Gina Rodriguez Officially Signs on to Star in the Remake of Mexican Film “Miss Bala”

Posted on May 16, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Gina Rodriguez has landed a royal role…

The 32-year-old Puerto Rican actress and Jane the Virgin star has officially signed on to star in Sony Pictures’ Catherine Hardwicke-directed drama Miss Bala, a remake of the Mexican entry for the Best Foreign Film Oscar in 2011. Rodriguez was considered a frontrunner for the role.

Rodriguez stars Gloria Meyer who, after her friend Suzu goes missing in Tijuana, finds herself a pawn in a dangerous game being played by the CIA, the DEA and a charismatic young crime boss.

Cordova will play Lino, a master manipulator and highly charismatic survivor who has gotten as far as he has through ballsy plays for power.

Meanwhile, Ismael Cruz Córdova has landed a role as Lino, a master manipulator and highly charismatic survivor who has gotten as far as he has through ballsy plays for power.

Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer is on board to adapt the script, which was written by original director Gerard Naranjo and Mauricio Katz.

Rodriguez recently wrapped the third season to her hit CW telenovela Jane the Virgin, which is set to return for a fourth. The Golden Globe winner is set to lend her voice to Netflix’s cartoon reboot Carman Sandiego, and will next be heard in Fox’s children’s story adaption Ferdinand and Sony’s animated Christmas film The Star, both slated for release this year.

Cordova’s credits include Ang Lee’s war drama Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk and recurring roles on Season 4 of Showtime’s Ray Donovan as well as ABC’s The Catch.

Rodriguez Being Courted to Star in Catherine Hardwicke’s “Miss Bala” Remake

Posted on April 5, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Gina Rodriguez may have found her next crowning project…

Catherine Hardwicke is in talks to direct Miss Bala, the remake of the Mexican film co-written and directed by Gerardo Naranjo, with the 32-year-old Puerto Rican actress and Jane the Virgin star being courted for the leading role.

Miss Bala, which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Film, centers on a beauty pageant contestant who witnesses the brutality of a drug gang and is dragged into their dangerous business.

Kevin Misher and Pablo Cruz are producing, Andy Berman is executive producer. Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer is adapting the script by Naranjo and Mauricio Katz.

Rodriguez, who earned a Golden Globe for her performance in Jane the Virgin, rose to acclaim after starring the indie film Filly Brown. Her other film roles include Deepwater Horizon and Enter the Dangerous Mind.

MTV Orders Justice’s Thriller Drama “Eye Candy” to Series

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Victoria Justice is bringing a little eye candy to MTV…

The network has picked up to series the 20-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress/singer and former Nickelodeon star’s thriller drama pilot Eye Candy.

MTV has given Justice’s new series a 10-episode order.

The pilot, which will undergo extensive recasting and will be reshot, stars Justice as tech genius Lindy, who begins to suspect that one of her online suitors might be a deadly cyber stalker.

When her friends at the cyber-police uncover a potential serial killer in Manhattan, she works with the hackers to solve the murders while unleashing her own style of justice.

Co-starring with Justice in the Eye Candy pilot were Harvey Guillen, Nico Tortorella, Olesya Rulin, Justin Martin and Lilan Bowden.

Of the original cast members, only Guillen will stay on alongside Justice, with all other roles recast for a new pilot episode.

Eye Candy, written by Emmy Grinwis and directed by Catherine Hardwicke, marks a departure from MTV’s usual comedy fare.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

Tag Archives: Catherine Hardwicke