Clifton Collins Jr. to Star in Apple TV+‘s Limited Series “Lucky”

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Clifton Collins Jr. is feelin’ lucky…

The 54-year-old Mexican American Emmy-nominated actor has joined the cast of Apple TV+‘s limited series Lucky created by Jonathan Tropper.

Production is currently underway in Los Angeles.

Based on Marissa Stapley’s bestselling novel and Reese’s Book Club pick of the same name, Lucky stars Anya Taylor-Joy as the eponymous heroine. She is a young woman who left behind the life of crime she was raised in years ago but must now embrace her darker, criminal side one final time in a desperate attempt to escape her past.

Collins will portray ‘Dutch.’

He joins a cast that includes Annette Bening, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Timothy Olyphant, Mo McCrae and Drew Starkey.

Lucky is produced by Hello Sunshine and Tropper Ink, and is created by Tropper under his overall deal with Apple TV+. Jonathan Van Tulleken will direct several episodes, including the pilot, and serve as executive producer.

Collins will next work in Eddington for A24 alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone, The Last Frontier with Jason Clarke and the JonBenet Ramsey series for Paramount+ alongside Melissa McCarthy and Clive Owen.

He received an Emmy Award nomination in 2006 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for his portrayal of “Jack “Bump” Hill” in FX’s Thief.

On the big screen, Collins starred as “Jackson Silva” in Jockey (2021) from Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley, a role for which he received the Best Actor award at Sundance.

His additional film credits include Capote, Nightmare Alley, After Yang, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Traffic and Pacific Rim.

Clifton Collins Jr. to Star in Paramount+‘s Limited Series “JonBenét Ramsey”

Posted on September 14, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Clifton Collins Jr. is stepping into the investigation…

The 54-year-old Mexican American actor has been cast in Paramount+‘s limited series JonBenét Ramsey (w/t), which hails from MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios.

Collins is among a roster of new cast additions that includes Chris Bauer, Rory Cochrane and Angus K. Caldwell.

Collins Jr. plays Detective Trujillo, a Boulder Colorado police detective who does his job but without exhibiting much initiative. Bauer plays Boulder Police Chief Tom Koby, whose department is the first on the scene after JonBenét was reported kidnapped. Cochrane portrays John Eller, the Detective Division Commander of the Boulder Police Department. Caldwell is Burke Ramsey, the eldest child of John and Patsy Ramsey.

Others in the cast include Melissa McCarthy, Clive Owen, Shea Whigham, Will Patton, Emily Mitchell, Garrett Hedlund, Alison Pill and Owen Teague.

Mitchell has landed the title role of JonBenét, a girl from an affluent family and child beauty queen, with McCarthy and Owen set to portray her parents, Patsy and John.

Executive-produced by Richard LaGravenese ,who serves as showrunner,

JonBenét Ramsey explores the tragic unsolved murder of the six-year-old beauty queen of the same name. The show follows the Ramsey family, before and after the tragedy, as they go through the painful loss of a child, while facing intense public scrutiny caused by a media frenzy that caused this case to captivate an entire nation. At the heart of the series is the story of Patsy and John Ramsey – exploring the unbreakable partnership of these two complex people – as husband and wife, as mother and father – who had committed themselves and their children to building the narrative of a perfect, privileged life, only to have it destroyed one Christmas night in 1996.

Harrison Query and Tommy Wallach sold the project to MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios and serve as writers alongside LaGravenese.

Winning Sundance’s U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for his leading turn in Clint Bentley’s drama Jockey, which he also exec produced, Collins Jr. has recently been seen in films including The Bricklayer, Prime Video’s hit rom-com Red, White & Royal Blue and Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley, among others.

His recent TV credits include Westworld, Veronica Mars, and Ballers.

Up next, he’ll be seen in Apple’s series The Last Frontier, Ari Aster’s contemporary A24 Western Eddington, and Bentley’s Train Dreams.

Pedro Pascal to Star in Ari Aster’s Latest Film “Eddington”

Posted on March 12, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Pedro Pascal is going west(ern) once again…

The 48-year-old Chilean actor, who recently won his first SAG Award, will star in Ari Aster’s latest film Eddington.

Pascal, who recently starred in Pedro Almodovar’s Spanish Western drama short film Strange Way of Life, will star opposite Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Luke Grimes, Austin Butler, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward and Clifton Collins Jr. in the project.

Aster is the visionary filmmaker behind the horror films Hereditary and Midsommar, as well as the dark comedy Beau Is Afraid.

Plot details are under wraps, though the project has been discussed as a Western.

Aster will direct from his own script and produce alongside Lars Knudsen under their Square Peg banner. Darius Khondji, the Academy Award-winning cinematographer behind Bardo and Uncut Gems, is also aboard the project for his first collaboration with Aster.

Production on the film kicks off this week.

Pascal’s credits include The Last of Us, Narcos and The Mandalorian.

Taylor Zakhar Perez’s “Red, White & Royal Blue” Becomes Prime Video’s No. 1 Film Globally in Its Premiere Weekend

Posted on August 17, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Taylor Zakhar Perez’s latest project is a Primetime hit…

The 31-year-old half-Mexican American model and actor’s romantic comedy Red, White & Royal Blue, an adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s bestselling novel, has become the No. 1 film globally on Prime Video in its premiere weekend.

The film, which launched on Amazon Prime Video on August 11, is now among Prime Video’s top three most-watched romantic comedies of all time, according to Amazon, which wouldn’t disclose the two other films Red, White & Royal Blue would be joining in the top

Amazon is also touting “a huge surge in new Prime membership signups” due to the film’s release. The company didn’t say how they determined this, though this generally measured as the title was the first one an account watched after subscribing to a streaming service.

“The phenomenal debut of Red, White & Royal Blueis a true testament to the entertaining and inspired storytelling led by the creative minds behind it. Matthew López, McQuiston, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and the entire talented filmmaking team hit it out of the park,” said Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon MGM Studios. “We are so proud of this delightful, heartwarming film and could not be more thrilled with the response from fans–existing and new.”

Red, White & Royal Blue centers around Alex and Prince Henry who have a lot in common: Stunning good looks, undeniable charisma, international popularity … and a total disdain for each other. Separated by an ocean, their long-running feud hasn’t really been an issue, until a disastrous—and very public—altercation at a royal event becomes tabloid fodder, driving a potential wedge in U.S./British relations at the worst possible time.

Going into damage-control mode, their families and handlers force the two rivals into a staged “truce.” But as Alex and Henry’s icy relationship unexpectedly begins to thaw into a tentative friendship, the friction that existed between them sparks something deeper than they ever expected.

The film adaptation is directed by López who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Ted Malawer.

Red, White & Royal Blue also stars Clifton Collins Jr., Sarah Shahi, Rachel Hilson, Stephen Fry, Ellie Bamber, Thomas Flynn, Malcolm Atobrah, Akshay Khanna, Sharon D Clarke, Aneesh Sheth and Juan Castano.

Prime Video Releases First Look Photos of Taylor Zakhar Perez in “Red, White & Royal Blue”

Posted on June 12, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a Royal time for Taylor Zakhar Perez.

Prime Video has released a series of photos of the streamer’s film adaptation of the best-selling book Red, White & Royal Blue starring the 31-year-old part-Mexican American actor.

Zakhar Perez portrays Alex Claremont-Diaz, the son of the President of the United States, played by Uma Thurman, and Nicholas Galitzine in the role of Britain’s Prince Henry.

Based on the book penned by author Casey McQuiston, Red, White & Royal Blue centers around Alex and Prince Henry who have a lot in common: Stunning good looks, undeniable charisma, international popularity … and a total disdain for each other. Separated by an ocean, their long-running feud hasn’t really been an issue, until a disastrous—and very public—altercation at a royal event becomes tabloid fodder, driving a potential wedge in U.S./British relations at the worst possible time.

The film adaptation is directed by Matthew López, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Ted Malawer. Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter produce with Casey McQuiston, Michael Riley McGrath, Matthew López and Michael S. Constable serving as executive producers.

Red, White & Royal Blue premieres on August 11 on Prime Video.

Jared Leto Wins AARP Movies for Grownups Awards Trophy for “House of Gucci”

Posted on March 20, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Jared Leto is the Seniors’ choice…

The 20th anniversary AARP Movies for Grownups Awards have been announced, with the 50-year-old part-Spanish American actor and singer among the winners.

Leto was named Best Supporting Actor for his performance in House of Gucci during the virtual ceremony, which was hosted by Alan Cumming.

Clifton Collins Jr. and his Nightmare Alley cast mates were named Best Ensemble.

The 51-year-old half-Mexican American actor portrays Funhouse Jack in the film from Guillermo del Toro. His costars in the film include Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara and Toni Collette.

“We are thrilled to share this year’s Movies for Grownups Awards honorees during our 20th anniversary special,” said Tim Appelo, AARP film and TV critic. “Even in a pandemic, creators continue to raise the bar, captivating audiences and giving us all a bit of solace during trying times. Twenty years is quite a milestone to celebrate, and we wish all our nominees and honorees a heartfelt congratulations.”

AARP’s Movies for Grownups program advocates for the 50-plus audience by fighting industry ageism and encouraging films that resonate with mature viewers. Here are the winners of the 2021 Movies for Grownups Awards:

FILM

Best Picture
Belfast

Best Actor
Will Smith (King Richard)

Best Actress
Nicole Kidman (Being the Ricardos)

Best Supporting Actress
Aunjanue Ellis (King Richard)

Best Supporting Actor
Jared Leto (House of Gucci)

Best Director
Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog)

Best Screenwriter
Tony Kushner (West Side Story)

Best Intergenerational Film
CODA

Best Ensemble
Nightmare Alley

Best Time Capsule
Spencer

Best Grownup Love Story
Cyrano

Best Documentary
Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

Best Buddy Picture
Finch

Best Foreign Film
Sheep Without a Shepherd (China)

TELEVISION

Best Actress
Jean Smart (Hacks)

Best Actor
Michael Keaton (Dopesick)

Best Limited Series/TV Movie
Mare of Easttown

Best TV Series
Ted Lasso

Career Achievement Award
Lily Tomlin

Sony Pictures Releases Clifton Collins Jr.’s “Jockey” in Three U.S. Theaters Ahead of Wider Release

Posted on December 31, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Clifton Collins Jr. is jockeying into position…

Sony Pictures Entertainment has released Jockey, starring the 51-year-old Mexican American actor, in three theaters in New York and Los Angeles (Film Forum, AMC Lincoln Square, Laemmle Royal).

The release gets the film on the board for a January rollout ahead of the upcoming Oscar nominations.

SPC acquired Jockey out of the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury award for star Collins Jr., who portrays an aging rider trying to win one last championship race.

Collins plays Jackson Silvan, who hopes to win one last title for his longtime trainer (Molly Parker), who has acquired what appears to be a championship horse. But years and injuries have taken a toll. The arrival of a young rookie rider (Moises Arias), who claims to be his son and whom he takes under his wing, further complicates the path to fulfilling his dream.

Written by Bentley and Greg Kwedar (who previously teamed with Collins on the 2016 award-winning film Transpecos), the film also stars Logan Cormier and Colleen Hartnett. Bentley’s father was a professional jockey and much of the cast is also comprised of real-life jockeys.

The directorial debut of Clint Bentley will expand nationwide in January following its exclusive debut.

The Oscar hopeful (87% Rotten Tomatoes’ Critics’ score) was one of Deadline critic Todd McCarthy’s top ten picks of the year.

Clifton Collins Jr. Lands Recurring Role on Hulu’s “Veronica Mars” Reboot

Posted on November 13, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Clifton Collins Jr. is a (hit)man with a plan…

The 48-year-old Mexican American actor has landed a recurring role in Hulu’s eight-episode Veronica Mars revival.

The reboot, set to premiere in 2019, returns star Kristen Bell, Enrico Colantoni and Jason Dohringto the series that ran for three seasons on UPN and theCW from 2004-2007.

In the revival, spring breakers are getting murdered in Neptune, thereby decimating the seaside town’s lifeblood tourist industry. After Mars Investigations is hired by the parents of one of the victims to find their son’s killer, Veronica (Bell) is drawn into an epic mystery that pits the enclave’s wealthy elites, who would rather put an end to the month-long bacchanalia, against a working class that relies on the cash influx that comes with being the West Coast’s answer to Daytona Beach.

Collins will play Alonzo, a mid-level hitman for a Mexican cartel. Because of his facility with English, he’s chosen by his boss to travel to Neptune to take out whoever killed his wife’s nephew. The more time Alonzo spends in the U.S. the more doubts creep in about his chosen career field, particularly when he falls hard for a local girl.

The Emmy-nominated Collins stars as Lawrence on HBO’s Westworld. He recurred on HBO’s Ballers and most recently appeared in feature Super Troopers 2.

Lorenza Izzo to Star in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time In Hollywood”

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Lorenza Izzo is heading to Hollywood…

The 28-year-old Chilean actress and model has landed a role in the Quentin Tarantino-helmed film Once Upon a Time In Hollywood.

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, the film visits 1969 Los Angeles, where one-time TV star Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth (Pitt) make their way in an industry they hardly recognize anymore. The plot features multiple storylines in a tribute to the final moments of Hollywood’s golden age.

The large ensemble cast also includes Margot Robbie, Timothy Olyphant, Luke Perry, Damian Lewis, Dakota Fanning, Al Pacino, Emile Hirsch, Clifton Collins Jr., Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Scoot McNairy, Keith Jefferson and Nicholas Hammond.

Tarantino,David Heyman and Shannon McIntosh are producers on the film, which is slated for release July 26.

Izzo recurs in the final season of Hulu’s Casual series and appears in Universal Pictures’ The House with a Clock in Its Walls.

Collins to Star in HBO’s Sci-Fi Western Series “Westworld”

Posted on July 15, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Clifton Collins Jr. is heading West(world)…

The 45-year-old Mexican and Spanish American actor has joined the cast of HBO’s series Westworld, a television adaptation of the 1973 sci-fi western film that was set in a high-tech theme park that was staffed by robots who authentically replicated Roman, cowboy and medieval times.

After the park’s computer system breaks down, the robots ran amok and guests found themselves stalked by a gunslinging robot, played by Yul Brynner.

Collins will star opposite Ed Harris, Anthony Hopkins, Jeffrey Wright, Evan Rachel Wood, James Marsden and Thandie Newton in the reboot of the 1973 pic.

Collins, who starred in Pacific Rim, will play Lawrence, a sly criminal who really knows his way around Westworld.

Scheduled to air in 2016, Westworld hails from J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot, Jonathan Nolan, writer Lisa Joy plus Warner Bros. Televison and Jerry Weintraub Productions.

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