There’s crate(r) expectations for Kyle Patrick Alvarez…
The Latino film director and screenwriter will direct Disney Plus’ sci-fi adventure film Crater.
The film will star Isaiah Russell-Bailey, Billy Barratt, Orson Hong, Thomas Boyce and Mckenna Grace.
The film will be overseen by Disney’s live-action team with hopes to shoot in the spring. Shawn Levy and Dan Levine will produce through their 21 Laps Entertainment banner.
Crater is described as a coming-of-age story in the vein of Stand By Me, set on a moon colony. After the death of his father, a boy (Russell-Bailey) growing up on a lunar mining colony takes a trip to explore a mysterious crater, along with his four best friends, prior to being permanently relocated to another planet. Barratt, Hong and Boyce will join Grace as the boy’s best friends.
John Griffin penned the script. The film was originally set up at 20th Century Fox with Levy circling the directing chair, but after it moved to Disney Levy chose to focus on producing duties as the film gained momentum.
Alvarez’s previous directing credits include Homecoming, Tales of the City, Counterpart and 13 Reasons Why.
The Latina actress has joined the cast of Marvel’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, in which Benedict Cumberbatch returns to reprise the title character and Sam Raimi takes over directing duties.
Benedict Wong and Chiwetel Ejiofor also are expected to reprise their roles from the original film as, respectively, fellow sorcerer Wong and Strange’s compatriot-turned-nemesis Karl Mordo.
And Elizabeth Olsen has been tapped to reprise her role as Scarlet Witch, aka Wanda Maximoff, for a storyline that Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige has said will link up with her Disney Plus series WandaVisionthat debuts in December.
Plot details and Gomez’s character are still unknown at this time.
Production will begin after Cumberbatch finishes filming the next Spider-Man film, where he’ll be playing Doctor Strange.
Raimi replaces original director Scott Derrickson, who departed the project in January due to creative differences.
Gomez’s previous credits include Netflix’s The Baby-Sitters Club and Gentefied, as well as Raven’s Home, Roped and Shadow Wolves.
The half-Puerto Rican actor Cimino has been cast as Victor in Disney Plus television series adaptation of the film Love, Simon.
“Love, Simonis a powerful story embraced by critics and audiences alike for its universal messages of authenticity, love, and acceptance,” said Agnes Chu, senior vice president of content for Disney Plus. “We are honored to partner with the talented team at 20th Century Fox Televisionto bring this new chapter of a beloved story to Disney+, continuing the personal and uplifting narrative that captivated fans of the original film.”
Cimino’s character Victor is a new student at Creekwood High School on his own journey of self-discovery, facing challenges at home, adjusting to a new city, and struggling with his sexual orientation. When it all seems too much, he reaches out to Simon to help him navigate the ups and downs of high school.
Cimino joins previously announced cast member Ana Ortiz, who will play Victor’s mother Isabel. Nick Robinson, who starred in the film, will narrate the half-hour series in addition to serving as producer.
The cast will also include: James Martinezas Armando, Victor’s regular blue collar “guy’s guy” father who loves his family deeply and works hard for his family; Isabella Ferreiraas Pilar, Victor’s sullen younger sister in the throes of teenage angst; Mateo Fernandezwill make his acting debut as Adrian, Victor’s adorable, good-natured little brother; Johnny Sequoyahas Mia, Victor’s whip-smart friend with a quick wit and easy laugh; Bebe Woodas Lake, Mia’s quirky and social media-obsessed best friend; George Searas Benji, Victor’s confident and charming classmate; Anthony Turpelas Felix, Victor’s lanky, awkward new neighbor; and Mason Goodingas Andrew, Creekwood’s cocky and popular basketball-loving jock.
Cimino’s previous credits include the film Annabelle Comes Homeand the Training Daytelevision series at CBS.
The series is set to begin production this month in Los Angeles.
Greg Berlantidirected the 2018 film, which was based on Becky Albertali’s novel of the same name. He’s not involved in the TV adaptation because of his massive overall TV deal with Warner Bros.The film, produced by the now-shuttered label Fox 2000, was produced for $17 million, earning nearly $67 million worldwide.
