Roku Expands Slate of Spanish Originals with Six New Unscripted Series, Including Jennifer Lopez’s “Un Millón de Gracias”

Posted on April 20, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Jennifer Lopez is ready to rok(u)…

Roku has expanded its slate of Spanish originals, adding six new unscripted series from Latino voices including the 53-year-old Puerto Rican superstar.

J.Lo appears on the roster of new Spanish-language projects that includes Juanpa Zurita and Jaime Camil.

Lopez’s project, Un Millón de Gracias, will feature several Latino stars, including Wilmer Valderrama, Belinda, Sofia Reyes and Michael Peña.

“The deep engagement we have seen within the Spanish-language content category on The Roku Channel in the U.S., as well as the exceptional growth of the service in Mexico, are all signs of the strong appetite for free ad-supported streaming amongst Spanish-speaking and bilingual audiences,” said David Eilenberg, head of content, Roku Media. “We’re committed to delivering high-quality, culturally relevant original programming to tens of millions of viewers, and we are thrilled to welcome such an exceptional new group of on-camera and off-camera creative voices to our Roku Originals lineup.”

In addition to J.Lo’s Un Millón de Gracias, the other five new original series include “Carpe DM with Juanpa,” “Desde la Raíz,” “Serenata De Las Estrellas,” “La Divina Comida” and “Batalla en Abuela’s Kitchen.”

Here’s Roku’s slate of Spanish originals:

“Un Millón de Gracias”
Executive produced by Jennifer Lopez, “Un Millón de Gracias’” third season will be shot entirely in Spanish for the first time. The series returns with 10 celebrities — Chiquis, Gina Torres, Camil, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, Lauren Jauregui, Peña, Michelle Rodriguez, Pau Gasol, Reyes, Valderrama — who will each give away $100,000 to someone who has inspired them. But the recipients must give half away to someone they’re grateful for, and continue the chain of kindness. The 10-episode series is executive produced by Lopez, Rhett Bachner, Brien Meagher, Aliyah Silverstein, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Larry Del Sant and showrunner Alex Davies. The series will air on August 11 on The Roku Channel in the U.S. and at a later date in Mexico.

“Carpe DM with Juanpa”
Mexican actor Juanpa Zurita invites audiences to join him as he faces challenges that push his body and mind to the limit as he steps outside of his comfort zone and treks across the U.S. The bilingual series will have six episodes. “Carpe DM with Juanpa” is executive produced by Eric Day, Mark Koops, Sarah Davies, Brenda Tubilla, Dave Lingwood and Zurita.

“Desde la Raíz”
In this four part docu-series, actor Jaime Camil (Jane the Virgin) will explore origins and meaning of Mexican products like coffee, chile, corn, and mezcal. Camil describes the series as “a love letter to México and some of the country’s richest heritage and legendary commodities.” “Desde la Raíz” is produced and directed by Paulina Gamiz and Gus Sánchez, with Ray Jimenez and Camil serving as executive producers.

“Serenata De Las Estrellas”
Hosted by Julissa Bermudez, Serenata De Las Estrellas enlists Latin musicians, Chiquis, Snow Tha Product, Los Lobos and Ozomatli to surprise participants with a performance and a life-changing gift. The four-episode series is executive produced by Greice Santo, RJ Cipriani, Jesse Ignjatovic, Evan Prager, Jared Morell, Jordan Barrow and showrunner Gil Lopez.

“La Divina Comida”
“La Divina Comida” is a 16 episode series featuring Latin celebrities who open their homes to fellow celebrities and face off to prove who is the best dinner party host. The winner will be judged on their culinary skills as well as their hosting skills. Featured celebrity dinner party hosts include Alex Lora, Belinda, Carlos Gatica, Dulce María, Emmanuel, Erik Rubín, Faisy, Itatí Cantoral, José Ángel Bichir, Karol Sevilla, Manu Nna, Margarita The Cumbia Goddess, María León, Michelle Rodríguez, Rafa Márquez and Verónica Toussaint.

“Batalla en Abuela’s Kitchen”
Hosted by Colombian influencer Mario Ruiz, Batalla en Abuela’s Kitchen is a cooking competition show that challenges Gen-Z chefs to develop twist on traditional Latin dishes. In each episode, three young chefs face off against each other before the final two contestants compete against an experienced Abuela chef. The featured Abuela chefs include Carla Dawkins from Panama, Eneida Mascetti from Puerto Rico and Patty Lavalle from Mexico. The competing chefs are judged by Chef Margarita Bernal, Chef Adolfo Cavalie and Chef Octavio Ortega. Executive produced by Mari Urdaneta, Liliana Moyano, Luis Balaguer and showrunner Moira Noriega. The series will air on June 9 on The Roku Channel in both the U.S. and Mexico.

Paramount Releases Super Bowl Commercial Trailer for Michelle Rodriguez-Starrer “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Michelle Rodriguez is thieving with honor…

Paramount has revealed its 30-second Super Bowl commercial trailer for Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, starring the 44-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American actress.

The action comedy, an adaptation of the iconic Hasbro role-playing game, will hit theaters on March 31.

In addition to Rodriguez, the film also stars Chris Pine, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, Chloe Coleman, Daisy Head and Hugh Grant.

The film centers on a band of unlikely adventurers who undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic. Things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.

Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley directed the script they wrote with Michael Gilio.

The Super Bowl ad treatment is the latest big push for the D&D movie, after the Paramount and eOne pic was slotted into the opening-night position at SXSW, where it will mark its world premiere March 10.

When the first trailer premiered at Comic-Con last summer, Grant noted the film has “a Monty Python sensibility.” More is expected of it for sure than a 2000 movie take on the game, with Goldstein saying “there are characters from the Lore as well which will provide a runway into multiple films.”

Fox’s coverage of the Super Bowl on Sunday begins at 10:00 am PT/1 pm ET, with kickoff at 3:30 pm PT/6:30 pm ET.

Universal to Release Michelle Rodriguez’s “Fast and Furious 10” Next Easter

Posted on August 17, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Michelle Rodriguez can expect a furious Easter…

Universal has set a release date of April 7, 2023, for Fast and Furious 10, starring the 43-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American actress.

That returns the Fast & Furious franchise to its Easter weekend stomping ground where F7, the highest grossing title in the series was launched in 2015 to $147.1M domestic, and ended at $353M domestic, $1.5 billion global.

Universal followed with Fate of the Furious in 2017, which notched the third biggest global debut of all-time at $541.9M (before ending at $1.2 billion worldwide).

Vin Diesel is expected to announce the title at some point in the future on social media.

Universal’s F9, released on a theatrical window, is the highest grossing movie during the pandemic around the world with $681.5M. The film was the first Hollywood title during the Covid-19 era to surpass $500M overseas this past weekend. F9 repped series filmmaker Justin Lin’s return to the IP after an eight year absence in the director’s chair.

No other casting confirmations or plot lines are known about the tenth film in the franchise, but there’s a lot of speculation that Diesel, Jordan Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges, Michelle Rodriguez and Jason Statham are returning.

Michelle Rodriguez to Star in Film Adaptation of Hasbro’s “Dungeons & Dragons” Game

Posted on February 8, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Michelle Rodriguez is ready to battle monsters, solve puzzles and reap rewards…

The 42-year-old Puerto Rican & Dominican American actress will star alongside Chris Pine and Justice Smith in the film adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons, Hasbro’s popular game franchise from Wizards of the Coast.

Hasbro/eOne and Paramount are jointly producing and financing the film, with eOne distributing in the UK and Canada and Paramount in the rest of world.

Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley will direct and write the script based on a draft by Michael Gilio.

Plot details behind this latest take on the IP are being kept under wraps. Dungeons & Dragons is a leading fantasy entertainment franchise, fueled by the imagination of storytellers around the world. More than 40 million fans have interacted with or played D&D since it was first published 46 years ago, including via video games and livestream entertainment on Twitch and YouTube.

Rodriguez is best known for her role of Letty in the long running Fast & Furious franchise. She reprises the role in the next installment F9, which bows later this year.

Facebook Watch Renews Gloria Estefan’s Interview Series “Red Table Talk: The Estefans”

Posted on January 27, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Estefan isn’t leaving the (red) table anytime soon…

The 63-year-old Cuban singer-songwriter, producer, actress and entrepreneur’s Red Table Talk: The Estefans, a spin-off of Jada Pinkett Smith’s interview series, has been renewed for an additional 12 episodes.

Facebook Watch has ordered the supersized order after the first season debuted in October 2020.

The series is hosted by Grammy winner Estefan, her daughter and rising musician Emily Estefan and El Gordo y La Flaca host Lili Estefan.

New episodes will debut later this year on Facebook Watch and will highlight the three generations of women, as they come together with family, celebrity guests and experts.

The first season featured discussions with Michelle Rodriguez, Rosie O’Donnell, the family of Vanessa Guillén, Kate del Castillo and Lele Pons.

Red Table Talk: The Estefans is produced by Westbrook Studios with Pinkett Smith, Estefan, Ellen Rakieten and Miguel Melendez serving as executive producers.

“We’ve missed you, Red Table Talk: The Estefans fans and can’t wait to see you again. Taking on the iconic Red Table has been an immense privilege and enlightening journey for myself, Emily, and Lili,” said Gloria. “We look forward to continued exploration, growth, and healing in our upcoming episodes – and with my red gavel, much more than the ‘rhythm’ is gonna get you.”

Red Table Talk creator and executive producer Pinkett Smith added, “It’s been an honor to work with Gloria and her family on a project that means so much to all of us. By inviting us into their lives, with such honest and vulnerable conversations, the Estefans have touched the hearts of people everywhere, shining the light on topics that aren’t traditionally discussed in the Hispanic community. We are looking forward to the new episodes of Red Table Talk: The Estefans. We hope you will join The Estefans and the entire Red Table Talk community as we continue the journey of healing with important, honest conversations that hopefully will inspire understanding, unity and encouragement all over the world.”

Mina Lefevre, Head of Development & Programming, Facebook Watch said, “Each episode of the Estefans has been truly impactful, and Gloria, Emily and Lili have opened up the Red Table to a whole new audience. The Estefans tackled complex issues with vulnerability, awareness, and poise that truly resonated with our audience. I’m looking forward to seeing what they bring to the Red Table in 2021.”

Cardi B Launches New Reality Series “Cardi Tries ___” for Facebook Watch

Posted on December 20, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Cardi B isn’t afraid to try new things…

The 28-year-old half-Dominican American Grammy-winning rap superstar is inviting the world to experience new things alongside her with the new series Cardi Tries ___, which launched late last week.

From Facebook’s Messenger and Jesse Collins Entertainment, Cardi Tries ___ is part of Messenger’s new “Watch Together” feature, which allows audiences to enjoy Facebook Watch videos with friends and family in real-time. The new series has the “WAP” rapper trying new things outside of her repertoire including becoming an expert stunt car racer, ballerina, firefighter, teacher — just to name a few.

Throughout the series, she’ll be joined by actors, athletes and other professionals like Michelle Rodriguez of Fast & Furious fame, Debbie Allen of Grey’s Anatomy, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers and country music singer and songwriter, Mickey Guyton, among others.

New episodes will drop Thursdays through February 4. Cardi B fans will be able to enjoy the show in real-time over video calls with friends on Instagram, Messenger and Messenger Rooms via Watch Together.

Executive producers are Cardi B, Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon and Patientce Foster.

Alejandra Guzman to Star on Season 2 of Pantaya’s Spanish-Language Series “El Juego de Las Llaves”

Posted on November 23, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Alejandra Guzman is gearing up for some el juego…

The 52-year-old Mexican Latin Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and actress has joined the Season 2 cast of Pantaya’s hit Spanish-language scripted series El Juego de Las Llaves.

Guzman joins a roster of cast newcomers that includes Laura Leon and Cristián de la Fuente.

Also joining the ensemble cast are Barbara Lopez, Michelle Rodriguez and Gustavo Egelhaaf.

El Juego de las Llaves streams on Pantaya, a Lionsgate and Hemisphere Media Group joint venture, in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and internationally via Amazon Prime Video.

El Juego de las Llaves is a provocative half-hour Spanish-language scripted series that follows four long-lasting couples and friends who decide to swing, and are left to face the impact of their decisions in the comedic aftermath.

The all-star cast includes Maite Perroni, Sebastián Zurita, Marimar Vega, Horacio Pancheri, Humberto Busto, Hugo Catalan, Ela Velden and Fabiola Campomanes.

Guzman, known for her television role in Una familia con suerte, most recently served as a coach on La Voz… Mexico and La Voz in the U.S., the Spanish-language versions of the singing competition The Voice.

Leon has appeared in telenovela hits like Dos mujeres un camino, El premio mayor and Mujeres engañadas, whose theme songs she also sang and have become classics of Latinx pop culture.

de la Fuente has had leading roles in Amor bravio, Quiero amarte and Sueño de amor. He has also appeared in a number of English-language film and television series including In Plain Sight, Driven, Basic and CSI: Miami.

El Juego de Las Llaves was created by Marisa Quiroga and developed by Patrick McGinley, Veronica Bellver and Corazon Films’ Sandro Halphen, alongside Amazon Prime Video and Pantaya.

Directors on season 2 include Kenya Marquez, Javier Colinas and Roberto Fiesco.

The series is produced by Pantaya and Corazón Films.

Universal Announces Plans to End Michelle Rodriguez’s Fast & Furious Franchise with Two Final Films

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

It’s the beginning of the end for Michelle Rodriguez.

Universal Pictures is planning to wrap up its Fast & Furious core film franchise, starring the 42-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American actress, with two final movies that will bring to a close a franchise.

The Fast & Furious films have revved their way to become the highest-grossing movie series in the studio’s history. Justin Lin, who’s in post-production on F9, is in talks to direct the final two installments and bring a saga that began nearly 20 years ago to a close.

It’s early days on when this will begin production but it seems likely they will tell a big story over two films that will focus on franchise patriarch Vin Diesel and bring back Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jordana Brewster, Nathalie Emmanuel and Sung Kang.

F9 — which is the fifth film in the franchise directed by Lin and which premieres next Memorial Day — continues the storyline of the core cast and Charlize Theron, and adds John Cena, Helen Mirren, Grammy-winner Cardi B and reggaeton star Ozuna. They are just beginning to put the final two vehicles together. There’s speculation that Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham — core cast members who peeled off for the F&F spinoff Hobbs & Shaw after Johnson and Diesel had a falling out — will be back for the finale.

There’s also an opportunity to pull off the motorhead’s answer to Marvel’s Avengers, a configuration that might include Wonder Woman’s Gal Gadot, also part of the ensemble earlier in her career.

It might not have seemed probable back when The Fast & Furious launched the franchise in 2001 with Diesel and Paul Walker as lead-footed protagonists, but the entire series has eclipsed Jurassic Park to become Universal’s biggest. The eight movies and the spinoff have grossed around $5.7 billion; Jurassic is also over $5 billion and has its next installment, Jurassic World: Dominion, shooting in London.

The Fast franchise survived the tragic death of cornerstone star Walker, but it’s always good to end the race before the vehicle runs out of gas. There are still plans for other movie spinoffs and TV shows, so there will be no call for the studio to be calling Kars for Kids to cart away a junker.

It is likely that the final two installments will be produced by Diesel through his One Race Films banner, Jeff Kirschenbaum, Lin, Neal Moritz, Joe Roth, Clayton Townsend and Samantha Vincent. They are the producers of F9.

Lin berthed his Perfect Storm Entertainment banner at Universal in a multi-year overall film and TV deal in late summer, and these two films will likely keep him busy for a long time.

Michelle Rodriguez to Host & Participate in Quibi’s Scientific Series “Ten Ton Chum”

Posted on October 7, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Michelle Rodriguez is deep divin’ into the deep blue sea…

The 42-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American actress will host Quibi’s forthcoming series Ten Ton Chum, which explores the mysterious ecosystem of the ocean.

In a true first-of-its-kind scientific endeavor, the mobile streaming platform is engineering the largest controlled feeding frenzy the ocean has ever seen by dropping 10-ton (that’s 20,000 pounds) ball of shark chum into open waters. Uniquely, the bait ball will be constructed around a protective shark cage, allowing divers to immerse with the gathering storm of sharks and other apex marine predators, which may include giant squid or sperm whales, as it descends into the depths.

Rodriguez will lead the charge, diving down inside the bait ball and witness one of nature’s most spectacular events. A vast variety of species will be attracted from miles around and she will observe how they interact at surface level, at 100 feet down, and even how behaviors change in the dark of night. Equipped with an array of deep-water cameras, the bait ball will then detach from the protective cage and continue its plunge thousands of feet to the ocean floor to capture imagery of the mysterious creatures that lurk below.

Mark Kadin and Will Ehbrecht will serve as executive producer while the series will be produced by MAK Pictures.

Universal Moves Release Date of Michelle Rodriguez’s “F9” to Memorial Day 2021

Posted on October 2, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Michelle Rodriguez is getting some push back…

Universal Pictures has announced plans to move F9, starring the 42-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American actress, to May 28, 2021, which is Memorial Day weekend.

The move comes after MGM moved its James Bond pic No Time to Die, starring Ana de Armas, to April 2, 2021 — which had been the release date for this latest installment of The Fast and the Furious franchise.

In March, F9 drove out of its original May 22, 2020 global day-and-date release amid the coronavirus lockdown. The studio had previously reserved that April 2021 date for Fast & Furious 10.

Justin Lin returns to direct F9 a cast that includes Rodriguez, who portrays Letty Ortiz, Vin Diesel, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jordana Brewster, Nathalie Emmanuel, Sung Kang, Helen Mirren, Charlize Theron, Cardi B and Ozuna.

The entire franchise, including spinoff Hobbs & Shaw, through nine movies counts $5.9 billion at the worldwide box office.

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