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.

Max Releases Official Trailer for Season 3 of “Hacks,” Featuring Mark Indelicato

Mark Indelicato is making a run for it…

Max has released the official trailer for the third season of its award-winning series Hacks, with the 29-year-old part-Puerto Rican actor and Ugly Betty alum seen running down an airport runway.

Mark IndelicatoHacks, starring Jean Smart, will return to the streamer on May 2 for nine episodes. The season concludes on May 30.

A year after parting ways, Deborah Vance (Smart) is riding high off the success of her standup special while Ava (Hannah Einbinder) pursues new opportunities back in Los Angeles.

In addition to Smart, Einbinder and Indelicato, who portrays Damien, Deborah’s personal assistant, others returning to the comedy include Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Kaitlin Olson, Christopher McDonald, Rose Abdoo and Chilean actress/model Lorenza Izzo.

Previously announced guest stars include Helen Hunt, Christina Hendricks, Christopher Lloyd, Dan Bucatinsky, George Wallace and Tony Goldwyn.

Hacks is created and showrun by Emmy winners Downs, Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky.

It ‘s executive produced by Downs and Aniello via their Paulilu banner, Statsky via First Thought Productions, as well as Emmy winners Michael Schur via Fremulon, David Miner for 3 Arts Entertainment and Morgan Sackett.

The studio for the series is Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

First Trailer Released for “Twisters,” Starring Antony Ramos

Antony Ramos is getting things twisted

The first trailer for Universal‘s Twisters, starring the 32-year-old Puerto Rican actor/singer, has been released.

Twisters, Antony RamosGlen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Ramos star in the new chapter to the 1996 box office hit. Lee Isaac Chung directs the film from a script by Mark L. Smith. The film is co-financed by Warner Bros.

The supporting cast includes Kiernan Shipka, David Corenswet, Daryl McCormack, Sasha Lane, Maura Tierney and Katy O’Brian.

Starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton, the original Twister was a massive hit in 1996, scoring almost $500M at the worldwide box office, due in no small part to the film’s groundbreaking special effects.

The film followed a pair of storm chasers who risk their lives in an attempt to test an experimental weather alert system. The film was helmed by Speed director Jan De Bont and executive-produced by Steven Spielberg, with a screenplay by author Michael Crichton.

Plot details have been kept under wraps on the big-budget sequel, which began filming around Oklahoma City in May 2023. Filming was suspended in July due to the SAG-AFTRA strike but production resumed in November 2023, wrapping the following month.

The film is scheduled to be released in the U.S. by Universal and internationally by Warner Bros in July 2024.

Brandon Perea to Star in Upcoming “Twister” Sequel, “Twisters”

Brandon Perea is getting twisted

The 27-year-old half-Puerto Rican actor will star in the upcoming Twister sequel.

Brandon Perea, Perea, a standout in Jordan Peele’s Nope, joins Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell and Anthony Ramos in Twisters, directed by Lee Isaac Chung from a script by writer Mark L. Smith.

The film, from Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. and Amblin Entertainment, is described as a “new chapter” of the 1996 movie, which followed a team of storm chasers as they hunted down the most powerful tornado in decades.

Plot details, including Perea’s role, are being kept under wraps.

Twisters is slated for release on July 19, 2024.

The original Twister was a massive hit, earning more than $494 million at the worldwide box office, which is often credited to the film’s groundbreaking special effects. Starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton, the film was helmed by director Jan De Bont and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Michael Crichton.

Before Nope, Perea was best known for his work in Netflix’s The OA, where he played Alfonso “French” Sosa for two seasons. Then, Perea auditioned for Peele, delivering such a compelling performance that the Oscar winner rewrote the part of Angel Torres to suit the actor, casting him alongside Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Steven Yeun and Michael Wincott.

“This is the greatest miracle to ever experience,” Perea told Variety on the red carpet at the film’s world premiere last July. “For Jordan to change the role for me is just truly a blessing. And I’m glad I just went with my gut feeling of, like, you know what, let me go do something different. I know Jordan is just full of surprises, so I was just like, ‘Let me surprise him.’ So I’m glad that I was able to.”

In another interview with Variety, Perea explained that Angel, who works as a tech expert at Fry’s Electronics, was written as more of a cheery, can-do guy, but Perea brought a more downbeat, angsty approach to the part.

Following his scene-stealing performance, Perea was selected as one of BAFTA’s Breakthrough Artists for 2022 and honored with the rising star award for film at the Critics Choice second annual Celebration of Latino Cinema and Television.

Anthony Ramos In Talks to Star in Series “Twisters,” a New Chapter to 1996 Box Office Hit

Anthony Ramos is getting twisted

The 31-year-old Puerto Rican actor and singer is in talks to join Twisters, a new chapter to the 1996 box office hit, for Amblin Entertainment and Universal PicturesDaisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell are also on board.

Anthony RamosLee Isaac Chung is on board to direct from a script by Mark L. Smith. The film will be co-financed by Warner Bros. 

Starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton, Twister was a massive hit in 1996, scoring more than $494 million at the worldwide box office thanks in no small part to its groundbreaking special effects.

The original film was helmed by Jan De Bont and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, with a screenplay by author Michael Crichton.

EVP Production Sara Scott and creative executive Jacqueline Garell will oversee Twisters for Universal Pictures, and Ashley Jay Sandberg will oversee for Kennedy/Marshall.

Following breakout roles in the Broadway smash Hamilton and Oscar-winning A Star Is Bornthe Grammy-winning and Emmy-nominated Ramos has begun filling a slate with upcoming franchises. Next up, he leads Paramount’s Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.

He will also star in the upcoming Marvel series Iron Heart for Disney+, as well as the feature films Distant for Amblin and Dumb Money for Sony.

Ramos inaugurated the dual roles of John Laurens and Philip Hamilton in the Tony-winning Broadway musical Hamilton and earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor for his performance as Usnavi in John M. Chu’s In the Heights.

Starz Orders Second Season of Rafael Casal’s “Blindspotting” Series

Rafael Casal is still blindspotting

Starz has ordered a second season of the 36-year-old part-Spanish and part-Cuban American actor, writer, producer and showrunner’s Blindspotting.

Rafael CasalThe first season of the television spin-off sequel of Casal’s acclaimed film premiered in June.

The series centers on Ashley, played by Jasmine Cephas Jones, who was nipping at the heels of a middle class life in Oakland until Miles, her partner of 12 years and father of their son, is suddenly incarcerated, leaving her to navigate a chaotic and humorous existential crisis when she’s forced to move in with Miles’ mother and half-sister.

Casal, who created the series with Daveed Diggs, plays Miles in addition to serving as showrunner.

Benjamin Earl TurnerAtticus WoodwardJaylen Barron, Candace Nicholas-Lippman, and Helen Hunt also star.

Casal also exec produces alongside Diggs.

“The award-worthy artistry and creativity that Rafael, Daveed and the entire Blindspotting team poured into the series took the comedy genre to a new level and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for season two,” said Jeffrey Hirsch, President and CEO at Starz. “The series deservedly garnered critical acclaim and is a wonderful example of our programming mandate focused on unique, authentic stories by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences.”

“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for season one and have been hard at work for the last few months crafting the next chapter of this Bay story. We are so excited to bring the next season to life with the incredible artistry of our cast and crew, and our partners Starz and Lionsgate. They done fucked around and gave us more runway, so welcome back to the ordeal,” added Casal and Diggs.

Jennifer Lopez to Receive Spotlight Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival

Jennifer Lopezis under the spotlight

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican superstar is set to receive the Spotlight Award at the 31st annual Palm Springs International Film Festival for her performance in Hustlers. The award will be presented at the fest’s annual gala on Thursday, January 2.

Jennifer Lopez

The festival, held at the Palm Springs Convention Center, runs Jan. 2-13.

“Jennifer Lopez is a star in every sense of the word, and you will experience this in her latest film Hustlers. Starting with her show-stopping entrance Jennifer brings to life the character of Ramona, an exotic dancer, who leads a group of dancer friends to steal money from their clients,” said festival chairman Harold Matzner. “For this full-force yet grounded performance, deserving of awards consideration, we are thrilled to present Jennifer Lopez with this year’s Spotlight Award.”

Past recipients of the Spotlight Award, Actress include Amy AdamsJessica ChastainHelen HuntAllison JanneyRooney Mara and Julia Roberts

All recipients received Academy Award nominations in the year they were honored, with Janney receiving an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Lopez joins this year’s previously announced honorees Joaquin PhoenixMartin ScorseseCharlize Theron and Renée Zellweger.

From STX FilmsHustlershas earned more than $150 million worldwide at the box office to date. The film follows a crew of savvy former strip club employees who band together to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients.

Trailer Released for Louis C.K.’s Latest Film “I Love You, Daddy”

Louis C.K.’s latest project may be a little too timely…

“A girl that age is getting into trouble, and if she loves her daddy, that means you’re doing nothing,” says the first trailer for I Love You, Daddy, the new film from the 50-year-old Mexican American comedian, filmmaker and television creator that is likely to be looked at quite differently now than when it debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Louis C.K.

The potentially jarring dark comedy is directed by Louis C.K., who also stars as Glen, a successful TV writer-producer-father who panics when his 17-year-old daughter China (Chloë Grace Moretz) starts spending time with a legendary movie director (John Malkovich) — who is sixtysomething and well known for dating “really young women.”

“She is a child — she knows nothing,” Glen says of his progeny. “She’s like a Disney princess on estrogen.

Conceived in 1940s Hollywood style and resplendent in vintage black-and-white, the film also features Helen Hunt as Glen’s combative ex-wife, Better ThingsPamela Adlon as his feisty ex-girlfriend, Edie Falco as his long-suffering production partner and Charlie Day as his brash TV actor buddy Ralph.

The Orchard swooped in with a distribution deal after the film’s well-received TIFF premiere screening last month and will release I Love You, Daddy on November 17.

 

 

Varela to Star in the Ice Age Epic “The Solutrean”

It’s back to the “ice age, baby” for Leonor Varela

The 43-year-old Chilean actress has landed a supporting role in Studio 8’s ice age epic The Solutrean from director Albert Hughes.

Leonor Varela

Inspired by the controversial “solutrean hypothesis,” which advances the idea that Stone Age Europeans might have been among the earliest settlers of the Americas, the coming-of-age tale of survival is set 20,000 years ago.

It follows a young boy injured during a hunting expedition and left for dead who must use his skills, intuition and force of will to make it back home. Along the way, he befriends a wolf, who becomes his close companion.

Varela is playing the shaman of the boy’s tribe; described as wise, powerful and compelling, she performs religious rituals of protection, healing and thanksgiving.

Varela most recently appeared in Paramount PicturesCaptive, opposite Kate Mara, David Oyelowo and Michael Kenneth Williams.

Her other credits include Ride opposite Helen Hunt and Luke Wilson, a seven-episode arc on TNT’s Dallasand Odd Thomas with Anton Yelchin and Willem Dafoe. She also appeared in Blade II and The Tailor of Panama.

Rodriguez Attached to Star in Alloy Entertainment’s “Purple Hearts”

Forget red! Gina Rodriguez is seeing purple…

Alloy Entertainment has attached the 30-year-old Puerto Rican actress, who won a Golden Globe this year for her starring role in the CW’s Jane the Virgin, to Purple Hearts, a film project that Alloy commissioned internally by Alloy Entertainment Features with The Sessions writer-director Ben Lewin attached to direct.

Gina Rodriguez

Written by Kyle Jarrow, it’s a love story about an aspiring musician and a soldier who marry under false pretenses but eventually find true love.

Lewin’s The Sessions starred Helen Hunt.

In addition to her role in Purple Hearts, Rodriguez is expected to star opposite Mark Walhberg in Deepwater Horizon.