Jennifer Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions Signs Multi-Year First Look Deal with Netflix

Posted on June 8, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Jennifer Lopez’s got the (first) look…

The 51-year-old Puerto Rican superstar’s production company Nuyorican Productions has signed a multi-year first-look deal with Netflix spanning feature films, television series and unscripted content, with an emphasis on projects that support diverse female actors, writers and filmmakers.

Lopez co-runs Nuyorican Productions with her producing partner Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas.

Lopez already has two feature projects in the works at the streamer including the Niki Caro-directed The Mother, and The Cipher, based on the Isabella Maldonado novel.

The Mother follows a deadly female assassin who comes out of hiding to teach her daughter how to survive. The multi-hyphenate is currently training for the role, with filming schedule for this autumn and the film is set for release in Q4 2022.

“I am excited to announce my new partnership with Netflix. Elaine, Benny (Medina) and I believe there is no better home for us than a forward leaning content creation company that seeks to defy conventional wisdom and directly market to the millions across the globe who no longer view art and entertainment with the kind of boundaries and limitations of the past. We at Nuyorican Productions are thrilled to find like-minded partners in Ted Sarandos, Scott Stuber, Bela Bajaria and the whole team and look forward to getting to work right away,” said Lopez.

“Throughout every aspect of her career, Jennifer Lopez has been a force in entertainment. In partnering with her and Nuyorican we know she will continue to bring impactful stories, joy and inspiration to audiences around the world,” said Netflix Head of Global Films Stuber,

Bajaria, Netflix Head of Global TV, said: “Jennifer is a singular talent whose creativity and vision have captivated audiences and inspired the next generation around the world. For years she and the team at Nuyorican have brought a distinctive voice to entertainment, and I’m looking forward to working with her and the team to create new series for our members to love.”

Lopez scored her best opening for a live-action movie at the domestic box office with STX’s 2019 stripper caper Hustlers, which debuted to $33.1 million, and grossed $105M stateside, $157.6M worldwide.

As a recording artist, Lopez has sold over 70 million albums, with J.Lo became her bestselling album with 3.8M copies sold in the U.S. and 12M global.

Jennifer Lopez Shares “Shotgun Wedding” Photo on Social Media

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a nice day for a white wedding (dress) for Jennifer Lopez…

The 51-year-old Puerto Rican superstar has taken to social media to share the first look at her Shotgun Wedding character Darcy.

J.Lo shared the photo of her in a flowing white gown while on the set for the upcoming film, with a caption that read “Day 1!”

La Lopez tagged Nuyorican Productions’ Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, who is co-producing the movie with Todd Lieberman, David Hoberman, Benny Medina, and Lopez.

Shotgun Wedding, helmed by Pitch Perfect director Jason Moore and written by New Girl creator Liz Meriwether and Mark Hammer, is a Lionsgate action-comedy that follows the story of Darcy (Lopez) and Tom (Josh Duhamel) as they gather their families for a destination wedding that sees the entire party taken hostage.

Duhamel joined the cast after actor Armie Hammer exited the project.

https://twitter.com/JLo/status/1364381539111370754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1364381539111370754%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.billboard.com%2Farticles%2Fcolumns%2Flatin%2F9530869%2Fjennifer-lopez-shotgun-wedding-photo%2F

Cheech Marin to Star Opposite Jennifer Lopez in Action-Comedy “Shotgun Wedding”

Posted on February 16, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Cheech Marin is the father of the bride…

The 74-year-old Mexican-American actor and stand-up comedian will star in the Lionsgate action-comedy Shotgun Wedding, starring Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel.

Mark Hammer and Liz Meriwether penned the screenplay, Jason Moore is directing the film.

In the film, Grace (Lopez) and Tom (Duhamel) gather their lovable but very opinionated families for the ultimate destination wedding just as the couple begins to get cold feet. And if that wasn’t enough of a threat to the celebration, suddenly everyone’s lives are in danger when the entire party is taken hostage. “Til Death Do Us Part” takes on a whole new meaning in this hilarious, adrenaline-fueled adventure as Grace and Tom must save their loved ones — if they don’t kill each other first.

Marin will play Robert, Grace’s father.

Other cast members include Lenny Kravitz, D’Arcy Carden, Selena Tan, Desmin Borges and Alex Mallari.

Borges’ character is Ricky, the permanently whisky-buzzed, embarrassing childhood best friend of Tom.

Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina are producing for Nuyorican Productions.

Production is slated to commence this month.

Marin is best known as one-half of the comedy duo Cheech & Chong.

Borges’ credits include You’re the Worst on FX, Amazon’s Utopia, and the Netflix limited series Living with Yourself.

Jennifer Lopez to Star in & Produce Netflix’s Action Feature “The Mother”

Posted on February 1, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Jennifer Lopez has landed a mother of a role…

The 51-year-old Puerto Rican superstar is reteaming with Netflix to star in and produce the action feature The Mother.

Lopez will play a deadly female assassin who comes out of hiding to protect the daughter she gave up years before, while on the run from dangerous men. The project is reportedly in the spirit of the Luc Besson classic The Professional.

Misha Green penned the original screenplay with revisions Andrea Berloff.

Lopez is producing with Elaine Goldsmith Thomas for Nuyorican Productions; Benny Medina; Roy Lee and Miri Yoon for Vertigo Entertainment; as well as Green. Catherine Hagedorn will serve as EP with Courtney Baxter as Associate Producer.

Niki Caro is in talks to direct.

Lopez is starring in and producing the Netflix adaptation of the Isabella Maldonado novel The Cipher. In that movie, Lopez will play FBI agent Nina Guerrera, who is pulled into a serial killer’s case after he leaves complex codes and riddles online, which are linked to his recent murders.

Lopez recently performed at the U.S. Presidential Inauguration of Joe Biden. She is currently filming Lionsgate’s Shotgun Wedding, and will be seen in Universal’s musical-driven romantic comedy Marry Me with Owen Wilson, which is set for theatrical release on May 14.

In 2019, Lopez scored her biggest domestic opening for a live-action feature at the box office and stateside hit with STX’s Hustlers ($33.1M opening, $105M domestic B.O.), a role which earned her a second Golden Globe nomination, as well as a supporting actress SAG nomination.

Jennifer Lopez’s “Shotgun Wedding,” Co-Starring Armie Hammer, Heading to Amazon Prime Video

Posted on December 15, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Jennifer Lopez’s latest project has landed an Amazonian deal…

Following weeks of negotiations, the 51-year-old Puerto Rican superstar’s big-budget action-comedy Shotgun Wedding, co-starring Armie Hammer, is heading to Amazon Prime Video for a host of major international territories, as well as to some key indie buyers.

Lionsgate will retain the film’s domestic rights.

Lionsgate’s sales division is in final talks to pre-sell the in-demand film to Amazon for UK/Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Benelux and Latin America.

Deals are also being finalized with some foreign buyers, including Leonine in Germany and Nordisk in Scandinavia. Negotiations are also ongoing in most Asian markets.

In Shotgun Wedding, Lopez and Hammer will play a couple who gather their lovable but very opinionated families for the ultimate destination wedding just as they begin to get cold feet about their relationship. If that wasn’t enough of a threat to the celebration, suddenly everyone’s lives are in danger when the entire party is taken hostage.

Jason Moore will direct from a screenplay by Mark Hammer and Liz Meriwether.

Production is expected to begin early next year.

Lopez is producing the film through her Nuyorican Productions’ company, alongside Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina.

Jennifer Lopez to Star Opposite Armie Hammer in the Lionsgate Action-Comedy “Shotgun Wedding”

Posted on October 27, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

It’s wedding bells and shotgun shells for Jennifer Lopez…

The 51-year-old Puerto Rican superstar will star opposite Armie Hammer in Lionsgate’s action-comedy Shotgun Wedding.

Pitch Perfect’s Jason Moore will direct from a screenplay by Mark Hammer and Liz Meriwether.

“Jennifer and Armie’s irresistible magnetism, separately and together, make them the perfect pairing for this action comedy,” said Erin Westerman, president of production for Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group. “They are both incredibly funny actors that can also deliver on the action, but what sets this movie apart is the way their infectious chemistry commands the screen. You can’t take your eyes off them.”

The film follows Darcy (Lopez) and Tom (Hammer), who gather their lovable but very opinionated families for the ultimate destination wedding just as the couple begin to get cold feet. And if that wasn’t enough of a threat to the celebration, suddenly everyone’s lives are in danger when the entire party is taken hostage.

Lopez will produce the film alongside her Nuyorican Productions’ colleagues Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina.

Production is expected to begin early next year. The film will be presented at the upcoming AFM.

Lopez can be seen next in highly-anticipated Universal rom-com Marry Me opposite Maluma and Owen Wilson.

She recently received rave reviews for her work in the STX film Hustlers.

Quibi Renews Jennifer Lopez’s “Thanks a Million” for Second Season

Posted on May 30, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Jennifer Lopez will continue paying it forward…

Quibi has given the green light for a second season of Thanks a Million, the inspiring “pay it forward” series executive produced by the 50-year-old Puerto Rican superstar and produced by her Nuyorican Productions and B17 Entertainment.

The first season premiered on April 6, the same day Quibi launched.

Lopez, Kristen Bell, Nick Jonas, Tracy Morgan, Aaron Rodgers, Yara Shahidi, Gabriel Iglesias, Anthony Davis, Kevin Hart and Karlie Kloss led individual episodes of Thanks a Million for Season 1.

In each episode, grateful public figures kick start a chain of kindness by gifting $100,000 to an unsuspecting individual who has had a positive impact on their life. The recipient must then pay it forward by gifting half of that sum to someone else who has done the same, and the chain continues. Across ten episodes, $1,000,000 will be put in the hands of everyday people.

Jennifer Lopez to Take Part in Quibi’s Forthcoming Series “Thanks a Million”

Posted on November 27, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Jennifer Lopez is paying it forward…

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican superstar is set to take part in Quibi’s forthcoming series, Thanks a Million, which will feature people literally paying it forward to those who’ve changed their lives.

J.Lo joins a roster of participating celebrities that includes Kristen Bell, Tracy Morgan, Karlie Kloss, Aaron Rodgers and Alex Rodriguez.

Each of the celebrities will lead an individual episode of the series. More participants will be revealed at a later date.

Earlier in March at SXSW, Quibi founder Jeffrey Katzenberg announced the new series as part of their lineup. Each episode of Thanks a Million will feature grateful public figures kick-starting a chain of kindness by gifting $100,000 to an unsuspecting individual who has had a positive impact on their lives. The recipient must then pay it forward by gifting half of that sum to someone else who has done the same, and the chain continues. Across ten episodes, $1,000,000 will be put in the hands of everyday people.

Thanks a Million will be produced by Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions and Industrial Media’s B-17 Entertainment in association with Universal Alternative Television Studio. Lopez, Elaine-Goldsmith Thomas, Alex Brown, Rhett Bachner, Brien Meagher,Dena Waxmanand Benny Medinaserve as Executive Producers.

Quibi is slated to launch April 6, 2020.

NBC Renews Lopez’s “Shades of Blue” for Third Season

Posted on March 18, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

There’s more Blue in Jennifer Lopez’s future…

NBC has renewed Shades of Blue, starring the 47-year-old Puerto Rican actress/singer and Ray Liotta, for a third season.

The announcement comes only two weeks into the police corruption drama’s sophomore run.

Shades of Blue has done okay relocating from Thursday to Sunday, wining its new Sunday 10:00 pm slot. It averages a modest 5.0 million viewers and 1.0 among adults 18-49 in Live+same day, though, in today’s day and age, these are considered solid linear numbers for a serialized 10:00 pm broadcast drama series.

Shades of Blue is boosted by a strong delayed viewing. It adds substantial viewership from time-shifting and video on demand, with the show’s March 5 season premiere growing by 66% in L+3 to a 1.6 rating in adults 18-49, and in total viewers by 2.5 million persons to a total of 7.8 million, accounting for the biggest L+3 lifts of the night on the Big 4 networks.

“We’re so hugely appreciative of everything Jennifer and Ray do, and know it is due to their dedication, as well as the hard work of our incredible cast and producers, that ‘Shades of Blue’ has so clearly and compellingly earned a third-season renewal,” said NBC’s president of entertainment Salke said. “This show continues to mine powerful stories that always leave us hungry for more.”

Harlee Santos (Lopez) is a charismatic single mother and resourceful detective at the heart of a tight-knit crew of Brooklyn detectives, led by enigmatic Lt. Matt Wozniak (Liotta) who often leads the team to step outside the limitations of the law in order to effectively protect their precinct and their own.

The cast of the series, created by Adi Hasak, includes Drea de Matteo, Dayo Okeniyi, Vincent Laresca, Hampton Fluker, Sarah Jeffery and Gino Anthony Pesi.

Showrunner Jack Orman and Lopez serve as executive producers along with Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Benny Medina, Ryan Seacrest and Nina Wass.

Shades of Blue is a production of Universal Television, Nuyorican Productions, EGTV, Ryan Seacrest Productions and Jack Orman Productions.

Lopez to Star in NBC’s Live Television Adaptation of the Hit Broadway Musical “Bye Bye Birdie”

Posted on October 28, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Everything’s coming up Rosie for Jennifer Lopez…

NBC has slated Bye Bye Birdie as its next live musical, with the 46-year-old Puerto Rican actress/singer set as the star.

Lopez will executive produce with Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Benny Medina, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, and her company Nuyorican Productions will produce with Universal Television.

Harvey Fierstein will write the television adaptation, with the special set to air in 2017.

The original Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie won the Tony Award in 1961 for best musical. It starred Dick Van Dyke, who also won a Tony for best actor in a musical, as Albert Peterson, the manager of rock star Conrad Birdie, and Chita Rivera as Rosie Alvarez, Albert’s girlfriend and secretary. When Birdie is drafted into the Army, Albert and Rosie concoct a plan to have Birdie give “one last kiss” to a small-town high school girl live on The Ed Sullivan Show before heading off for induction.

The show was adapted into a 1963 feature film starring Van Dyke and Janet Leigh. A short-lived 2010 Broadway revival starred John Stamos and Gina Gershon.

Lopez, who stars in NBC’s Shades of Blue, will play the part of Rosie in the NBC version. No other casting has yet been announced.

Under Greenblatt, NBC has made a tradition of airing live musicals in December, where the network believes the holiday time is a fertile ground for family-friendly co-viewing. The first, Sound of Music Live! starring Carrie Underwood, aired in 2013 and was watched by 18.6 million viewers. That effort was followed by Peter Pan Live! starring Allison Williams and Christopher Walken, and The Wiz Live! starring Queen Latifah and Shanice Williams.

Zadan and Meron have served as exec producers on all four NBC live musicals, and Fierstein previously wrote the television adaptation for The Wiz Live! and wrote the adaptation for NBC’s upcoming Hairspray Live!, which will air on December 7.

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