Mendez to Direct Syfy’s Original TV Movie “Lavalantula”

Mike Mendez is ready to spin Los Angeles into his web

The Latino filmmaker is set to direct Syfy’s Lavalantula, which will be released next summer.

Lavantula

The original television movie sees a defenseless Los Angeles under attack by a swarm of giant lava-breathing tarantulas that roast their prey alive!

The film will see the reunion of three key cast members from the Police Academy franchise: Steve Guttenberg — starring as a washed-up ’90s action hero who must save the world — Leslie Easterbrook and Michael Winslow.

Nia Peeples co-stars in the movie, which has begun production for a summer 2015 premiere. Lavalantula certainly has some mega-arachnid cred behind the camera:

Mendez previously helmed another arachnophobic film, Big Ass Spider.

Boyar’s “Big Ass Spider!” to be Released This October

Lombardo Boyar’s big ass project is heading to theaters this October…

Epic Pictures Releasing has booked October 18, 2013 as the official date to release Big Ass Spider!, starring the 39-year-old Latino actor.

Lombardo Boyar

The film, directed by filmmaker Mike Mendez, centers on a giant arachnid that terrorizes the city of Los Angeles.

The creature comedy will be released simultaneously in theaters and on video-on-demand.

Along with Boyar, who portrays Jose Ramos, the film stars Greg Grunberg, Claire Kramer and Ray Wise.

Epic Pictures and Wittgenstein Entertainment produced the film, which premiered at the SXSW Film Conference and Festival in Austin this past March.

Boyar’s credits include guest-starring roles on ABC’s short-lived series GCB, CBSNCIS and Showtime’s Shameless.

He’ll appear as Terry in 2014’s Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.