El Rey Network Orders Second Season of Luna’s Spy Thriller “The Matador”

It’s nothin’ but net for Gabriel Luna

El Rey Network has ordered a 13-episode second season of the soccer-themed spy thriller Matador, starring the 31-year-old Latino actor.

Gabriel Luna in The Matador

From writer-producer Roberto Orci, the series centers on Antonio “Matador” Bravo, a soccer star who in reality uses his sports career as a cover for his work as a skilled covert operative executing missions for a little-known branch of the CIA.

Alfred Molina, Nicky Whelan, Neil Hopkins, Tanc Sade, Yvette Monreal, Elizabeth Peña, Julio Oscar Mechoso, Louis Ozawa Changchien, Sammi Rotibi, Jonny Cruz, Isabella Gomez and Peter Gadiot co-star.

“It just fit in with what we wanted to do … this is why I created [El Rey],” said filmmaker and the network’s founder Robert Rodriguez, who trumpeted the network’s commitment to diversity by saying that at least 50% of the network’s talent both in front of and behind the camera is diverse. “We are so happy with the season already, we are on episode 11. It fits right in with our network. It’s kickass, the characters are really engaging, it’s your dream kind of show to do.”

The announcement comes in advance of the The Matador’s premiere on July 15.

A sneak peek of the pilot episode becomes available this week on iTunes, Vudu, Xbox 360 and other platforms.

El Rey Network Releases Trailer for Luna’s New Drama Series “Matador”

Gabriel Luna’s ready to take the soccer field…

El Rey Network has released the trailer for its upcoming action drama series Matador, which stars the 31-year-old Latino American actor.

Gabriel Luna

From Dan Dworkin, Jay Beattie, Roberto Orci and Andrew Orci, the series stars Luna as Antonio “Matador” Bravo, a popular soccer star who in reality uses his sports career as a cover for his skilled covert operative executing missions for a little-known branch of the CIA.

The international cast also includes Alfred Molina, Nicky Whelan, Neil Hopkins, Tanc Sade, Yvette Monreal, Elizabeth Peña, Julio Oscar Mechoso, Louis Ozawa Changchien, Sammi Rotibi, Jonny Cruz, Isabella Gomez and Peter Gadiot.

Matador premieres on July 15, two days after the World Cup final, on Robert Rodriguez’s network.

Peña Cast in ABC’s John Leguizamo Comedy Pilot

Elizabeth Peña will be playing mom to Sid the Sloth’s hilarious portrayor…

The 51-year-old Cuban American actress has joined the cast of ABC’s still-untitled John Leguizamo project.

Elizabeth Pena

Co-created and starring the Colombian-American actor/comedian, the project is based on his life as a husband, father and fish out of water on New York City’s Upper West Side.

Peña, starred in Showtime‘s Resurrection Blvd., will portray Leguizamo’s mother Olga.

But this isn’t the first time Peña has played the Fugly! star’s madre… The actors previously portrayed mother and son in the 2008 Latino-themed family drama Nothing Like the Holidays.

Peña to Guest Star on ABC’s “Modern Family”

Elizabeth Peña is about to share screen time with Sofia Vergara

The 51-year-old Cuban American actress has signed on to guest star as Gloria’s (Vergara) mother on ABC’s Modern Family.

Elizabeth Pena

Peña, whose film credits include La Bamba and Rush Hour, starred in the short-lived I Made Dora back in 1987-88.

Meanwhile, The Closer’s Stephanie Beatriz will portray Gloria’s sister, according to TVGuide.com.

Peña and Beatriz will appear in Episode 12, which is titled “Fulgencio.”

Modern Family airs Wednesdays at 9:00 pm ET on ABC.