Regina Blandón Starring in Sony Pictures Television’s Spanish Adaptation of “Mad About You” in Mexico

It’s a mad world for Regina Blandón

The 33-year-old Mexican actress will star in Sony Pictures Television’s (SPT) Spanish adaptation of the U.S. hit ‘90s sitcom Mad About You in Mexico.

Regina Blandón,Production kicks off in June of Enloqueciendo Contigo with a notable cast led by Blandón and Memo Villegas.

The upcoming adaptation follows other local versions made in Chile, Argentina, the U.K. and even China.

“We are delighted to begin developing this adaptation of Mad About You, a series that has seen critical and commercial success worldwide,” said John Rossiter, EVP of Networks & Distribution, Latin America, SPT.

The original show followed newlyweds Jamie and Paul, played by Helen Hunt and Paul Reiser, as they navigated the challenges of life together.

Mad About You aired on NBC from 1992 to 1999, collecting a multitude of awards, including four Golden Globes and at least a dozen Primetime Emmys.

To be directed by Magaby García and Salvador Suárez, Enloqueciendo Contigo follows Jimena and Pablo, a couple with contrasting backgrounds and personalities, in their transition from whirlwind romance to marriage.

Set in a Mexico City apartment, they navigate the intricacies of cohabitation while facing the challenges of their careers, family dynamics, and the constant influence of friends. Infused with Mexican humor, the adaptation blends witty exchanges, fiery disputes and heartfelt reconciliations, SPT promises.

“I am excited to be part of this project, not only because of its importance in the history of television but also because of the opportunity to give life to one of the most endearing characters,” said Blandón, who plays Jimena.

Her multiple credits in stage, TV and film include La Familia P. Luche and Netflix series Historia de un Crimen: La Búsqueda.”

Mad About You is a series that touched the hearts of many people. I am very happy to be part of this new version, which, in addition to bringing things from our times, will allow the world to appreciate the romance between Pablo and Jimena,” said  Villegas, who plays Pablo.

Villegas has worked on such acclaimed projects as Netflix’s Narcos: Mexico and Cary Fukunaga’s Sin Nombre.

José Raúl Zuńiga, Paula Rendón and Salvador Suárez are penning the adaptation while David Barraza serves as content director and Yolanda Segura as literary editor.

Carlos Quintanilla Sakar oversees creative direction and executive production, supported by executive producers Alejandro García and Maria Fernanda Bateman.

Freddy Rodriguez to Star in the Indie Horror/Thriller “You Lose You Die”

It’s lose and die for Freddy Rodriguez.

The 49-year-old Puerto Rican actor and Emmy-nominee will star in Averted Vision Pictures indie horror/thriller You Lose You Die, written by Carlos “Spiff TV” Suarez, who will also be making his feature directorial debut.

Freddy RodriguezRodriguez will star opposite Ashley Elizabeth Fliehr in the film

Pre-production is currently underway.

You Lose You Die follows sociopathic tech expert, Mr. Fantastik (Rodriguez), who runs a popular show on the dark web with two other sociopathic tech experts, Ms. Perfect (Fliehr) and Mr. Creep (Anthony Alvarez). On the show, thousands of viewers vote on games and challenges for prisoners to participate in. If the prisoners lose, viewers vote on the weapons the sociopaths use to kill them.

In addition to Rodriguez, Fliehr and Alvarez, the cast includes Josh Bredl as Mr. Large; Sophia Zimba as Kara; Ashley Hernandez as Julie; Alejandro Duran as Alfonso; Noah Crider as Chase; Marcella Acuña as Christie; Mercy Grant as Darling; and Lydia Faith Gomez as Jamie.

Rodriguez, Josue “Sway” Mendez and Ulysses Terrero serve as executive producers of You Lose You Die with Mendez also producing.

“I’m excited to embark on this new journey as Executive Producer and star of You Lose You Die and help bring such a talented artist like Carlos ‘Spiff TV’ Suarez’s vision to life,” Rodriguez shared in a statement to Deadline. “I was humbled by the outpouring of love and support after working with Robert Rodriguez on Planet Terror and Scott Derrickson on VHS 85, so the decision to dive back into the elevated horror genre comes with a deep level of respect for its rabid and loyal fan base.”

Rodriguez most recently starred as Detective Wayne Johnson in V/H/S/85 and Detective Greco in the Hulu series Wu-Tang: An American Saga. He’s best known for his portrayal of Federico Diaz in the hit HBO series Six Feet Under, which earned him an Emmy nomination in 2002 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Rodriguez was part of the main ensemble cast alongside Michael C. Hall, Peter Krause, Frances Conroy and Lauren Ambrose across the show’s 5 seasons.

Across his nearly three decades in the industry, his big screen credits also include roles in A Walk In The Clouds (1995), M. Night Shyamalan’s Lady in the Water (2006), Grindhouse (2007) for Robert Rodriguez and David Ayers’ directorial debutHarsh Times (2005).

Suarez most recently produced The Tax Collector, a gritty urban crime drama directed by David Ayer. He also contributed to the soundtrack production for Marvel’s acclaimed 2018 animated film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse—written by Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman—alongside reggaeton star Anuel. As a director, Suarez has helmed numerous music videos, showcasing artists such as Drake, Rick Ross and French Montana. In 2020, he founded Averted Vision Pictures LLC with a clear mission: to develop a dynamic hub for film and television production.

Daphne Rubin-Vega to Appear on Season 4 of Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building”

Daphne Rubin-Vega has landed a killer role…

The 54-year-old Panamanian-American actress, singer-songwriter, dancer and Broadway star has joined the star-studded cast of Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building.

Daphne Rubin-VegaRubin-Vega is among a roster of new cast additions that includes Richard Kind, Catherine Cohen and Jin Ha.

They’ll appear in recurring roles.

Details regarding the new season’s plot and character descriptions remain under wraps.

But the new episodes will focus on unraveling the murder of Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch), Charles-Haden Savage’s (Steve Martin) mind-bogglingly identical stunt double from his years on the series Brazzos and its 2020 revival.

Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich revealed in a recent interview that the Only Murders In the Building trio: Charles, Oliver (Martin Short) and Mabel (Selena Gomez), will kick off the new season with a trip to Los Angeles before returning to The Arconia in their search of Sazz’s killer.

New additions will also include Molly Shannon, Eva Longoria, Eugene Levy, Zach Galifianakis, Desmin Borges, Siena Werber and Lilian Rebelo, with Meryl Streep reprising the Season 3 role of Loretta Durkin.

In the Season 3 finale—following her highly praised performance in Oliver’s Broadway hit Death Rattle Dazzle— Loretta received two offers in productions that would require her to relocate to Los Angeles. Her new beau Oliver is into this idea as it would allow him to visit the City of Angels. Mabel’s new love interest Tobert (Jesse Williams) is also headed west, and surprisingly, she’s also keen on taking a little break from New York.

The Emmy-nominated comedy, produced by 20th Television, is co-created and co-written by Steve Martin and John Hoffman who also executive produce alongside Short, Gomez, Dan Fogelman and Jess Rosenthal.

Rubin-Vega earned a Tony Award nomination for her portrayal of ‘Mimi’ in the original cast of Rent, and another for Anna in the Tropics. She was most recently seen starring in the Signature Theatre’s Night of the Iguana opposite Tim Daly and Lea DeLaria. She starred in the musical Miss You Like Hell at The Public Theatre and in the one-woman show Empanda Loca, which was written for her. She helped adapt the play into the scripted podcast, The Horror of Dolores Roach, which was then adapted into a TV series for Amazon.

Diego Luna to Star Opposite Jennifer Lopez in Film Adaptation of Broadway Musical “Kiss of the Spider Woman”

Diego Luna is spinning a new web

The 44-year-old Mexican actor, director and producer will star opposite Jennifer Lopez in Kiss of the Spider Woman, the feature adaptation of the 1993 Broadway musical based on Manuel Puig’s landmark 1976 novel.

Diego LunaLuna will portray Valentin Arregui in the musical film.

Meanwhile, Tonatiuh will star in the adaptation as Luis Molina.

They join Lopez, who was previously announced in the titular role.

The show, which won seven Tony Awards, was written by Terrence McNally with a score by composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb. The film is scripted and directed by Oscar winner Bill Condon, with Barry Josephson, Tom Kirdahy and Greg Yolen producing alongside Ben Affleck and Matt Damon for Artists Equity, which has secured independent financing for the film.

Michael Joe, Dani Bernfeld and Kevin Halloran will executive produce for Artists Equity alongside Condon on behalf of 1000 Eyes; Lopez and Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas for Nuyorican Productions.

The musical is set in an Argentinian prison in 1981, against the backdrop of what is historically referred to as the Guerra Sucia (“Dirty War”) waged by the military dictatorship. Molina is a department store window dresser serving an eight-year sentence after being entrapped by police for allegedly corrupting a minor. To escape the horrors of imprisonment, he imagines a movie starring classic silver screen diva Ingrid Luna (Lopez) as both fashion editor Aurora and the Spider Woman, who kills her prey with a kiss. Molina’s life is upended when forced to share a cell with Marxist revolutionary Valentin, with whom an unlikely bond is formed.

Luna most recently starred in Disney+ series Andorwhich earned him some of the best reviews of his career, as well as Golden Globe and Emmy recognition. He recently wrapped production on Season 2.

Tonatiuh can be seen next in the Netflix thriller Carry On; other credits include the TV series Vida.

Vanna White Co-Hosting Next Episode of “American Idol” with Ryan Seacrest This Monday

Vanna White is bracing for an Idol appearance…

The 67-year-old half-Puerto Rican television personality and game show letter-turner will guest host American Idol alongside future Wheel of Fortune host Ryan Seacrest.

Vanna WhiteThe talent competition host said White would join him on Monday’s episode airing on ABC.

“A legend, a household name, a superstar named Vanna White is making a cameo on American Idol, Seacrest said on Good Morning America. “She’s watched for years, and she’s going to cohost a little bit with me on the next Idol Monday.”

Seacrest is taking over Wheel of Fortune following Pat Sajak’s retirement and will co-host the classic game show with White starting with Season 42.

Sajak has taped his final episode, which will air on Friday, June 7.

Sajak announced in June 2023 that he’d retire from the syndicated show, and Season 41 would be his last. The television presenter has hosted Wheel of Fortune since 1981 and has won three Emmys for his work.

After Sajak announced he was leaving his hosting duties at Wheel of Fortune, White said she thought about making an exit from the show as well.

“Of course it’s a thought,” White said in an interview with People magazine. “It’s like, ‘Well, wait, if you’re leaving, what am I going to do? How can I stay without you?’ It was a very hard decision for me to make, because it definitely crossed my mind. It’s like, ‘I just don’t know if I can do this without you,’ but I thought about it and I’m not ready to retire, so I am staying on.”

Seacrest has hosted American Idol since its premiere in 2002 on Fox.

The host remained in his position when the talent competition moved to ABC in 2018.

White will join Seacrest on the episode airing Monday, April 8 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Apple TV+ Releases Trailer for Second Season of Josh Segarra-Starrer “The Big Door Prize”

Josh Segarra is back at the door

Apple TV+ has released the trailer for the second season of The Big Door Prize, the critically acclaimed and character-driven comedy starring the 37-year-old Puerto Rican actor.

Josh Segarra

From Emmy-winning creator David West Read, the 10-episode second season will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, April 24, with three episodes, followed by one new episode every Wednesday through June 12, 2024.

Based on M.O. Walsh’s novel, season two of The Big Door Prize follows the residents of Deerfield as the Morpho machine readies them for the mysterious “next stage.” As everyone’s potentials are exchanged for visions, new relationships form and new questions are asked.

Dusty (Chris O’dowd) and Cass (Gabrielle Dennis) decide to take time apart while Trina (Djouliet Amara) and Jacob (Sammy Fourlas) learn that they can shed their old labels. Giorgio (Segarra) and Izzy (Crystal Fox) each find romance while Hana (Ally Maki) and Father Reuben (Damon Gupton) attempt to discover the purpose of the machine. The small town is once again left questioning what they thought they knew about their lives, relationships, potential and about the Morpho itself.

The Big Door Prize is produced by Skydance Television and CJ ENM/Studio Dragon.

Season two welcomes new and returning guest stars including Justine Lupe, Aaron Roman Weiner, Mary Holland, Patrick Kerr, Cocoa Brown, Carrie Barrett, Elizabeth Hunter, Jim Meskimen, Matt Dellapina and Melissa Ponzio.

Following its global debut on Apple TV+ last year, The Big Door Prize quickly rose to Rotten Tomatoes Certified Fresh status during its first season, and has been hailed as “thought-provoking,” “hilarious” and “one of the best comedy debuts in years.”

Segarra’s previous television credits include Abbott Elementary, Chicago P.D.The Other TwoAJ and the QueenOrange Is the New Black and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.

His other theatrical credits include the musicals Lysistrata Jones and Dogfight, while his film credits include the slasher horror film Scream VI.

Selena Gomez Launching “Selena + Restaurant” Series for Food Network

Selena Gomez is upgrading her kitchen for her next cooking series.

The 31-year-old Mexican American actress, singer and television host is launching Selena + Restaurant on the Food Network.

Selena GomezThe Emmy-nominated Only Murders in the Building star had previously hosted four seasons of Selena + Chef for Max, as well as four-part series Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays for Food Network.

The new series will premiere on May2 on Food Network. It’ll see her head out of her home kitchen and into the kitchens of some of L.A.’s hottest restaurants.

Gomez will be joined by best friend, Raquelle Stevens, with chefs Shirley Chung, Keith Corbin, Stephanie Izard, Andrew & Michelle Muñoz, Wolfgang Puck and Marcel Vigneron teaching and testing Gomez to see how quickly she can learn the ropes with the ultimate goal of creating a dish good enough to make each restaurant’s menu.

Restaurants include Puck’s Cut Steakhouse in Beverly Hills, Chung’s Ms Chi, Vigneron’s Lemon Grove, the Muñozes Moo’s Craft Barbecue, Izard’s Girl & the Goat and Corbin’s Alta.

“After cooking mostly virtually from my kitchen with some of the best chefs for the last four years, I was thrilled to step into their world,” said Gomez. “You’ll have to see if being in person helped my skills at all.”

Selena + Restaurant is produced by Gomez’s July Moon Productions, along with executive producers Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman on behalf of Sony Pictures Television’s The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC), showrunner Shauna Minoprio and Melissa Stokes.

John Leguizamo to Star in Apple‘s Upcoming Drama Series “Firebug”

John Leguizamo is buggin’…

The 63-year-old Colombian Emmy– & Tony Award-winning actor will star alongside Taron Egerton in Apple‘s upcoming drama series Firebug.

John LeguizamoHailing from Apple Studios and creator Dennis Lehane, the series will be directed and executive-produced by Kari Skogland.

Written by Lehane and loosely inspired by true events, Firebug will follow a troubled detective and an enigmatic arson investigator (Egerton) as they pursue the trails of two serial arsonists.

Leguizamo with play Esposito, a former policeman with a lot of bad habits and a lot of good instincts.

Jurnee Smollett will also star in the series.

In addition to starring, Egerton will serve as executive producer alongside Richard Plepler through Eden Productions, Dan Friedkin and Bradley Thomas through Imperative Entertainment and Kary Antholis.

Leguizamo is host and executive producer of MSNBC’s hit travel show, Leguizamo Does America, which is currently in production on its second season.

He recently starred in Amazon series The Power, alongside Toni Collette, in Showtime’s five-part drama series Waco: The Aftermath, and in Mark Mylod’s horror comedy The Menu.

Leguizamo stars in the independent film Bob Trevino Likes It, which recently premiered at SXSW, winning the SXSW Grand Jury Award and the Audience Award in the Narrative Feature category.

He also stars as federal agent Gordon Rogers in The Green Veil drama series, which he produced alongside director Aram Rappaport.

Upcoming, he hosts the PBS documentary series American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos, a project he co-created with director Ben De Jesus. He’ll also be seen in the upcoming thriller feature Tin Soldier, opposite Robert Di Niro, Jamie Foxx and Rita Ora.

Tatyana Ali to Appear on Season Three of ABC’s Hit Comedy Series “Abbott Elementary”

Tatyana Ali is heading to the classroom…

The 45-year-old half-Afro-Panamanian American actress and singer will appear on season three of ABC’s hit comedy series Abbott Elementary.

Tatyana AliAli, best known for her roles on NBC’s The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and CBS’ long-running soap opera The Young and the Restless, is among a list of recently announced guest stars/recurring stars that includes Lana CondorKeegan-Michael KeyCree Summer and Karan Soni.

It’s been a star-studded season on the Emmy-winning series.

During Sunday’s post-Oscars special episode, Bradley Cooper made a special appearance, while Season 3 kicked off in February on a high note with guest appearances from Philadelphia Eagles players Jalen Hurts, Brandon Graham and Jason Kelce.

The series has also previously had guest appearances from Taraji P. Henson, Ayo Edebiri, Vince Staples and Leslie Odom Jr.

Abbott Elementary takes place in a predominantly Black Philadelphia public school. Quinta Brunson, who created the series, plays Janine Teagues, an optimistic second-grade teacher who makes it her mission to help enrich her students’ lives while also managing her own personal life.

Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, William Stanford Davis and Sheryl Lee Ralph also star.

Demi Lovato to Star in Stephanie Laing’s Feature Drama “Tow”

Demi Lovato is towing the line…

The 31-year-old half-Mexican American Grammy-nominated singer and actress will star opposite Rose Byrne and Dominic Sessa in Stephanie Laing’s feature Tow.

Demi LovatoThe project will see Lovato take on her first dramatic role in a feature.

Tow will see Golden Globe and Emmy nominee Byrne portray the true story of Amanda Ogle, an unhoused Seattle woman who fought her way out of tow-company hell to reclaim her life and the car that held it all together after receiving a tow bill for $21,634. Ogle also serves as an executive producer on the film.

Laing previously described Ogle as “a true champion” and her story as one of “tenacity and perseverance”.

The original screenplay comes from Jonathan Keasey, Brant Boivi, and Annie Weisman.

Lovato has sold more than 24 million records in the U.S. alone.

She’s best known on screen for roles in comedy series and films including Camp RockPrincess Protection Program, Glee and the Netflix film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.