Taylor Ortega to Star in Prime Video‘s Paul Feig-Directed Action Comedy “Grand Death Lotto”

Taylor Ortega is playing the lotto

The Latina writer, comedian and actor has joined the cast of Prime Video‘s Paul Feig-helmed action comedy Grand Death Lotto.

Taylor OrtegaIn addition to Ortega, who starred in HBO’s Succession, other new cast additions include Michael HitchcockBecky Ann Baker, Sam Asghari, Leslie David BakerMurray Hill and Adam Ray.

The actors join an ensemble led by John Cena, Awkwafina and Simu Liu, which also includes Ayden Mayeri, Seann William Scott, Dolly de Leon and Donald Elise Watkins.

Written by Rob Yescombe, the film currently in production is set in a very near future, in which a Grand Lottery has been established in economically challenged California. The only catch? You’ll need to kill the winner before sundown in order to legally claim their prize. New L.A. transplant Katie (Awkwafina) accidentally finds herself with the winning ticket and must join forces with amateur jackpot protector Noel (Cena) to make it to sundown in order to claim her multi-billion-dollar prize, all while dealing with Noel’s protection rival Louis Lewis (Liu), who also wants to get her to sundown in order to claim his rich protection commission.

Ortega is a series regular on Fox’s mockumentary series Welcome to Flatch, directed and executive produced by Feig, and has also been seen in Starz’s continuation of Party Down, as well as the HBO Max anthology Love Life and HBO’s Succession. She’ll next be seen leading the indie comedy Wine Club from directors Eric D. Cohen and Matthew Hirschhorn.

Judy Reyes to Guest Star on Starz’s “Party Down” Reboot

Judy Reyes is ready to party down

The 55-year-old Dominican American actress and former Scrubs star is guest-starring on Starz’s Party Down, a revival of the cult comedy series from 2009-10.

Judy ReyesStarz will debut the laugher at midnight on Friday, February 24 on its app and streaming platforms. Its linear debut is set for later that night at 9:00 pm ET/PT on Starz.

The third season will consist of six all-new episodes and take place 10 years later, when most of the Party Down catering team have moved on, including actor/bartender Henry Pollard (Adam Scott). After a surprise reunion, the gang find themselves once again stoically enduring the procession of random parties and oddball guests all over Los Angeles.

Scott reprises his role alongside original cast members Ken MarinoJane LynchMartin StarrRyan Hansen and Megan Mullally.

New cast members include Jennifer Garner, Tyrel Jackson WilliamsZoë Chao and James Marsden.

In addition to Reyes, other guest stars include Dan BakkedahlQuinta BrunsonLiv HewsonFran Kranz, Ki Hong LeeLyric Lewis, Bobby Moynihan, Nick Offerman and Calum Worthy.

The third season is executive produced by Party Down alumni Rob Thomas, Paul Rudd, Dan Etheridge and Scott.

Party Down is produced for STARZ by Lionsgate Television.

The first two seasons of Party Down debuted on Starz in 2009 and 2010. Both seasons remain available on the network and for download or streaming via the Starz app.

Anna Garcia to Make Feature Debut in Apple’s 1960s Space Race Film “Project Artemis”

Anna Garcia has found a new Project

The Latina actress will make her feature film debut with a sizable role alongside Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum in Project Artemis, the anticipated 1960s space race film Greg Berlanti is directing for Apple.

Anna GarciaWhile details about her role are being under wraps, her audition was reportedly impressive enough that it helped her secure one of the most coveted jobs in Hollywood, even in competition with a number of offer-only actresses.

Apple acquired Project Artemis for upwards of $100M when the hot package hit the market this past spring, as we told you first.

Specifics regarding the plot of the Apple Original haven’t yet been revealed. But Garcia joins an ensemble that also includes the previously announced Jim Rash and Ray Romano.

Johansson is producing alongside Jonathan Lia and Keenan Flynn of These Pictures, which commissioned and developed the script by Rose Gilroy, as well as Sarah Schechter.

Garcia is a relative newcomer who most recently wrapped a role on Showtime’s Party Down reboot, having recently appeared on HBO Max’s Emmy-winning series Hacks and FX’s long-running comedy, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. She’s a graduate of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre who still performs regularly at the well-known comedy venue, and also proved a standout as part of the CBS Comedy Showcase for 2022.

Garcia hosts her own live variety show, Scrambled Eggs, at the Elysian Theater and has also appeared on the viral improv show Make Some Noise for College Humor’s subscription media service, Dropout.

Royo Lands Recurring Role on Showtime’s Comedy Pilot “Happyish”

Andre Royo has reason to be happyish

The 46-year-old Afro-Cuban American actor has landed a recurring role on Showtime’s comedy pilot Happyish as a recurring.

Andre Royo

Described as a comedic, soul-searching examination of our pursuit of happiness, Happyish centers on Thom Payne (portrayed by Steve Coogan) – a 44-year-old man whose world is thrown into disarray when his 25-year-old “wunderkind” boss arrives. Kathryn Hahn and Bradley Whitford co-star, with Carrie Preston and Molly Price on board in recurring roles.

Royo, best known for his role as Reginald “Bubbles” Cousins on HBO’s The Wire, will portray Barry, a former corporate lawyer who followed his heart to the Family Court, only to find it even more depressing than Corporate Law was.

His other television credits include appearances on Fringe, Party Down and How to Make It in America.