Bleecker Street Acquires U.S. Distribution Rights to Bobby Cannavale’s Family Dramedy “Ezra”

Posted on November 7, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Bobby Cannavale’s latest project is headed to a U.S. theater near you…

Bleecker Street has acquired the U.S. rights to Ezra, the starry family dramedy starring the 53-year-old half-Cuban American Emmy-winning actor.

Hailing from actor-turned-director Tony Goldwyn, the film is coming off of its world premiere in the Special Presentations section of the Toronto Film Festival.

Starring Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Robert De Niro and newcomer William A. Fitzgerald, the film is slated for release in theaters in 2024.

Also starring Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg, Ezra follows Max Brandel (Cannavale), a once successful late-night comedy writer turned less-successful stand-up comedian, who struggles through the failure of his career and marriage. After moving in with his father, Stan (De Niro), Max and his ex-wife Jenna (Byrne) remain at odds on how to best raise their autistic son, Ezra (Fitzgerald).

Described by Deadline as “a touching testament to the power of love, acceptance, and the challenges of parenthood,” the film was written by Tony Spiridakis, with William Horberg, Jon Kilik, Goldwyn and Spiridakis producing.

Aimee Carrero to Star in the Buddy Action-Comedy “Code 3”

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Aimee Carrero has broken the code…

The 34-year-old Dominican actress will star in the buddy action-comedy Code 3 opposite Rainn Wilson and Lil Rel Howery.

Production is set to begin in February.

She’ll portray Jessica, a newbie paramedic who is eager to learn is well-trained, and is superb under pressure. In the 24-hour shift where she’s training to replace Randy (Wilson), she’s in for an incredible day of surprises and realizations.

The film, by director Christopher Leone, follows a day in the life of two overworked, underpaid, and nearly burnt-out paramedics. One EMT is so burnt-out by the job that he’s forcing himself to resign, though he first must embark on one last 24-hour shift to train his replacement. Everything that could happen on the job, from the mundane to the extreme, then happens on this final, exhilarating day.

The script for Code 3 hails from Leone and former paramedic Patrick Pianezza. Angela Cardon will oversee the project for Wayfarer Studios and will serve as its sole financier.

Producers are Justin Baldoni and Andrew Calof for Wayfarer, Lawrence Mattis of Circle of Confusion, Matt Smith of Electro Corduroy Entertainment, and Paul “Pizza” Pianezza of Realdream.

Carrero’s breakout role was in Season 2 of FX’s The Americans playing the character of Lucia.

She can currently be seen in the Fox Searchlight film The Menu starring Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy, streaming now via HBO Max.

Additionally, she co-starred in the Apple TV+ holiday film Spirited opposite Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell.

Up next, she’ll appear as a series regular in Amazon’s The Consultant opposite Christoph Waltz in the role of Patti.

First Look Photo Released of Bobby Cannavale & Robert De Niro Comedy “Inappropriate Behaviour”

Posted on October 30, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s an inappropriate time for Bobby Cannavale.

Mister Smith Entertainment has released a first look image of new comedy Inappropriate Behaviour, starring the 52-year-old half-Cuban American Emmy-winning actor and Robert De Niro.

Currently in production, the film follows Max Bernal (Cannavale), a once-successful late-night comedy writer turned not-so-successful stand-up comic, who moves in with his father (De Niro), having recently blown up his career and marriage. When he and his ex-wife Jenna (played by Cannavale’s real-life partner, Rose Byrne) find themselves at odds with how to address the needs of their 11-year-old autistic son Ezra (Fitzgerald), Max decides to kidnap his child and take him on a cross-country odyssey.

Directed by Tony Goldwyn, the film also stars Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg.

Tony Spiridakis wrote the screenplay.

“We are thrilled with the response we’ve seen to this remarkable, heartwarming story from our international partners so far and excited to collaborate with them to bring Inappropriate Behavior to audiences around the world,” says Mister Smith Entertainment’s founder and CEO David Garrett.

Signature Entertainment Acquires UK/Irish Rights to Bobby Cannavale’s Road-Trip Comedy “Inappropriate Behavior”

Posted on October 8, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Bobby Cannavale’s inappropriate project will be headed to the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Signature Entertainment has acquired UK and Irish rights to the 52-year-old’s road-trip comedy Inappropriate Behavior from Mister Smith Entertainment.

The film also stars Rose Byrne, Robert De Niro, Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson, Whoopi Goldberg and William Fitzgerald.

Inappropriate Behavior, which is currently in production, follows Max Bernal (Cannavale), a once-successful late-night comedy writer turned not-so-successful stand-up comic, who moves in with his father (De Niro), having recently blown up his career and marriage. When he and his ex-wife Jenna (played by Cannavale’s real-life partner, Byrne) find themselves at odds with how to address the needs of their 11-year-old autistic son Ezra (Fitzgerald), Max decides to kidnap his child and take him on a cross-country odyssey.

The comedy is directed by Tony Goldwyn from a Tony Spiridakis screenplay.

The deal was negotiated between Signature Entertainment’s Director of Acquisitions and Development, Elizabeth Williams, and Mister Smith CEO David Garrett.

Signature plan to release the film in 2023.

Williams said: “Inappropriate Behavior completely charmed us when we read the script and we cannot wait to see it brought to life, especially with such a stellar cast. Audiences are going to love the smart comedy and heart-warming moments throughout. We look forward to releasing this feel-good film in the UK & Ireland next year.”

Garrett added: “We are delighted to have Signature as our UK partner on this film. It is a story which combines both heart and humour and has a stellar cast which will bring out the very best from the writing.”

Bobby Cannavale to Star in Tony Goldwyn’s Feature “Inappropriate Behavior”

Posted on September 15, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Bobby Cannavale is cashing in on his behavior…

The 52-year-old half-Cuban American Emmy-winning actor has joined the all-star cast of Tony Goldwyn’s feature Inappropriate Behavior.

Cannavale will star alongside Robert De Niro, Rose Byrne, Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson, Whoopi Goldberg and William Fitzgerald in the film.

The film, in which Goldwyn also appears, follows Max Bernal (Cannavale), a formerly successful late-night comedy writer turned not-so-successful stand-up comic, and his brilliant, complicated 11-year-old son Ezra (Fitzgerald), who is autistic. Having recently blown up both his career and his marriage, Max is now living with his father, Stan (De Niro). Max, profoundly at odds with his ex-wife Jenna (Byrne) about how to address their son’s needs, decides to kidnap Ezra and take him on a cross-country odyssey, with hilariously disastrous results.

Tony Spiridakis scripted the film, going into production this month, which is being co-financed and produced by Closer Media and Wayfarer Studios, as the former company’s first feature.

“Tony Spiridakis is a spectrum father, and he wrote a script whose lived-in truth, humor and grace are evident on every page,” said Closer Media. “Tony Goldwyn has always been drawn to great material, as an actor, producer and filmmaker, going all the way back to our days working together on Ghost at Paramount. Seeing this story that celebrates neurodivergence come together with this amazing cast and team makes us feel incredibly fortunate and thrilled to be making this as our first film at Closer Media.”

“After hearing the initial idea, Wayfarer Studios felt strongly connected to it,” added Wayfarer Studios’ President, Jamey Heath. “We have a duty to ensure everyone feels they are represented in storytelling, and this unique story showcases those who are differently abled. These stories are crucial to the growth and acceptance of all people and having the opportunity to reach global audiences with this film speaks to our core mission, and we are incredibly proud to partner with Closer Media, who share our same vision.”

Desmin Borges to Appear on Fox’s Series “This Country”

Posted on December 7, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Desmin Borges is heading to this country…

The 36-year-old half-Puerto Rican actor has landed a recurring role in Fox’s This Country, Jenny Bicks’ and Paul Feig’s remake of the BBC comedy.

In the half-hour series, a documentary crew goes to a small town to study young adults and their current concerns. Their focus is the daily lives of cousins Kelly (Chelsea Holmes) and Shrub Mallet (Sam Straley) and their idiosyncratic surroundings.

Seann William Scott, Aya Cash, Taylor Ortega, YouTuber Krystal Smith and Justin Linville also star.

Borges will play Jimmy Jameson, the rival editor to Cheryl (Cash) in the town next to Flatch. Borges will join the series, currently filming in North Carolina, beginning in Episode 2. Feig is directing the series’ first three episodes.

This Country is based on the eponymous BBC Three series, which ran on the British public broadcaster’s youth-skewing network for three seasons from 2017-20. The BAFTA-winning series, which was written by and starred Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper, was set in the Cotswolds in rural England.

The role reunites Borges with Cash, his former You’re the Worst co-star. Borges portrayed Edgar Quintero on five seasons of the FX comedy-drama. He also stars as Dan on the Netflix limited series Living with Yourself opposite Paul Rudd, as well as in films like Private Life, alongside Paul Giamatti, Kathryn Hahn, Molly Shannon, John Carroll Lynch and Denis O’Hare. Borges most recently can be seen as Wilson Wilson in Amazon’s Utopia, co-starring John Cusack and Rainn Wilson.

This Country is produced by Lionsgate, BBC Studios, Fox Entertainment and Feigco Entertainment.

Amazon Prime Releases Trailer for Desmin Borges’ Comic Book Conspiracy Series “Utopia”

Posted on August 19, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Desmin Borges has found his utopia…

The 36-year-old half-Puerto Rican actor is starring in Amazon Prime’s eight-part comic book conspiracy series Utopia, which will hit the streaming platform on September 25.

The series,written and executive produced by Gillian Flynn,explores the danger that ensues when fiction and reality collide.

The show, inspired by the British series of the same name, follows a group of comic book fans hoping to avoid the end of humanity after finding clues about world destruction and biological warfare hidden in the pages of the titular series.

The trailer for the new Amazon show sees the group of conspiracy theorists, played by Borges, Ashleigh LaThrop, Dan Byrd, Jessica Rothe and Javon Walton, face additional threats from government leaders and health industry giants, as if the threat of fatal diseases wasn’t already intimidating enough.

“We can fight it, we’d just be going into the bell of the beast, practically begging to be slaughtered,” Rainn Wilson, who plays the show’s Dr. Michael Stearns.

Additional actors joining the Utopia cast are John Cusak, Sasha Lane, Farrah Mackenzie, Christopher Denham and Cory Michael Smith.

Penelope Cruz to Take Part in One World Campaign’s #PassTheMic COVID-19 Awareness Campaign

Posted on May 21, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Penelope Cruz is passing the mic for a good cause…

The 46-year-old Spanish actress is among the celebrities who’ll be surrendering their social media accounts for ONE World Campaign’s #PassTheMic campaign.

The campaign will have actors like Cruz, Julia Roberts, Danai Gurira, Hugh Jackman, David Oyelowo, Shailene Woodley and Rainn Wilson handing over their platforms to global health, economic and policy experts and frontline workers.

The experts will offer pertinent information grounded in data, science and facts as they address why a global response to this pandemic is so crucial.

The campaign will kick off on Thursday with Roberts handing off her accounts to Dr. Anthony Fauci who is a key member of the White House’s coronavirus task force and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Yemi Alade, Connie Britton, Millie Bobby Brown, Sarah Jessica Parker, Busy Philipps, Rita Wilson, Robin Wright and more also set to participate.

Experts taking over their accounts include Bill Frist (physician and former US Senator from Tennessee, Doctor), Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (former President of Liberia), Vera Songwe (Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa), Craig Spencer (Director of Global Health in Emergency Medicine, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center) among others.

#PasstheMic is part of One’s One World Campaign call-to-action for a global response to COVID-19 looks to protect the most vulnerable and supports people worst hit economically while strengthening health systems and creating a more equal world.

Sony Pictures Releases First Full-Length Trailer for Lovato’s “Smurfs: The Lost Village”

Posted on November 21, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Demi Lovato is ready to get her Smurfette on…

The first full-length trailer for Smurfs: The Lost Village, featuring the 24-year-old part-Mexican American singer as Smurfette, was released Monday by Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Based on the beloved Belgian cartoon series, the voice cast of the latest project in the Smurfs franchise, includes Lovato, Mandy Patinkin, Jack McBrayer, Danny Pudi, Joe Manganiello and Rainn Wilson.

When Smurfette stumbles upon a familiar-looking creature who leaves behind a map in the Enchanted Forest, the trailer asks the question: “What if they were never alone?” Along with her friends Brainy (Pudi), Clumsy (McBrayer), and Hefty (Manganiello), the Smurfs embark on a mission to find the mysterious lost village.

The quartet soon encounters perilous and insane adventures along the way, trying to discover the forgotten town before the evil Gargamel (Wilson).

Wilson replaces Hank Azaria, who voiced the evil wizard in the first two film reboots.

The project is directed by Kelly Asbury from a script penned by Stacey Harmon, Karey Kirkpatrick, Chris Poche, Pamela Ribon, David Ronn, and Jay Scherick.

Smurfs: The Lost Village will be released in the U.S. on April 7, 2017.

New Trailer Released for Lovato’s “Smurfs: The Lost Village”

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Demi Lovato’s world is turning blue…

Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation have released a new trailer for Smurfs: The Lost Village, starring the 24-year-old part-Mexican American singer/actress.

The new clip for the Kelly Asbury-directed, fully animated film, which features Lovato voicing the character of Smurfette, seems designed to erase memories of the franchise’s latter-day live-action/animated hybrids entries.

The reboot, written by Stacey Harman and Pamela Ribon, has been touted as a return in tone to the blue gang’s original comic book adventures.

Sony describes the new movie’s plot thusly: “a mysterious map sets Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty on an exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest filled with magical creatures to find a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel does. Embarking on a rollercoaster journey full of action and danger, the Smurfs are on a course that leads to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history!”

In addition to Lovato, the cast includes Rainn Wilson (Gargamel), Joe Manganiello (Hefty), Jack McBrayer (Clumsy), Danny Pudi (Brainy) and Mandy Patinkin (Papa Smurf).

Smurfs: The Lost Village opens in theaters on April 7, 2017.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

Tag Archives: Rainn Wilson