Marc Menchaca to Appear on Kurt Sutter‘s Netflix Western Drama “The Abandons”

Marc Menchaca is abandons-ing his future…

The 46-year-old half-Mexican American actor will appear in a recurring role on Kurt Sutter‘s upcoming Netflix Western drama The Abandons.

Marc Menchaca

Other recurring cast members just added to the ensemble include Patton Oswalt, Sarah Grace White, Michael Ornstein, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Brían F. O’Byrne, Haig Sutherland, Jack Doolan, Jonathan Koensgen and Katelyn Wells.

Details regarding the characters they will portray remain under wraps.

The project reunites Sutter with Ornstein, who played Chucky Marstein in both FX’s Sons of Anarchy and its spinoff series Mayans M.C., which were created and co-created by Sutter, respectively. He will also collaborate again with White and O’Byrne, who co-starred in his short-lived period drama The Bastard Executioner.

Created and executive produced by Sutter, who also serves as showrunner, The Abandons follows a group of diverse, outlier families pursuing their Manifest Destiny in 1850s Oregon, as a corrupt force of wealth and power, coveting their land, tries to force them out. These abandoned souls, the kind of lost souls living on the fringe of society, unite their tribes to form a family and fight back. In this bloody process, “justice” is stretched beyond the boundaries of the law. The Abandons will explore that fine line between survival and law, the consequences of violence, and the corrosive power of secrets, as this family fights to keep their land.

Previously announced series stars include Lena Heady, Gillian Anderson, Nick Robinson, Diana Silvers, Lucas Till, Lamar Johnson, Aisling Franciosi and Natalia del Riego. Mayans M.C. star Clayton Cardenas is set to recur.

Belissa Escobedo to Star in Reba McEntire’s Still-Untitled NBC Comedy Pilot

Belissa Escobedo has lined up her next project…

The 25-year-old Latina actress and Blue Beetle star has been cast in Reba McEntire in her as-yet-untitled NBC multi-cam comedy pilot.

Belissa Escobedo,The project is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

The pilot follows Bobbie (McEntire) who inherits her father’s restaurant and is less than thrilled to discover that she has a new business partner in the half-sister she never knew she had.

Escobedo stars as Bobbie’s sister Isabella, an enthusiastic 20-something, who has studied psychology and loves to analyze people. She is thrilled to start working at the tavern and is full of “great” ideas about how to bring it to life.

Escobedo’s star continues to rise following two major roles in DC Entertainment/Warner Bros’ Blue Beetle, where he portrayed the titular character’s (played by Xolo Maridueña) sister Milagro, and Disney’s Hocus Pocus 2 where she popped off the screen—no easy task when you’re starring opposite Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, who returned as the Sanderson sisters.

Additional credits include the ABC dramedy The Baker And The Beauty alongside Carlos Gomez, Lisa Vidal and Victor Rasuk; Ryan Murphy’s FX anthology series American Horror Stories, the Catherine Hardwicke-directed Quibi limited series Don’t Look Deeper and the American High films Sex Appeal (Hulu) and Sid Is Dead.

New Trailer for Apple TV+’s “Palm Royale” Showcases Ricky Martin’s Character

Ricky Martin is bracing for a royale experience…

The 52-year-old Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and actor enters high society in the new trailer for the upcoming Apple TV+ series, Palm Royale.

Ricky Martin, Palm Royale

Martin is set to play Robert in the comedy series that stars Kristen Wiig, Alison Janney, Laura Dern, Kaia Gerber, Bruce Dern and Carol Burnett, who will be making “extra special guest” appearances.

Loosely based on the novel Mr. and Mrs. American Pie by Juliet McDanielPalm Royale marks Martin’s first television project since Ryan Murphy’s drama The Assassination of Gianni Versace on FX, in which he played Antonio D’Amico.

In the trailer, Martin is seen as a server at an exclusive club serving up martinis.

Later, he’s show swimming in a pool where he asks Wiig’s character, Maxine, who’s assimilating into the wealthy class, “Do you know anything about rich people?”

According to an official description of the television series, Palm Royale follows Maxine as she “attempts to cross that impermeable line between the haves and the have-nots … ‘Palm Royale’ asks the same question that still baffles us today: ‘How much of yourself are you willing to sacrifice to get what someone else has?’ Set during the powder keg year of 1969, ‘Palm Royale’ is a testament to every outsider fighting for their chance to truly belong.”

The series is written, executive produced, and showrun by Abe Sylvia for Aunt Sylvia’s Moving Picture Company. The first three episodes of Palm Royale premiere March 20 on Apple TV+, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through May 8.

David Labrava Signs with The Green Room for Representation

David Labrava is making room for new representation…

The 61-year-old Latino actor, who starred on Sons of Anarchy and Mayans M.C., has signed with The Green Room for representation.

David Labrava

Labrava is best known for his portrayal of Happy Lowman- the assassin in the biker drama from Kurt Sutter, FX’s Sons of Anarchy, since the show’s inception in 2008 to its conclusion in 2014 for a total of seven seasons.

He began his journey on the series as a technical advisor to day player to finally a series regular who also co-wrote the Season 4 episode “Hands.” Additionally, he contributed to the success of the show by writing “Fat Bob’s Blog” on the FX website for seven years.

The Miami native reprised the popular character Happy in the show’s spinoff series Mayans M.C., co-created by Sutter and Elgin James, for three seasons. He was one of the last surviving members of the original M.C. until his demise in the final season.

“I am extremely excited to be back at The Green Room. Alex is a class act, always has been. Big things are coming. I am writing every day, and grateful to be working with a team of talented people bringing art and culture to a planet that so desperately needs it,” Labrava tells Deadline in an exclusive statement.

Labrava wrote, starred in and directed his first feature film entitled Street Level in 2015. Based on a true story, Street Level is a modern-day love story about two junkies exploring drug addiction and survival on the streets of Los Angeles. It starred many of his Sons co-stars including Drea de Matteo, Kristen Renton, Mark Boone Junion, Emilio Rivera, Robert Patrick and Danny Trejo; in addition to Marilyn Manson, Charisma Carpenter and Chuck Zito.

His additional film credits include the Swedish film 1% The Voice Within, directed by Jesper Sanneving, in the 2020 feature film Hunters Moon directed by Michael Caissie and in 2022Shadows from Lionsgate.

Although he’s recognized for his on-screen portrayals, Labrava is nary far from a pen and paper—or his laptop. He has a best-selling novel through Amazon entitled Becoming A Son and has recently completed his second novel Trust Issues which is being printed at the time of this writing.

His forthcoming novel puts everyday people in some not-very-normal situations. It’s about the magic of love and the power of trust and two people wielding both.

FX Orders Brian Jordan Alvarez’s Comedy “English Teacher” to Series

Brian Jordan Alvarez is headed to the classroom…

FX has handed a series order to English Teacher, a comedy created by and starring the 36-year-old half-Colombian American actor, comedian and filmmaker.

Brian Jordan AlvarezPaul Simms serves as an executive producer on the project, which was originally ordered to pilot in June 2022.

English Teacher, also executive produced by Jonathan Krisel, follows a high school teacher in Austin who’s trying to balance the competing demands of the students and their parents in a world where the rules seem to change every day.

Alvarez is joined in the cast by Stephanie Koenig, Enrico Colantoni and Sean Patton.

“Brian is an incredibly talented writer, actor and creator who has fully delivered on his vision for English Teacher,” said Nick Grad, President, FX Entertainment. “Together with a creative team featuring Paul Simms and Jonathan Krisel, along with this brilliant cast, they have created a hilarious, original comedy that is fresh, engaging and fun.”

English Teacher is joining FX’s live-action comedy lineup, which is led by another workplace series, the popular and acclaimed The Bear. Its arrival also comes amid increased interest in the world of school teachers sparked by the success of ABC’s Abbott Elementary

Executive producing English Teacher are Alvarez, Simms, Krisel and Dave King. The series is produced by FX Productions.

Alvarez’s previous credits include appearances on Will and Grace, Jane the Virgin and his 2016 web series The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo.

America Ferrara to Receive Groundbreaker Award at Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema & Television: Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements

America Ferrara is receiving a special Critics Choice honor…

The 39-year-old Honduran American Golden Globe– and Emmy-winning actress is among the honorees for the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema & Television: Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements.

America FerreraHosted by Nicco Annan, the event is slated for December 4 at the Fairmont Century Plaza.

Unlike last year, when the CCA held separate ceremonies for Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements, this year, because of the strikes, the CCA is presenting a one-time-only combination show, featuring more than 20 honorees who created some of this year’s most acclaimed films and television shows.

“For the last few years, the CCA has hosted individual Celebrations of Black, Latino and AAPI Cinema & Television. CCA will return to individual shows in 2024, but doing this special celebration allows us to continue the CCA’s tradition of supporting inclusion and creativity in our industry,” said CCA CEO Joey Berlin. “I am extremely proud to recognize this diverse group of honorees together on this one special night.”

This year’s honorees include:

Emmy Award-winning actor and producer Edward James Olmos who will receive the Icon Award for his incredible career including Zoot Suit, Selena, Stand and Deliver, Blade Runner, Miami Vice and most recently FX’s Mayans M.C.

Emmy Award-winning actress, producer and advocate Sheryl Lee Ralph will receive the Career Achievement Award for her extensive work in film & television with over 100 credits including ABC’s Abbott Elementary as well as Instant Mom, Ray DonovanMoesha, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, Mistress, The Distinguished Gentlemen and To Sleep with Anger.

The Comedy Trailblazer Award will be bestowed upon comedian and actor Ken Jeong, whose notable credits include The Masked SingerThe AfterpartyCommunityCrazy Rich Asians, I Can See Your Voice and The Hangover franchise.

Emmy Award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright will be honored with the Visionary Award for his performance in Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios’ American Fiction.

Emmy- and SAG Award-winning actress America Ferrara will accept the Groundbreaker Award for her performances in Warner Bros.’ Barbie and Sony Pictures/Black Bear Pictures’ Dumb Money.

Oscar-nominated Charles D. King will receive the Producer Award for his most recent work on Netflix’s They Cloned Tyrone.

Award-winning director, producer, actress and advocate Eva Longoria will be recognized with the Breakthrough Director Award (Film) for her feature directorial debut, Searchlight Pictures’ Flamin’ Hot.

Greta Lee will receive the Actress Award (Film) for her performance in A24’s film Past Lives, while Colman Domingo will be recognized with the Actor Award (Film) for his performance in Netflix’s Rustin.

The Ensemble Award will be awarded to Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Fantasia Barrino, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Domingo and Corey Hawkins for their performances in Warner Bros.’ The Color Purple.

Actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph will be honored with the Supporting Actress Award (Film) for her performance in Focus Features’ The Holdovers.

Emmy-nominated narrative filmmaker and documentarian Allen Hughes will be celebrated with the Documentary Series Award for his work directing FX’s Dear Mama.

Oscar-nominated filmmaker and playwright Kemp Powers will be honored with the Animation Award for his directorial work on Sony Pictures’ film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

Animator and filmmaker Makoto Shinkai will accept the International Animation Award for Crunchyroll/Sony Pictures’ film Suzume.

Actor and producer Damson Idris will receive the Actor Award (TV) for his performance in FX’s Snowfall.

Current Emmy-nominated actress and comedian Jessica Williams will be recognized with the Supporting Actress Award (TV) for her performance in Apple TV+’s Shrinking.

Actor Oscar Montoya will be honored with the Supporting Actor Award (TV) for his performance in Starz’s Minx.

Breakthrough Performance Awards will be bestowed upon Teyana Taylor for her performance in Focus Features’ A Thousand and One, Emmy-nominee Camila Morrone for her performance in Prime Video’s Daisy Jones & The Six, and Charles Melton for his performance in Netflix’s May December.

Current multiple Emmy-nominated director and writer Lee Sung Jin will be honored with the Breakthrough Director Award (TV) for his work on Netflix’s series Beef.

Receiving the Rising Star Awards will be Xolo Mariduena for his performance in Warner Bros.’ The Blue Beetle, and current Emmy nominee Keivonn Woodard for his performance in HBO’s The Last of Us.

FX/Hulu Renew “The Bear,” Starring Liza Colón-Zayas, for Third Season

Liza Colón-Zayas is grin and bear-ing it!

FX/Hulu have ordered a third season of their acclaimed restaurant drama series The Bear, starring the 51-year-old Puerto Rican actress and playwright.

Liza Colón-Zayas,The series, which was created by Christopher Storer, stars Jeremy Allen White as Carmy Berzatto.

The first season of The Bear follows Carmy, a young chef from the fine-dining world who comes home to Chicago to run his family sandwich shop after his brother’s suicide. Carmy must balance the realities of small-business ownership, his strong-willed and recalcitrant kitchen staff and his strained familial relationships, all while grappling with the impact of his brother’s death.

Season two follows the gang as they transform their grimy sandwich joint into a next-level spot. As they stripped the restaurant down to its bones, the crew undertook transformational journeys of their own, each forced to confront the past and reckon with who they want to be in the future.

Unsurprisingly, it turned out the only thing harder than running a restaurant was opening a new one, and the team had to juggle the insane bureaucracy of permits and contractors with the beauty and creative agony of menu planning. The transition brought a newfound focus on hospitality as well. As the entire staff was forced to come together in new ways, pushing the boundaries of their abilities and relationships, they also learned what it means to be in service, both to diners and each other.

In addition to Storer and Colon-Zayas, who portrays Tina, the series also stars Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Abby Elliott and Lionel Boyce.

Matty Matheson was also upped for season 2, while Edwin Lee Gibson, Corey Hendrix, Oliver Platt, Jon Bernthal, José Cervantes, Richard Esteras, Carmen Christopher, Chris Witaske, Joel McHale, Jamie Lee Curtis, Gillian Jacobs, Robert Townsend, Molly Gordon, Alex Moffat, Ricky Staffieri, Mitra Jouhari and Maura Kidwell recur.

Storer executive produces alongside Joanna Calo, Hiro Murai, Josh Senior and Matheson. It is produced by FX Productions.

Season one, which premiered in June 2022, is currently nominated for 13 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series at the awards planned for January. The second season, which aired from June 2023, consisted of ten episodes, up from eight in season one. The episode order for season three has not been revealed.

The Bear, which wowed audiences in its first season only to achieve even greater heights in season two, has become a cultural phenomenon,” said Nick Grad, President, FX Entertainment. “We’re so proud to partner with Christopher Storer, Joanna Calo, Josh Senior, and the rest of the creative team, as well as the brilliant cast led by Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. What they and the crew have done is truly remarkable, and we and our partners at Hulu join fans in looking forward to the next chapter in the story of The Bear.

Lindsay Mendez Starring in Ryan Murphy’s FX Anthology Series “American Sports Story”

Lindsay Mendez is getting in the game…

The 40-year-old Mexican American Broadway singer/actress has been cast as a series regular alongside Josh Andrés Rivera and Patrick Schwarzeneggein Ryan Murphy’s FX anthology American Sports Story.

American Sports Story, a new extension of Murphy’s “American Story” franchise, is a scripted anthological limited series focusing on a prominent event involving a sports figure and re-examines it through the prism of today’s world, telling that story from multiple perspectives.

The first installment, written by Stu Zicherman, is based on the podcast Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc. from the Boston Globe and Wondery.

It charts the rise and fall of NFL superstar Aaron Hernandez, played by Rivera, and explores the connections of the disparate strands of his identity, his family, his career, his suicide, and their legacy in sports and American culture. Schwarzenegger portrays Hernandez’s friend, former college teammate and fellow former NFL star Tim Tebow.

Mendez plays Tanya Singleton, Aaron’s cousin and favorite relative who becomes his de-facto mother.

Mendez, a Tony Award winner for Carousel, is currently back on Broadway top-lining the praised revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll along opposite Daniel Radcliffe and Jonathan Groff.

She most recently was a series regular on the Warner Bros. series All Rise for CBS and then OWN.

Josh Andrés Rivera to Star as the Late Aaron Hernandez in FX’s “American Sports Story” Anthology Series

Josh Andrés Rivera is hitting the football field…

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican actor will star in the first installment of Ryan Murphy’s American Sports Story anthology series for FX.

Josh Andrés RiveraRivera will portray the late former NFL star Aaron Hernandez in the season that’s based on the podcast Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc. from the Boston Globe and Wondery.

Rivera’s co-star will be Patrick Schwarzenegger as fellow former NFL star Tim Tebow.

The first installment charts the rise and fall of NFL superstar Hernandez and explores the connections of the disparate strands of his identity, his family, his career, his suicide, and their legacy in sports and American culture.

Tebow and Hernandez were longtime friends going back before their time in the National Football League. They were onetime teammates at the University of Florida, where they won the 2008 SEC Championship and went on to beat Oklahoma for the BCS Championship title. Tebow was known for looking out for Hernandez while on the team, including protecting Hernandez from being kicked off over marijuana use and helping to diffuse a situation in a bar when Hernandez got into an altercation with the bar manager. The two first met when Tebow hosted Hernandez on a recruiting trip to UF before he graduated high school.

Both castings were completed in early 2023, prior to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, but were never confirmed by FX.

“We have a fairly complete set of scripts for American Sports Story by Stu Zicherman,” FX chairman John Landgraf said back on January 12, noting at the time that the series is “heading toward production.”

That was delayed by the WGA strike, which started in May, and the SAG-AFTRA strike, which has been going on since July.

American Sports Story, one of two new offshoots in Murphy’s “American Story” franchise alongside American Love Story, is a scripted anthological limited series focusing on a prominent event involving a sports figure and re-examines it through the prism of today’s world, telling that story from multiple perspectives.

Rivera next stars in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. He recently played Chino in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of West Side Story. He notably performed in the original company on the first national tour of Hamilton.