Isabella Gomez to Appear in Recurring Role on Apple’s Comedy Series “Shrinking”

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Isabella Gomez’s resume is shrinking… in a good way.

The 27-year-old Colombian actress has joined the cast of Apple’s comedy series Shrinking in a recurring role.

Co-created by Jason Segel, Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein, Shrinking follows grieving therapist Jimmy (Segel), who starts to break the rules and tell his clients exactly what he thinks. Ignoring his training and ethics, he finds himself making huge, tumultuous changes to people’s lives … including his own.

In addition to Segel and Ford, Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, Michael Urie, Lukita Maxwell and Ted McGinley also star.

Jeff Daniels will guest star as Jimmy’s father.

Shrinking is produced for Apple TV+ by Warner Bros Television, where Lawrence and Goldstein are under overall deals, and Lawrence’s Doozer Productions.

Since its premiere, the series has received SAG Award nominations for Best Ensemble, as well as for performances by Segel and Ford; a Critics Choice Award win for Best Supporting Actor Urie; and nominations for Emmy Awards, and the WGA, among many others.

Gomez recently embraced her theater roots with a starring role in Gloria Calderon Kellett’s One of the Good Ones. She was also recently seen in ABC’s hit series The Goldbergs as Adam Goldberg’s love interest, Carmen, and had a starring role in Amazon’s With Love.

She’s best known for her award-winning role as Elena Álvarez in the critically acclaimed series One Day at a Time.

On the film front, Gomez was recently seen leading E’s romantic comedy Royal Rendezvous and starring in the coming-of-age drama Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.

She also lends her voice to Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Disney Channel’s animated shows Big Hero 6: The Series and Star vs. the Forces of Evil.

Disney Branded Television Renews Selena Gomez’s “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” for Second Season

Posted on March 31, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

There are more days of wizardry in Selena Gomez’s future….

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, guest-starring and executive produced by the 32-year-old Mexican American actress/singer, has been renewed for a second season.

Per Disney Branded Television, the new season will go into production in Los Angeles in April.

The news comes about a month after the Season 1 finale on February 28.

“I’m overwhelmed by all the love for the series and ready to keep serving this new generation of ‘Wizards’ fans with more Russo magic, while continuing to deliver a big warm hug to the original fan! So many surprises in store for this second season,” executive producer and series star David Henrie said in a statement. “It’s going to be big, so stay tuned!”

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place follows an adult Justin Russo, who has chosen to lead a normal, mortal life with his family, Giada, Roman and Milo. When Justin’s sister Alex brings Billie to his home seeking help, Justin realizes he must dust off his magical skills to mentor the wizard-in-training while also juggling his everyday responsibilities — and safeguarding the future of the Wizard World.

The first episode became Disney Channel‘s most-watched series premiere ever on Disney+ with 3.2M global views in the first 12 days.

In addition to Henrie, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place stars Janice LeAnn Brown (as Billie), Alkaio Thiele (as Roman Russo), Max Matenko (as Milo Russo), Taylor Cora (as Winter) and Mimi Gianopulos (as Giada Russo).

Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas serve as writers and executive producers, along with executive producers Gary Marsh, Jonas Agin, Gomez and Henrie.

Wizards of Waverly Place was created by Todd Greenwald.

Disney Channel Preparing to Launch Lionel Messi-Inspired Animated Series

Posted on December 16, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

It appears that animation is imitating Lionel Messi’s life…

An animated series inspired by the 37-year-old Argentine professional futbol superstar’s life will soon premiere on the Disney Channel after Disney Branded Television acquired Messi and the Giants from Sony Music Vision and Sony Pictures Television – Kids.

The sci-fi animated show follows a 12-year-old boy named Leo, who is transported from his home in Argentina into an alternate universe.

The series will demonstrate how the character faces adversity, builds a team, and discovers how to become a hero.

“I always dreamed of being involved in a project that would share the values of sports, the very same values that have been so important to my career, with younger generations,” Messi expressed in a press release. “Nothing truly is impossible with teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and hard work. I look forward to sharing this series with kids around the world, and I hope I will inspire them and motivate them to achieve their own dreams. Ever since I was a kid, I always loved animated series, and I look forward to watching this series with my own kids.”

Each episode of Messi and the Giants is 22-minutes long and will premiere on Disney Channel, followed by Disney Channel On Demand and globally on DIsney+, and will be available in English, Spanish and other languages.

“Football — or soccer as we call it in the United States — is the world’s most beloved sport, uniting and captivating millions of fans of all ages,” noted Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television. “We are proud to work with Lionel Messi and Sony Pictures Television to bring Messi and the Giants to our passionate, global kids’ audience. We know that its themes of family, friendship, and teamwork will resonate with not only football enthusiasts but everyone everywhere who loves a great story.”

“It’s been a privilege to team with Leo and our colleagues at Sony Music on this first-time collaboration,” Joe D’Ambrosia, EVP and general manager, Sony Pictures Television – Kids added. “We’re thrilled that Disney is giving a global platform to this fun take on a classic tale and look forward to launching a global consumer products and branded partnerships program alongside the show’s debut.”

“There is an incredible team all working together on this project, with Leo’s magic as the inspiration behind it all,” said Afo Verde, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Latin Iberia. “We are thrilled that Disney has now joined our roster to help bring this imaginative series to audiences and inspire fans all around the world.”

To date, Messi is the only athlete in the world to win eight Ballon d’Or Awards and six Golden Boots. In July, he joined the MLS team Inter Miami.

Guy Toubes will serve as executive producer, and Atlantis Animation, and director Dan Creteur will serve as the show’s animation studio.

The series was developed by Toubes and Creteur under the creative direction of Sony Music Vision and SPT – Kids, in partnership with Messi.

Disney Channel Releases Trailer for “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place,” Starring Selena Gomez

Posted on September 24, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Selena Gomez is returning to a magical Place…

The Disney Channel has released the trailer for Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, starring the 32-year-old Mexican American actress/singer and her on-screen brother David Henrie.

In the sequel series, Henrie’s character, Justin Russo, is taking a young wizard under his wing. It also offers a glimpse at the shenanigans that Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) is going to cause once Alex Russo (Gomez) drops her off with Justin, begging her brother for help training the prodigy.

According to Alex, the “fate of the world” is in Billie’s hands, but before she can take on a task like saving the wizard world, she needs a talented older wizard to show her the ropes — and a family who will pick her back up again no matter how many mistakes she makes.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place will premiere on Disney Channel with two episodes airing on October 29 at 8:00 pm ET/PT.

The first eight episodes will become available the next day on Disney+ and Disney Channel On Demand.

The series follows an adult Justin Russo, who has chosen to lead a normal, mortal life with his family, Giada, Roman and Milo. When Justin’s sister Alex brings Billie to his home seeking help, Justin realizes he must dust off his magical skills to mentor the wizard-in-training while also juggling his everyday responsibilities — and safeguarding the future of the Wizard World.

Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas serve as writers and executive producers, along with executive producers Gary Marsh, Jonas Agin, Gomez and Henrie. Andy Fickman directed and executive-produced the pilot and will direct multiple episodes.

Wizards of Waverly Place was created by Todd Greenwald.

Trailer Released for Hulu Documentary “Child Star,” Featuring Demi Lovato Discussing Childhood Fame

Posted on September 5, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Demi Lovato is shining an eye-opening spotlight on childhood fame…

The 32-year-old half-Mexican American opens up about growing up in Hollywood in her upcoming Hulu documentary, Child Star, with the official trailer for the project arriving on Thursday, September 5.

In the two-minute clip, Lovato meets up with iconic former child stars such as Drew Barrymore, Kenan Thompson, Christina Ricci, Raven-Symoné, JoJo Siwa, Alyson Stoner and more, and they reflect on their careers, including struggles with substance abuse, societal pressure and more.

“Everyone wanted to make it in the industry at a young age,” Lovato is heard saying in the trailer, as scenes from her life on the Disney Channel and more flash on the screen. “I was seven years old.”

She continues, “It scares me to hear that these kids are making tens of millions of dollars. There have to be protections put in place.”

Nicola Marsh, and Lovato co-directed Child Star, which aims to “deconstruct the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world’s most famous former child stars,” according to a release.

Child Star is produced by OBB Media’s Michael D. Ratner, who directed and produced Lovato’s 2021 documentary, Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil, along with Scott Ratner, Miranda Sherman, Kfir Goldberg and Lovato.

It’s executive produced by Marsh, Scooter Braun, Scott Manson, Jen McDaniels, Glenn Stickley and James Shin.

Child Star will be available to stream on Hulu beginning on September 17.

Selena Gomez Reveals Name of “Wizards of Waverly Place” Spinoff

Posted on May 14, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Selena Gomez is going above and beyond Waverly Place…

The 31-year-old has announced that the new Wizards of Waverly Place spinoff will be titled Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.

During Disney’s upfront on Tuesday, Gomez also shared two first-look images.

The photos give fans a glimpse at grownup Alex and Justin Russo, played by Gomez and David Henrie, who are reprising their roles.

A secondary image introduces the spinoff’s new characters: Billie, portrayed by Janice LeAnn Brown, and the Russo family, played by Mimi Gianopulos (Giada Russo), Alkaio Thiele (Roman Russo) and Max Matenko (Milo Russo).

In addition, Taylor Cora will join the series’ regular cast in the role of Winter, Billie’s bubbly, quirky and oversharing best friend.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place follows an adult Justin Russo, who has chosen to lead a normal, mortal life with his family, Giada, Roman and Milo. When Justin’s sister Alex brings Billie to his home seeking help, Justin realizes he must dust off his magical skills to mentor the wizard-in-training while also juggling his everyday responsibilities — and safeguarding the future of the Wizard World.

From Disney Branded Television, the series is slated to premiere on Disney Channel and Disney+ later this year.

Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas serve as writers and executive producers, along with Gary Marsh, Gomez and Henrie. Andy Fickman directed and executive-produced the pilot and will direct multiple episodes.

Jessica Marie Garcia Signs with Creative Artists Agency (CAA)

Posted on March 7, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Jessica Marie Garcia has new representation…

The 36-year-old Cuban & Mexican American actress has signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

Garcia currently recurs on the NBC comedy series Lopez Vs. Lopez opposite George and Mayan Lopez, as cousin ‘Yesika’. Before that, she starred on Netflix’s “Most-Binged Original” hit series On My Block as the spitfire ‘Jasmine Flores’, a role that earned her a Teen Choice Award nomination for Best Summer TV Actress and an MTV Movie & TV Award nomination.

She also appeared in Gina Rodriguez’s Disney+ series Diary of a Female President as ‘Camila,’ as well as recurring on Shonda Rhimes’ How To Get Away With Murder playing ‘Rhonda’ opposite Viola Davis. Additionally, she starred in all four seasons of the Disney Channel original series Liv and Maddie as ‘Willow Cruz.’

Her feature film Avenge the Crows, in which she plays ‘Peaches,’ a tough inner-city gang member, starring alongside Danny Trejo and Lou Diamond Phillips, is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. You can see her earlier work on shows including ABC’s The Middle, as the tough wrestlerette, ‘Becky,’ and as ‘Sierra Cruz’ on ABC Family’s Huge.

Garcia is also a member of the all-female ensemble cast of Betch: A Sketch Show, streaming now on Paramount+. She has also lent her voice to both seasons of the Love in Gravity podcast, which received special recognition at the 2023 GLAAD Awards. She additionally voiced ‘Renee Montoya’ in the hit original audio drama Batman Unburied for Spotify and voiced ‘Ami’ for the audio original book The Honeymoon Crashers by the writing duo Christina Lauren.

Garcia is branching out with her production shingle, where she has been writing and producing, most recently with her film Illegally Brown, directed by Gabby Revilla Lugo, which was recently on the festival circuit. She also shot the film What To Expect with director Gabriela Garcia Medina.

Sofia Carson to Star in Netflix’s Rom-Com “The Life List”

Posted on March 5, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Sofia Carson is making the List…

The 30-year-old Colombian American actress/singer will star in The Life List, a new Netflix rom-com from writer-director Adam Brooks.

Carson will star opposite Kyle Allen, Sebastian De Souza and Connie Britton in the project.

Based on the 2013 novel by Lori Nelson Spielman, The Life List‘s logline is as follows: When Alex Rose’s (Carson) mother sends her on a quest to complete her childhood bucket list, it takes her on a journey that will make you both laugh and cry as she uncovers family secrets, finds romance, and discovers herself along the way.

Liza Chasin is producing for 3dot Productions. The film falls under Chasin’s first-look deal with the streamer, announced in 2019, which also covers her upcoming Morocco-set love story Lonely Planet starring Laura Dern, Liam Hemsworth and Diana Silvers.

Carson is best known for starring opposite Nicholas Galitzine in the hugely popular romance Purple Hearts from Netflix and Alloy Entertainment, which spent six weeks in the Global Top 10 Films (English) upon its September 2022 debut on the streamer, reaching the Top 10 Films in 93 countries. Prior to that, she starred in Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists as well as Disney Channel’s Descendants films.

Up next, she’ll be seen starring opposite Jason Bateman, Taron Egerton and more in Jaume Collet-Serra’s action thriller Carry On, also for Netflix.

Selena Gomez to Executive Produce & Guest Star in Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place” Sequel

Posted on January 18, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Selena Gomez is heading back to the place it all started…

One of Disney’s signature comedies, Wizards of Waverly Place, which helped turn the 31-year-old Mexican American actress/singer into a household name, is getting a sequel.

Disney Branded Television has ordered a pilot for the follow-up, which is executive produced by original stars Gomez and her small screen sibling David Henrie.

Gomez will guest star in the pilot for Disney Channel as the character that helped launch her career, Alex Russo, with Henrie reprising the role of Justin Russo as a series regular.

They’ll be joined by new cast members Janice LeAnn Brown, Alkaio Thiele and Mimi Gianopulos.

The revival pilot comes from writers and executive producers Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas who are behind another Disney Channel comedy spinoff, Raven’s Home.

It picks up after a mysterious incident at WizTech, where an adult Justin Russo has left his wizard powers behind, opting for a normal, human life with his wife and two sons. But he gets a surprise when a powerful young wizard in need of training shows up at his door… and Justin must embrace his past to ensure the future of the Wizard World.

The powerful young wizard Billie, whom Justin takes under his wing, will be portrayed by series lead Brown. Thiele will play Roman Russo, Justin’s oldest son; Gianopulos will play Justin’s wife, Giada.

In addition to Gomez, Henrie, Elinoff and Thomas, Gary Marsh and Andy Fickman will also executive produce, with Fickman directing.

Marsh was the former longtime top Disney Channel creative executive who was the driving force behind Wizards of Waverly Place and was instrumental in getting Gomez on the network after she was discovered during an open casting call in Dallas.

Created by Todd J. Greenwald, the original series, which ran from 2007-2012, followed the Russo family, where three siblings navigated the challenges of adolescence while mastering their magical abilities. The cast also included Jake T. Austin, Jennifer Stone, Maria Canals-Barrera and David DeLuise, all of whom (minus Henrie), reunited for the TV special The Wizards Return: Alex Vs. Alex in 2013.

The pilot order caps years of online chatter about a potential Wizards Of Waverly Place revival or reboot. It also fits into Disney Branded Television’s strategy of beefing up Disney Channel’s lineup of multi-camera sitcoms.

Gomez is currently in the Disney family as a star and executive producer of the hit Hulu/20th Television comedy series Only Murders In the Building.

Selena Gomez Hints at Retiring from Music

Posted on January 4, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Selena Gomez may be retiring from music in the near future…

The 31-year-old Mexican American singer/actress shared on the on the latest episode of SmartLess, the podcast hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes, that she’d like to focus on only one aspect of her career.

“I started having a lot of fun with music and then touring was really fun. But I was doing my TV show at the same time [Wizards of Waverly Place] and I just found it really fun so I just kept going but the older I get, the more I’m kind of like, I would like to find something to just settle on,” she explained.

The Only Murders in the Building actress added that she’d like to focus on her acting career, sharing, “I do feel like I have one more album in me but I would probably choose acting.”

Gomez recalled that she got into singing after snagging the lead role on her Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place.

“Disney is, it’s safe to say, a machine and, in a way, forcefully require that I know how to sing so I could sing the theme song [of a show]. They know how to package someone and make it a whole triple threat thing,” she said.

After she recorded the theme song for Wizards of Waverly Place, Disney asked if Gomez would like to record an album, which she “thought it would be fun.”

She added, “I wanted to be an actress, I never really intended on being a singer full-time but apparently that hobby turned into something else.”

Gomez’s acting career is skyrocketing even more lately, as her role in Hulu’s Only Murders has snagged her two Golden Globes nominations in 2023 and 2024 for best performance by an actress in a television series – musical or comedy.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

Tag Archives: Disney Channel