FX Renews Plaza’s Marvel Series “Legion” for Second Season

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

It’s Marvel-ous news for Aubrey Plaza…

Two weeks before the end of the first season of Marvel’s Legion, starring the 32-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress, FX has renewed the Noah Hawley-created series for a second season.

There’s no word yet on when in 2018 Legion will debut or how many episodes FX has ordered of the series that stars Plaza, Dan Stevens and Katie Aselton.

The eight-episode first season ends on March 29.

“The first season of Legion was a stunning achievement,” said FX’s Eric Schrier when he and fellow president of Original Programming Nick Grad announced the pick-up of the well-watched show. “More than a new series, Legion is a wholly original take on the super hero genre,” Schrier added. “Our thanks to Noah Hawley for taking the creative risks and shattering expectations. It’s a privilege to work again with Noah, his producing partners, the outstanding cast and our partners at Marvel Television on another season of Legion.”

Legion centers on David Haller (Stevens), who was diagnosed with schizophrenia at a young age, and has been a patient in various psychiatric hospitals since. After an encounter with a fellow patient, he is confronted with the possibility that there may be more to him than mental illness. Plaza portrays Lenny Busker, Haller’s friend, who is optimistic despite a history of drug and alcoholic abuse.

“We are thrilled there will be a new season of Legion,” said Legion EP and Marvel Television boss Jeph Loeb. “Noah’s spectacular take on David Haller and all the other characters he brought to life makes us ache for more. We’re particularly proud of our partners at FX and the success we share on our first TV series together.”

Legion is produced by FX Productions and Marvel Television.

Cabral to Star in FX’s “Sons of Anarchy” Spinoff Pilot “Mayans MC”

Posted on March 2, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

It’s ride or die for Richard Cabral…

The Mexican-American actor, who earned an Emmy nomination for his standout performance in American Crime, will co-star opposite JD Pardo in FX’s Mayans MC, Kurt Sutter’s Sons of Anarchy spinoff pilot.

Set in the aftermath of Jax Teller’s death at the end of SOA’s seven-season run in 2014, Mayans MC will focus on the struggles of Ezekiel “EZ” Reyes (Pardo), a prospect in the Mayan MC charter on the California/Mexico border. EZ is the gifted son of a proud Latino family, whose American dream was snuffed out by cartel violence. Now, his need for vengeance drives him toward a life he never intended and can never escape.

Cabral will play Johnny “El Coco” Cruz, a full patch member of Mayans MC, Santo Padre. Former Army sharpshooter and weapons specialist, Johnny earned a section 8 for shooting a cigar out of his CO’s mouth from a half-mile away… while he was stoned.

In addition to Pardo, Cabral joins previously cast Edward James Olmos, John Ortiz, Antonio Jaramillo and Clayton Cardenas.

Mayans MC was co-created by Sutter and Elgin James. Sutter is set to executive produce and direct the pilot; James is co-executive producer for Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions.

Cabral has recurred on all three seasons to date of ABC’s anthology drama American Crime, earning an Emmy nomination for his work in Season 1. Season 3 premieres March 12. Set in rural North Carolina, it centers around immigration and American labor issues.

Cabral also has a recurring role on Fox’s Lethal Weapon.

Jaramillo to Star in FX’s “Sons of Anarchy” Spinoff Pilot “Mayans MC”

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a ride or die moment for Antonio Jaramillo.

The Latino actor will co-star opposite JD Pardo in Mayans MC, the Sons of Anarchy spinoff pilot for FX from Kurt Sutter.

Jaramillo will play Michael “Riz” Ariza, Vice President of the Mayans MC Santo Padre and former leader of a local Mexican MC that was patched over by the Mayans. He uses his even-tempered charm to mask his mistrust and lingering resentment.

In addition to Pardo, Jaramillo joins previously cast Edward James Olmos, John Ortiz and Clayton Cardenas.

Jaramillo recurred as Jennifer Lopez’s ex on the first season of NBC’s Shades of Blue and also recurred on TNT’s Dallas reboot. In features, he co-starred opposite Demián Bichir in Oliver Stone’s Savages.

Louis C.K. Partners with Netflix for Two New Stand-Up Specials

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Louis C.K. is taking a stand(-up)…

The 49-year-old Mexican American comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, and editor has inked a deal with Netflix for two new stand-up specials.

Louis C.K.’s first, titled 2017, was filmed in Washington D.C., and will premiere April 4, everywhere Netflix is available.

“Louis has been one of the most innovative comedy voices in this new era of stand-up,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer at Netflix. “He has also been a thought leader in the business of comedy.”

Louis C.K. and Netflix hinted at a potential future collaboration back in August, when his most recent stand-up special, the 2015 Live at the Comedy Store, quietly launched on Netflix. Like his 2011 special, Louis C.K. Live at the Beacon Theater, Live at the Comedy Store was produced independently by Louis C.K. and distributed directly to consumers through his website for $5. A few months after its original release online, Live From the Comedy Store premiered on FX. The pickup by Netflix came more than a year later.

One of the most respected stand-up comedians working today, the six-time Emmy winner has also done specials for HBO, Showtime and Epix.

In January 2015, he became the first comedian to sell out Madison Square Garden three times for the same tour. The third show was recorded and released as a digital audio download on his website, which went on to take home a 2016 Grammy for Best Comedy Album. The following year, as part of an international tour that culminated in this latest special, Louis C.K. broke his own record by selling out Madison Square Garden five times over, as well as arenas all over the country.

Louis C.K. also has ramped up production via his company Pig Newton. Independently, the company produced drama Horace and Pete, which Louis C.K. wrote directed and starred in. The show, which debuted in January 2016 and was directly distributed through his website, was recently acquired by Hulu for streaming. Via his overall deal at FX Productions, Pig Newton produces the upcoming animated series The Cops for TBS, which he co-created and voices, FX comedy series Baskets and Better Things and Amazon’s One Mississippi. And he’s the executive producer, writer, director, editor and star of FX’s acclaimed comedy series Louie, which is on an indefinite hiatus after five seasons.

Olmos to Star in FX’s “Sons of Anarchy” Spinoff Drama Pilot “Mayans MC”

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Edward James Olmos is ready to ride…

The 69-year-old Mexican American actor has been cast in Kurt Sutter’s FX drama pilot Mayans MC (working title), a spinoff of his hit series Sons of Anarchy.

Co-created by Sutter and Elgin James, Mayans MC is set in the aftermath of Jax Teller’s death at the end of SOA’s seven-season run in 2014. The offshoot will focus on the struggles of EZ Reyes, a prospect in the Mayan MC charter on the California/Mexico border.

Olmos, an Oscar nominee for his work in Stand and Deliver, will co-star as EZ’s father, Felipe Reyes, the once strong Mexican patriarch, crushed by bullets and hard labor, who struggles to keep his past buried and lead his sons down a lawful, righteous path.

Sutter is executive producing and directing the pilot, with James co-executive producing for Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions.

Olmos, a Battlestar Galactica alum, recently recurred on ABC’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. His other television credits include Dexter, CSI: NY, Eureka and Portlandia.

Araiza to Appear on FX’s X-Men-Universe Drama Series “Legion”

Posted on February 10, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

X(-Men) marks the spot for Ellie Araiza…

The Mexican actress has landed a recurring role in FX’s X-Men-universe drama series Legion.

From Fargo creator Noah Hawley, Marvel Television and FX Productions, Legion introduces the story of David Haller (Dan Stevens), based on the Marvel comics character Legion, the son of X-Men founder Charles Xavier.

Araiza will play Philly. Perky and aloof, Philly doesn’t always follow the conversation, but she certainly tries.

Araiza is best known for her recurring character Celia Delgado on FX’s The Bridge. Her other credits include appearances on Stalker and Southland.

Plaza to Star in FX’s X-Men-Universe Pilot “Legion”

Posted on February 8, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Aubrey Plaza will soon have a new legion of fans…

The 31-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress/comedian will star in Legion, FX’s X-Men-universe pilot from Fargo creator Noah Hawley.

Starring Downton Abbey heartthrob Dan Stevens in the title role, the pilot hails from Marvel Television and FX Prods.

Legion introduces the story of David Haller (Stevens), based on the Marvel comics character Legion, the son of X-Men founder Charles Xavier. Since he was a teenager, David has struggled with mental illness. Diagnosed as schizophrenic, he has been in and out of psychiatric hospitals for years. A haunted man, David is getting tired of finding his way back to sanity and is about to give up when he meets the girl of his dreams, a fellow patient. After the strange encounter, he’s confronted with the possibility that the voices he hears and the visions he sees might be real.

Plaza will play David’s friend Lenny, who, despite a life of drugs and alcohol abuse, knows that any day now her life is going to turn around, which gives her the likable energy of the impossible optimist despite her rough demeanor.

Fargo‘s Hawley wrote the pilot and serves as an executive producer.

Parks & Recreation alumna Plaza will next be seen in Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates.

FX Picks Up Comedy Series “Better Things” from Louis C.K. & Pamela Adlon

Posted on August 8, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Louis C.K. is quickly becoming the man with the master programming plan at FX…

The cable network has picked up to series Better Things, the comedy pilot from the 47-year-old Mexican American actor/comedia/producer/director and his longtime friend and frequent collaborator, Louie’s Pamela Adlon.

With the announcement, the Louie creator/star further expands his FX to third series.

Better Things, which marks FX’s first comedy series with a solo female lead, is a semi-autobiographical vehicle for Adlon similar to the way Louie is for Louis C.K. It centers on Sam (Adlon), a working actor with no filter trying to earn a living, navigate her daughters’ lives, have fun with a friend or two and also — just maybe — squeeze in some private time once in a while.

Mikey Madison, Riley Watson, and Olivia Edward co-star as the three daughters.

Adlon and Louis C.K wrote the pilot, which directed by the Louie star.

His production company Pig Newton is producing for FX Productions, where the company is under an overall deal.

This marks his third comedy series for FX, joining Louie and the upcoming Baskets starring Zach Galafianakis.

FX Renews Guillermo del Toro’s Vampire Drama “The Strain,” Starring Maestro, for a Second Season

Posted on August 20, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Mia Maestro is ready to strain herself for another season…

FX has given its new vampire drama The Strain, starring the 36-year-old Argentine actress and singer-songwriter, a long-expected 13-episode order for a second season to air in 2015.

The announcement comes only six weeks into The Strain’s 13-episode freshman run.

Maestro portrays Dr. Nora Martinez on the series from Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and Carlton Cuse.

The Strain, the first FX original series to air on Sunday night, tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City. He and his team are called upon to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. As the strain spreads, Eph, his team, and an assembly of everyday New Yorkers, wage war for the fate of humanity itself.

The series’ premiere drew 4.73 million total viewers and 2.43 million adults 18-49 in Live+Same Day. With Live+7 data, VOD, digital and electronic purchases, that number tripled to 12.7 million viewers to become the network’s highest-rated series premiere ever. The horror drama also ranks as the No. 1 new series on cable (broadcast or premium) in 2014 in delivery of adults 18-49.

“We’ve never had any doubts about The Strain,” said FX CEO John Landgraf. “Working with Guillermo del Toro, Carlton Cuse, and the brilliant cast led by Corey Stoll has been everything we had hoped it would be and more.”

On a weekly basis, The Strain, from FX Productions, is averaging 11 million total viewers and 5.2 million adults 18-49 inclusive of VOD and online viewing (most current).

On a first-run-only Live+7 basis, the series is averaging 4.5 million total viewers and 2.6 million adults 18-49. The Strain’s 1.2 million adults 18-34 (first-run L+7) places it in a tie for the top spot in that demo among all new cable series to launch in 2014.

FX Renews Louis C.K.’s “Louie” for a Fifth Season

Posted on July 22, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Louis C.K. is still an FX man…

FX has been picked up the 46-year-old Mexican American actor/comedian’s critically acclaimed comedy series Louie for another season.

FX Networks and FX Productions CEO John Landgraf announced a seven-episode fifth season of Louie Monday, noting that the run is slated for spring 2015.

“Louie’s fourth season was once again groundbreaking,” said Landgraf. “Sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking – always thought-provoking. The show went to narrative and cinematic places no comedy has gone before, and we look forward to seeing what Louis comes up with next.”

The latest round of Louie episodes earned five Emmy nominations — including outstanding comedy series, lead actor, writing, directing and casting. In 2012, it was the first basic cable series in history to score a best comedy nom.

After a two-year lapse between seasons three and four, one C.K. took because he said he wanted the show to feel new again, Louie most recently aired 14 new episodes. Those aired mostly back-to-back on the FX parent network even though many comedy offerings from the cable network are now shifting to spinoff FXX.

Louis C.K., Blair Breard and Dave Becky serve as executive producers on Louie.

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