Mercedes Ruehl Starring in Brad Furman’s Indie Drama “People Not Places”

Mercedes Ruehl is joining the people

The 76-year-old part-Cuban American Oscar-winning actress will star in director Brad Furman’s indie drama People Not Places, which was scripted by his mother Ellen Brown Furman.

Mercedes RuehlRuehl is among seven new cast additions that includes Yul Vazquez, Laurence Mason, Obba BabatundéJoey Bicicchi, Colleen Camp and Olivia Jude.

They join previously announced cast members Shirley MacLaine, Stephen Dorff, Julia Mayorga and Allegra Leguizamo.

People Not Places centers on Clare (MacLaine), an elderly widow living in Atlantic City who meets an erratic homeless man (Dorff) who sleeps in cars. Their shared loneliness causes them to bond, as they find the courage to face his regrettable past and her shortened future.

Furman and Jess Fuerst are producing the film under their Road Less Traveled Productions banner.

Best known for her Oscar-winning performance in The Fisher King, Ruehl has also been seen in films like Hustlers, Last Action Hero and Big, among many others.

She’s also been seen on series like New AmsterdamBull and Power, to name just a few.

Currently starring on MGM+’s Hotel Cocaine, Vazquez will next be seen in the Paul Greengrass film The Lost Bus for Apple TV+.

His other recent credits include Parish, White House Plumbers, Godfather of Harlem, Promised Land and Severance.

Gigi Zumbado to Star in Simon West’s “Bride Hard”

Gigi Zumbado is going hard

The Cuban American actress has been added to the cast of Simon West’s Bride Hard, starring Rebel Wilson.

Gigi ZumbadoZumbado is among a list of cast newcomers that includes Anna Camp, Justin Hartley, Anna ChlumskyStephen Dorff and Da’Vine Joy Randolph.

In addition, the film also features Sam Huntington, Sherry Cola and Michael O’Neill.

Bride Hard stars Wilson as a badass secret agent who is a force to be reckoned with as a mercenary group takes hostage her best friend’s lavish wedding. The indie feature was cleared for a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement.

The film was written by Shaina Steinberg from a story by Steinberg and CeCe Pleasants.

Bride Hard just wrapped production in Savannah, GA.

WME Independent is handling worldwide sales; production financing is provided by East West Bank.

Zumbado’s previous credits include Pitch Perfect 2 and The Rookie.

Bella Thorne’s “Divinity” to Have International Premiere at Italy’s Taormina Film Festival 

Bella Thorne’s latest film is preparing to have its first international showing…

The 25-year-old half-Cuban American actress/singer’s feature Divinity, hailing from Bolivian American director Eddie Alcazar, is set to premiere internationally at the Taormina Film Festival on June 29th in Italy.

Bella Thorne, DivinityWriter and director Alcazar and stars Thorne, Karrueche Tran and Moises Arias will appear at the Teatro Antico for the celebration.

The feature, produced by Steven Soderbergh, was reportedly acquired at Sundance by Utopia and Sumerian for seven figures.

It will also screen in Germany at the Munich Film Festival and in Canada at Fantasia Film Festival this summer.

Divinity is set in an otherworldly human existence where scientist Sterling Pierce (Scott Bakula) is on a quest for immortality, slowly creating the building blocks of a groundbreaking serum named “Divinity.” Jaxxon Pierce (Stephen Dorff), his son, now controls and manufactures his father’s once-benevolent dream.

Society on this barren planet has been entirely perverted by the supremacy of the drug, whose true origins are shrouded in mystery. Two mysterious brothers (Jason Genao and Arias) arrive with a plan to abduct the mogul, and with the help of a seductive woman named Nikita (Tran), they will be set on a path hurtling toward true immortality.

Divinity is a creative tour-de-force. We are fortunate to be screening the film’s European premiere after its success at Sundance. I look forward to welcoming Eddie Alcazar and the film’s cast to the premiere in Taormina. It will surely be one of the highlights of the Festival this year,” said Barrett Wissman, the Festival’s Executive and Artistic Director.

Prior to his success with Divinity, Alcazar directed The Vandal, executive produced by Darren Aronofsky, which made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021. Additionally, he directed the feature-length sci-fi thriller Perfect (2018), executive produced by Soderbergh through his company Brainfeeder Films and produced 2016’s Kuso.

Eddie Alcazar Partnering with Paul Wedgwood to Launch LA and London-Based Production Company Entropy Pictures

Eddie Alcazar is expanding his empire…

The Bolivian American writer-director is teaming up with British gaming mogul Paul Wedgwood to launch the Los Angeles and London-based production company Entropy Pictures.

Eddie Alcazar,Alcazar’s most recent project is the Sundance Film Festival thriller Divinity, starring Stephen Dorff, Bella Thorne and Scott Bakula.

Wedgwood, who most recently executive-produced thriller The Kill Room starring Samuel L. Jackson and Uma Thurman, was a co-founder of successful video game developer Splash Damage.

The duo’s new film, TV and transmedia firm Entropy will look to “seed and develop IP which is character-driven, high-concept and has commercial appeal”. The company will look to make three to five films a year with financial backing from Wedgwood’s investment firm Supernova Capital.

Veteran games and studio executive Nick Bridger will serve as Head of Development and Production, while line producer James Allen — who has worked on all of Alcazar’s productions — is also aboard.

The first film on the slate is a hybrid live action-animated thriller called Absolute, which Alcazar wrote and will direct as his next feature, producing alongside Wedgwood.

The film follows a pair of college friends who are working on a device that will change humanity’s relationship with the universe. The device can transport a person into a neighboring dimension using one’s mind to complete a roadmap. When one of the friends experiences a devastating relationship breakup, he makes a choice to enter the portal they have created in search of a better version of his girlfriend.

According to the partners, financing is in place and the film is due to shoot this summer.

Alacazar wrote, directed and produced Divinity with a guiding hand from Steven Soderbergh, who served as executive producer. The black and white Sundance NEXT project is set in an otherworldly human existence where a serum named “Divinity” is all powerful.

“Creating a foundation for this type of film is very motivating as there are so many opportunities to explore different worlds and each can lend itself to many formats such as film, digital and animation to truly immerse the audience in a specific style of emotion,” said Alcazar. “Ultimately this is a story about young adults striving to be recognized and significant in an imperfect world. They follow grandiose ideas in order to give their lives meaning and end up realizing peace of mind and love are found in simplicity, not absolute perfection.”

Wedgwood added: “I want to work with the most talented storytellers in the business – and Eddie is of course in that upper echelon of multitalented next generation writer/directors who really challenge audiences. In Absolute, he has created a gripping and evocative story that is a distinctly original cinematic experience. This is the type of bold film that will define Entropy.”

Wedgwood commented about Entropy: “As a company, we see ourselves as hyper-creative, nimble and collaborative. Eddie, Nick and myself are creators at heart and have complex projects we’ll develop and nurture very carefully. With the film landscape continuing to shift and evolve, our approach to championing distinctive material and bringing our creative visions to life is what drives us. I’m thrilled to start this exciting new endeavor with Eddie and Nick and work creatively and collaboratively to build a specialized brand.”

Added Alcazar: “With Entropy, we have an exciting new model for making films –  one that empowers creators and their vision. Paul and I share a unique creative vision and underlying business philosophies that will fuel us as we grow the company and our output.”

Lauren Sanchez Starring in the Vito Schnabel-Led Dark Comedy “The Trainer”

It’s training day for Lauren Sanchez.

The 52-year-old Mexican-American media personality, Emmy-winning journalist and actress, is starring in Vito Schnabel-led dark comedy The Trainer, which has wrapped filming in Los Angeles, New York and the Bahamas.

Lauren SánchezSanchez, who gained fame as an entertainment reporter and news anchor, is part of a cast that includes Paris Hilton, Finneas O’ConnellSandra Seacat and journalist Gayle King.

Written by Schnabel and Jeff Solomon, the film is based on the former’s original story. It unfolds over eight days of sleep-deprived chaos and follows Jack (Schnabel), a down-on-his-luck fitness expert living with his mother in Los Angeles, who takes a maniacal swing at fame and fortune, trying to realize his version of the American dream.

Tony Kaye directed the film boasting one of the most eclectic ensembles in recent memory, which also includes Julia FoxSteven Van ZandtTaylour PaigeStephen Dorff, John McEnroeGina GershonLuka SabbatGus Van SantLenny KravitzBeverly D’AngeloColleen CampGavin RossdaleSoo Joo ParkBrock O’HurnBella ThorneLaird Hamilton and Duke Nicholson.

Schnabel, Kaye and Jeremy Steckler are producing The Trainer, with George Paaswell serving as executive producer.

Sanchez has been seen on programs like The View, KTTV Fox 11’s Good Day LA, the Fox 11 Ten O’clock NewsExtra, Larry King Live, The Joy Behar Show and Showbiz Tonight. Past film credits include Ted 2White House DownCeleste & Jesse ForeverWe Bought a ZooFantastic Four and Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver SurferAkeelah and the BeeThe Longest YardThe Day After Tomorrow and Fight Club. She’s also been seen on series like RakeDirt and Girlfriends, among others.

Sanchez also notably founded aerial production company Black Ops Aviation and serves as Vice Chair of the Bezos Earth Fund.

Bella Thorne to Star in Steven Soderbergh & Eddie Alcazar’s Indie Film “Divinity”

It’s to Divinity and beyond for Bella Thorne

The 24-year-old half-Cuban American actress/singer has been cast in the indie film Divinity.Bella ThorneThorne is among the final cast members to be announced for the film, alongside Scott Bakula.

The project is the latest collaboration between Steven Soderbergh and Eddie Alcazar. Cypress Hills’ DJ Muggs will serve as musical composer.

Chris Santos, Danielia Maximillian, Lydia Bielen, and Emily Willis round out the cast.

Previously announced actors leading the project include Stephen Dorff, Jason Genao, Moises Arias, Karrueche Tran, and Mike O’Hearn.

Divinity follows otherworldly brothers (Genao & Arias) that are hellbent on stopping a mogul (Dorff) who is close to unraveling the secrets behind immortality.

The film includes elements of Alcazar’s “Metascope” technique which combines stop motion animation and live-action sequences. The technique was featured in his short film The Vandal, a collaboration with Darren Aronofsky, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021.

Divinity is targeting completion ahead of the film festival circuit.

Alcazar previously worked with his mentor Soderbergh on his feature debut Perfect, released in 2018, a sci-fi thriller starring Abbie Cornish, Rainey Qualley, Courtney Eaton, and Tao Okamoto.

Bella Thorne Starring in Dark Comedy “The Trainer”

There are several train(er)ing days for Bella Thorne.

The 24-year-old half-Cuban America actress/singer has been cast in the dark comedy The Trainer, directed by Tony Kaye from a script by star Vito Schnabel and Jeff Solomon.

Bella Thorne

Thorne is part of a roster of new cast additions that includes Soo Joo Park, Brock O’Hurn, Laird Hamilton and Duke Nicholson.

The film currently in production, after nearly a decade in development, is based on an original story by Schnabel.

Unfolding over eight days of sleep-deprived chaos, it follows Jack (Schnabel), a down-on-his-luck fitness expert living with his mother in Los Angeles, who takes a maniacal swing at fame and fortune, trying to realize his version of the American dream.

Julia Fox, Steven Van Zandt, Taylour Paige, Stephen Dorff, John McEnroe, Gina Gershon and Luka Sabbat are also set to star.

Character details are being kept under wraps.

Thorne can currently be seen opposite Melissa Leo in Peyfa’s thriller Measure of Revenge, and will next be seen in Graham and Parker Phillips’ thriller Rumble Through the Dark, with Aaron Eckhart.

She’s previously appeared in the films Chick FightRideMidnight SunAssassination NationThe BabysitterAmityville: The AwakeningBoo! A Madea Halloween, The DUFFAlexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, and Blended.

Her television credits include Paradise CityFamous in LoveShake It UpBig Love, My Own Worst Enemy and Dirty Sexy Money.

Blake Jenner to Star in “Paradise City”

Blake Jenner is heading to Paradise City

The 28-year-old half-Cuban American actor has joined the cast of the Hawaiian production of Paradise Citywhich represents John Travolta and Bruce Willis’ first reteaming in a film since 1994’s Pulp Fiction

Blake Jenner

Jenner is joined by Stephen Dorff as new additions to the cast.

Willis plays renegade bounty hunter, Ryan Swan, who must carve his way through the Hawaiian crime world to wreak vengeance on the kingpin, played by Travolta, who murdered his father. I’m told the project is billed as being similar to Miami Vice but with bounty hunters instead of cops. Thai actress and model Praya Lundberg also stars.

Paradise City is produced by Corey Large, who also stars in the movie and co-wrote with Ed John DrakeBondIt Media Capital is financing with Large’s 308 Enterprises producing. Saban is handling domestic distribution with The Exchange overseeing foreign sales.

Jenner’s previous credits include What/If, Glee and The Edge of Seventeen.

Miguel Angel Garcia to Appear on Fox’s Drama “Deputy”

Miguel Angel Garcia has laded a Fox-ynew role..

The Latino actor has booked a recurring role on Fox’s drama series Deputy, starring Stephen Dorff, from Entertainment One and Fox Entertainment.

Miguel Angel Garcia

 

Written by Will Bealland directed by David AyerDeputy is a cop drama that blends the spirit of a classic Western with a modern attitude and gritty authenticity.

Garcia will play Wyatt, the handsome new boyfriend of Maggie (Valeria Jauregui). 

Garcia also stars opposite Dennis Quaidas a co-lead in the upcoming Endeavor Contentfeature On The Line

Yara Martinez to Star in Fox’s Police Drama Pilot “Deputy”

Yara Martinez is joining the force…

The 39-year-old Cuban American actress will co-star opposite Stephen Dorffin Deputy, Fox’s police drama pilot from Bright helmer David AyerAquaman writer Will Bealland eOne.

Yara Martinez

Written by Beall and directed by Ayer, Deputy centers on Deputy Bill Hollister (Dorff), a career lawman who’s very comfortable kicking down doors and utterly lost in a staff meeting. But when the L.A. County sheriff drops dead, Bill becomes acting sheriff, in charge of 10,000 sworn deputies policing a modern Wild West.

Martinez will play Hollister’s wife, Dr. Paula Reyes, a trauma surgeon. Strong-willed yet sensitive, she’s a good match for her husband.

Martinez was a series regular for the first two seasons of Amazon’s The Tick, playing Miss Lint. 

Martinez continues to recur as Dr. Luisa Alver on the CW’s Jane the Virgin and also is recurring on CBS’ Bull.