Aubrey Plaza to Star in the Second Season of HBO’s Dark Comedy “The White Lotus”

Posted on January 10, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Things are in full bloom for Aubrey Plaza…

The 37-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress/comedian will star as a lead in the second installment of HBO’s dark comedy series The White Lotus.

Plaza, the Parks & Recreation and Legion alum, will be a series regular.

She is the second confirmed cast member for the upcoming follow-up to Mike White’s breakout social satire limited series, joining previously cast Michael Imperioli.

The six-part original series followed visitors vacationing at the White Lotus, an exclusive Hawaiian resort. The second installment — also written, to directed by and executive produced by White — will leave Hawaii behind for a new location and is expected to follow a different group of vacationers at another White Lotus property.

Plaza will play Harper Spiller, a woman on vacation with her husband and his friends. Imperioli plays Dominic Di Grasso, a man traveling with his elderly father and recent college-graduate son.

Of the original cast, standout Jennifer Coolidge has been rumored to be returning. White executive produces alongside David Bernad and Mark Kamine.

Plaza will next be seen starring in Guy Ritchie’s Operation Fortune: Ruse De Guerre opposite Jason Statham, Hugh Grant and Josh Hartnett.

Additionally, she stars in and produced Emily the Criminal, which will premiere at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. On television, Plaza is starring in and producing the upcoming Hulu drama series Olga Dies Dreaming, which is based on the novel by Xochitl Gonzalez.

Most recently, Plaza starred opposite Michael Caine in Best Sellers, which premiered at the 2021 Berlin Film Festival.

She won the 2021 Imagen Award for Best Actress for Black Bear and the 2018 Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature for producing Ingrid Goes West.

Aubrey Plaza to Star in the Indie Film “Emily the Criminal”

Posted on August 23, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Aubrey Plaza has landed an out of this (under)world role…

The 37-year-old half Puerto Rican actress/comedian will star opposite part-Spanish actor Theo Rossi in Emily the Criminal, the indie written and directed by John Patton Ford.

The film tells the story of Emily (Plaza), a woman down on her luck and saddled with debt, who gets involved in a credit card scam that pulls her into the criminal underworld of Los Angeles, ultimately leading to deadly consequences.

Rossi will play Youcef, a Middle Eastern immigrant who has big dreams and a lot of hustle, with Gina Gershon and Megalyn Echikunwoke co-starring.

Plaza is producing the film with Tyler Davidson and Drew Sykes. Low Spark is the film’s financier.

Plaza’s previous credits include Parks and Recreation, Legion and Ingrid Goes West.

Rossi is best known for his turn as the menacing Hernan ‘Shades’ Alvarez in Marvel’s Luke Cage, and as hacker and intelligence officer Juan Carlos ‘Juice’ Ortiz in FX’s Sons of Anarchy.

Jesse Garcia to Star in the Eva Longoria-Directed “Flamin’ Hot” Film

Posted on May 4, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a flamin’ hot time for Jesse Garcia.

The 38-year-old Mexican American actor and former Quinceañera star has landed the lead role in Eva Longoria’s feature directorial debut Flamin’ Hot from Searchlight Pictures and Franklin Entertainment.

Garcia will play Richard Montanez, the architect of the Flamin’ Hot Cheeto, while Annie Gonzalez of Gentefied will portray his wife, Judy.

Flamin’ Hot tells the true life story of Richard Montanez, the Frito Lay janitor who took inspiration from his Mexican American heritage to create Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, the snack that disrupted the food industry and became a pop culture phenomenon.

Desperate Housewives actress and Telenovela, Grand Hotel, and Devious Maids EP Longoria beat out several directors for the job after impressing Franklin and Searchlight with her authentic approach to the project.

“It has been my biggest priority to make sure we are telling Richard Montañez’s story authentically,” said Longoria in a statement. “I am so happy to have two extremely talented and fellow Mexican-Americans on board in these pivotal roles. Jesse and Annie have a deep understanding of our community and will be able to help tell this story of great importance for our culture.”

Also new to Flamin’ Hot is scribe Linda Yvette Chavez who has come aboard for revisions on the Lewis Colick-penned screenplay. Chavez is the creator of Netflix’s Gentefied and she’s also adapting I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter at the streamer for America Ferrera’s upcoming directorial debut.

Garcia appears in the Searchlight Pictures title Under the Same Moon, alongside Kate del Castillo and Ferrera. He has been widely recognized for his role in the highly acclaimed Quinceañera winner of the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. For his performance as Carlos, Garcia was nominated and won the prestigious ALMA Award (American Latino Media Arts) as Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture in 2007. Garcia can also be seen in The Avengers.

Gonzalez is a Chicana actress and East Los Angeles native. She grew up singing with the band Quetzal, (which has been a noted force in the Chicano movement), was one of the original dancers on Jamm X Kids for the WB and has been appearing on TV since the age of 10. She is most known for her roles in Gentefied, Vida, Shameless, and Legion. She was recently cast in the ABC pilot, Bucktown starring opposite Jane Lynch and Nicole Richie. Gonzalez also has a YouTube page with videos dedicated to her thoughts on spirituality, self-love, peace, positivity and living life as a Latina.

Aubrey Plaza to Star Opposite Jason Statham in Guy Ritchie’s Next Thriller

Posted on December 2, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

High five to Aubrey Plaza!

The 36-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress/comedian is set to star Jason Statham in the Guy Ritchie untitled thriller formally known as Five Eyes. Miramax is producing and financing with STX handling distribution.

The story follows MI6 guns-and-steel agent (Statham) who’s recruited by a global intelligence alliance to track down and stop the sale of a deadly new weapons technology that threatens to disrupt the world order. Reluctantly paired with CIA high-tech expert, Fortune sets off on a globe-trotting mission where he will have to use all of his charm, ingenuity and stealth to track down and infiltrate billionaire arms broker.

The film will be produced Bill Block for Miramax, which is also fully financing the film.

Ritchie will direct and produce from a screenplay written by The Gentlemen scribes Ivan Atkinson and Marn Davies with revisions by Ritchie.

The news comes after Plaza’s scene-stealing role in the romantic comedy Happiest Season, which earned her critical acclaim and a massive amount of praise across social media.

She can be seen next in Lawrence Levine’s Black Bear on December 4th. The film premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and garnered Plaza rave reviews for her performance.

She recently recently wrapped production on Lina Roessler’s Best Sellers starring opposite Michael Caine. Plaza most recently received critical acclaim for her role in Ingrid Goes West, which she produced and won the 2018 Independent Spirit Award for “Best First Feature.” Additionally, she recently starred in Noah Hawley’s television series, Legion on FX.

Aubrey Plaza to Star in the Meta-Drama “Black Bear”

Posted on July 30, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a bizarre love triangle for Aubrey Plaza…

The 35-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress and former Parks and Recreation star will star opposite Christopher Abbott and Sarah Gadon in Black Bear, a suspenseful meta-drama written and directed by Lawrence Michael Levine.

The thriller centers on an expecting couple (Gadon and Abbott) who are confronted with an out-of-town guest Abigail (Plaza), a filmmaker suffering from writer’s block who seeks solace in the woods but finds herself at the center of a twisted love triangle.

“Black Bear is a thriller that depicts broken characters wrestling with a seemingly shattered world that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats” said Levine. “I am thrilled to have such a talented trio of actors on board.”

Currently shooting in the Adirondack Mountains in Long Lake, NY, the film hails from Productivity Mediaand Oakhurst Entertainment.

Plaza, who stars in Noah Hawley’s FX series Legion, recently was seen in MGM’s Child’s Play reboot.

Gonzalo Amat Earns ASC Awards Nomination from American Society of Cinematographers

Posted on January 10, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Gonzalo Amat is earning recognition from his peers…

The American Society of Cinematographers has announced the nominees for its 32nd Annual ASC Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography, with the 43-year-old Mexican cinematographer making the cut.

Amat earned a nod in the Episode of a Series for Non-Commercial Television category for his work behind the lens on Amazon Studios’ The Man in the High Castle.

But Amat isn’t the only Hispanic nominee this year…

Emmy-winning Latino American cinematographer Dana Gonzales has picked up a nod in the Episode of a Series for Commercial Television category for his work on FX’s Legion.

Mexican cinematographer Pepe Avila del Pino earned a nomination in the Motion Picture, Miniseries, or Pilot Made for Television for his work on HBO’s The Deuce pilot.

Winners will be announced on February 17 during a ceremony at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland to be emceed by Turner Classic Movies’ Ben Mankiewicz.

Here’s this year’s nominees list which was unveiled at the ASC Clubhouse in Hollywood.

Theatrical Release

Roger Deakins, ASC, BSC
Blade Runner 2049

Bruno Delbonnel, ASC, AFC
Darkest Hour

Hoyte van Hoytema, ASC, FSF, NSC
Dunkirk

Dan Laustsen, DFF
The Shape of Water

Rachel Morrison, ASC
Mudbound

Episode of a Series for Non-Commercial Television

Gonzalo Amat
The Man in the High Castle (“Land O’ Smiles), Amazon

Adriano Goldman, ASC, ABC
The Crown (“Smoke and Mirrors”), Netflix

Robert McLachlan, ASC, CSC
Game of Thrones (“The Spoils of War”), HBO

Gregory Middleton, ASC, CSC
Game of Thrones (“Dragonstone”), HBO

Alasdair Walker
Outlander (“The Battle Joined”), Starz

Episode of a Series for Commercial Television

Dana Gonzales, ASC
Legion (“Chapter 1”), FX

David Greene, ASC, CSC
12 Monkeys (“Mother”), Syfy

Kurt Jones
The Originals (“Bag of Cobras”), The CW

Boris Mojsovski, CSC
12 Monkeys (“Thief”), Syfy

Crescenzo Notarile, ASC
Gotham (“The Executioner”), Fox

Motion Picture, Miniseries, or Pilot Made for Television

Pepe Avila del Pino
The Deuce pilot, HBO

Serge Desrosiers, CSC
Sometimes the Good Kill, Lifetime

Mathias Herndl, AAC
Genius (“Chapter 1”), National Geographic

Shelly Johnson, ASC
Training Day pilot (“Apocalypse Now”), CBS

Christopher Probst, ASC
Mindhunter pilot, Netflix

Spotlight Award

Máté Herbai, HSC
On Body and Soul

Mikhail Krichman, RGC
Loveless

Mart Taniel
November

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.

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.

TBS Gives Pilot Order to Plaza’s Comedy Horror Anthology “Nightmare Time”

Posted on October 13, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Aubrey Plaza’s career is becoming a nightmare…

TBS has given a pilot order to Nightmare Time, a comedy horror anthology from the 32-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress and Parks and Recreation alum, according to TV Line.

Written by Plaza, Darcy Fowler, Kieran Valla, and Seth Kirschner, Nightmare Time is set in Aubrey Plaza’s Nightmare Clinic, where celebrity guests check in to overcome recurring nightmares.

According to the logline: Every episode features two insane nightmares, inspired by the horrors of modern society and uses tropes and touchstones of the horror genre to guide audiences through its absurd universe. Thanks to advanced technology, we’re able to peer into their restless minds, and witness their nightmares in real time. But what is “real” anyway? Maybe it’s all just a nightmare in Aubrey’s mind. One endless nightmare that could eventually destroy her and the entire world.

Plaza, who is a series regular on FX’s X-Men-themed drama series Legion, will guest star in the pilot and executive produce.

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.

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