Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa Signs New Multi-Year Deal with Warner Bros. Television

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasahas landed a major deal…

The 44-year-old Nicaraguan-American playwright, screenwriter, and comic book writer who is currently the Chief Creative Officer of Archie Comics and the key creative force behind Warner Bros. Television’s growing Archie comics-based TV universe, has signed a massive new multi-year overall deal with the studio.

No details are being disclosed but the pact is said to be for five years, and it’s in the high eight figures.

Under the agreement, Aguirre-Sacasa will develop, write, and produce new series through his banner, Muckle Man Productions, while also continuing as executive producer/showrunner on WBTV series Riverdale and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,as well as pilot Katy Keene, co-developed with Michael Grassi.

Shortly after he was named Chief Creative Officer of Archie Comics in 2014, Aguirre-Sacasa teamed with WBTV-based Berlanti Prods. to bring the Archie characters to television. He is the developer/executive producer behind Riverdale, which has been a major hit for the CWand Netflix, and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, which quickly established itself as a breakout for Netflix, and the co-developer/executive producer on the Riverdale spinoff pilot Katy Keene, which has been garnering solid early buzz at the CW.

Before becoming Archie Comics COO, Aguirre-Sacasa wrote two of the company’s best-selling horror series: Afterlife With Archie and Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina. He previously worked for Marvel Comics, scripting the adventures of Spider-Man, Nightcrawler, and the Fantastic Four.

Aguirre-Sacasa’s TV series writing-producing credits include Fox’s Glee, HBO’s Looking and Big Love, as well as a stint on WBTV/Berlanti Prods.’ Supergirl.

Aguirre-Sacasa is an accomplished screenwriter and playwright. He penned the feature remakes of Carrie and The Town That Dreaded Sundown, as well as the musical adaptation of American Psycho, which had runs in London and on Broadway.

Aguirre-Sacasa was part of the team that was brought in to overhaul Spider-man: Turn Off the Dark. This summer, Pasadena Playhouse will produce his prep school thriller, Good Boys and True, and he wrote the book to the Broadway-bound Magic Mike the musical, with Brian Yorkey (lyrics) and Tom Kitt(music).

Jessica Meraz Lands Major Recurring Role on The CW’s “Supergirl”

Posted on December 5, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Jessica Meraz has landed a superrole…

The half-Mexican American actress has landed a major recurring role on The CW’s drama Supergirl.

Meraz will portray Menagerie/Pamela Ferrer, an iconic DC villain and a member of Manchester Black’s “Elite.” Menagerie is a jewel thief who doesn’t mind hurting people.

The DC/Berlanti Prods.drama Supergirl, from Warner Bros. Television, is now in its fourth season on the CW. The series is headed into the network’s annual DC crossover, which kicks off on Sunday.

The casting marks Meraz’s return to WBTV whose cable division produced Major Crimes for TNT. Meraz was a series regular on the final season of The Closer spinoff.

Meraz recently appeared on stage at the Pasadena Playhouse in the Jason Alexander-directed Native Gardens. She is currently recurring on Tacoma FD for TruTV and has also been working on Blue Ribbon Content’s Splash Damage, a VR experiment currently in development.

Gina Rodriguez Appears in the CW’s New Inclusion & Representation Campaign #CWOpenToAll

Posted on October 15, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Gina Rodriguez is representing the represented on The CW…

The network has launched #CWOpenToAll, a new on-air, digital, social and print campaign designed to reinforce the network’s commitment to inclusion and representation, featuring the 34-year-old Puerto Rican actress and Jane the Virgin star.

“We think this campaign really captures the spirit and mission of the CW and why our fans come to us,” said network president Mark Pedowitz. “We are committed to making sure our viewers see themselves represented on screen, and that we also have diverse voices being heard behind the camera.”

Pedowitz points out that 12 out of the CW’s 17 series this season are created and/or executive produced by women or people of color. Additionally, the network sees 47% women series regulars across its shows and 49% people of color series regulars.

“We are proud of the strides we’ve made and are continuing to make, and #CWOpenToAll reflects that, and helps drive the message that we want to be known as a place where all are welcome to be, and all are welcome to watch,” he continued.

#CWOpenToAll will feature a video component, with spots airing during the network’s primetime programming as well as being placed in house ad slots on cwtv.com, the CW and CW Seedapps and on social channels. There will also be a print portion of the campaign, which begins rolling out Monday in major market newspapers and industry trade publications. The message for both is that “the CW is a place for everyone, and all are welcome on-screen and in our audience.”

In addition to Rodriguez and her Jane the Virgincostars Jaime Camiland Justin Baldoni, who kicks off the video, other participating CW talent includes Riverdale’sCamila Mendes, Ashleigh Murrayand Casey Cott; Supernatural’s Jensen Acklesand Jared Padalecki; All American’s Daniel Ezra, Bre-Zand Taye Diggs; Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’s Rachel Bloom and Vincent Rodriguez III, television’s first transgender superhero, Supergirl’s Nicole Maines, and The Flashhimself, Grant Gustin.

Blake Jenner to Star in Netflix’s Social Thriller Anthology Drama Series “What/If”

Posted on September 1, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Blake Jenner has landed a new gig…

The 26-year-old Cuban American actor and Glee star has been cast as the male lead in What/If, Netflix’s social thriller anthology drama series starring Renée Zellweger and Jane Levy.

From Revenge and Swingtown creator Mike Kelley, the series is written by Kelley, directed by Phillip Noyce and produced by Page Fright, Atlas Entertainment and Compari Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television.

What/If explores the ripple effects of what happens when acceptable people start doing unacceptable things. Each season will tackle a different morality tale inspired by culturally consequential source material, and the power of a single fateful decision to change the trajectory of an entire life.

The 10-episode first season focuses on two struggling newlyweds, scientist-entrepreneur Lisa (Levy) and EMT Sean (Jenner), who accept a powerful woman’s (Zellweger) ethically perilous proposition to secure a badly needed financial windfall. All actors have one-year deals.

Jenner first gained acclaim on the second season of The Glee Project, which he won, landing him the role of Ryder Lynn onGlee. He also recurred on Supergirl. Jenner most recently starred in the indie heist film American Animals. His feature credits also include The Edge of Seventeen andEverybody Wants Some!!

This weekend, Jenner finished out a run as Chrisitian to Peter Dinklage’s Cyrano in Goodspeed Musicals’ Cyrano, a new take on the Edmond Rostand classic Cyrano de Bergerac adapted by Erica Schmidt in collaboration with members of indie alternative band The National.

Ricky Martin to Receive Special Honor at the Gala Vanguard Awards

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin is a Vanguard…

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican superstar will be honored at the 49th anniversary Gala Vanguard Awards, held annually by the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

The charity event honors Los Angeles-based leaders and influencers for their LGBT advocacy. Previous recipients of the Vanguard Awards include the likes of Miley Cyrus, Jane Fonda, Elton John, George and Brad Takei, and Wanda Sykes.

The 49th anniversary Gala Vanguard Awards will take place on September 22 at the Beverly Hilton.

Other 2018 honorees include Arrow and Supergirl showrunner Greg Berlanti; Berlanti’s partner, producer and retired soccer player Robbie Rogers; and philanthropist Ariadne Getty.

Martin released the Wisin and Yandel-featuring “Fiebre” and starred in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story earlier this year.

Odette Annable to Star in Freeform’s Holiday Movie “No Sleep ‘Till Christmas”

Posted on June 28, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Odette Annable may be a little sleep deprived…

Freeform has begun production on the holiday movie No Sleep ‘Till Christmas, starring the 33-year-old Colombian and Cuban American actress and her real-life husband Dave Annable.

The film is slated to air as part of Freeform’s annual holiday programming, “25 Days of Christmas.”

Written by Phil Traill and Steve Smith, the romantic comedy centers on two insomniac strangers plagued by exhaustion. Lizzie is a high-end event planner preparing for her own life’s biggest event — her wedding. She lies awake nightly while her devoted fiancé Josh rests peacefully, unaware of how to solve her issue. When a sleep-deprived incident causes her to run into Billy, a low-key bartender who is just as sleepless and frustrated as she is, they discover that they can only fall asleep while next to each other. What seems like an odd coincidence, and frankly a disruption to their lives, might be more meaningful than they’d like to admit.

The film will shoot in Toronto.

Annable just wrapped a season on the CW’s Supergirl as Reign/Sam. Her other credits include House, Brothers & Sisters and The Astronaut Wives Club.

J.W. Cortes to Appear at Pop Culture Event “DC in D.C.”

Posted on December 15, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

J.W. Cortes is invading The District…

Warner Bros. Television Group, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment are joining forces for DC in D.C., a pop culture Martin Luther King weekend event that merges the worlds of entertainment and public service in Washington, D.C.

DC in D.C. brings together stars, including the Puerto Rican Marine-combat-veteran-turned-actor and Gotham star, as well as producers from WBTV’s DC TV series, including Arrow, The Flash, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Gotham, Supergirl and Freedom Fighters: The Ray, with DC comic book writers and artists, along with invited guests from politics, government service, business academia and more.

The event, which takes place Friday, January 12 and Saturday, January 13, will explore the intersection of comic books, culture, entertainment and enlightenment through a series of panel discussions open to the public.

Events will take place both days at the Newseum, and will culminate with the world premiere screening of the upcoming DC series Black Lightning in the Warner Bros. Theater at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

A party will follow at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

In addition to Cortes, participants include Black Lightning stars Cress Williams, China Anne McClain, Nafessa Williams, Christine Adams, Marvin “Krondon” Jones III, Damon Gupton and James Remar — along with executive producers Salim Akil & Mara Brock Akil; along with executive producers Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter, plus TV series stars Caity Lotz (DC’s Legends of Tomorrow), Candice Patton (The Flash), Danielle Panabaker (The Flash), Russell Tovey (Freedom Fighters: The Ray) and others to be announced.

More information can be found at http://www.DCinDC2018.com.

Raúl Castillo to Star in the Indie Film “El Chicano”

Posted on September 2, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Raúl Castillo has landed a super new role…

The 39-year-old Mexican American actor will star in El Chicano, the indie film directed by Ben Bray (Supergirl) from a script he co-wrote with Joe Carnahan (Smokin’ Aces).

It’s described as a dark, urban-inspired superhero movie, detailing the crime-fighting exploits of the mysterious barrio vigilante known as “El Chicano.”

The film also stars Lucifer star Aimee Garcia, George Lopez and Kate Del Castillo.

David Castaneda, Noel G, Jose Pablo Cantillo, Marco Rodriguez, Sal Lopez, and Mr. Criminal are also among the cast of the film, which is currently in production.

Castillo recurs in the Netflix series Atypical and was cast as a regular in the streaming giant’s upcoming crime drama series Seven Seconds.

Garcia recently wrapped shooting the film What They Had, opposite Michael Shannon and Hilary Swank.

Lopez currently stars in the TVLand sitcom Lopez.

del Castillo stars in the Netflix series Ingobernable.

Gomez to Star in CBS’ Comedy Pilot “Living Biblically”

Posted on March 5, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Ian Gomez is preaching new heights…

The 52-year-old Latino actor has been cast as a series regular role in CBS’ comedy pilot Living Biblically, from The Big Bang Theory star Johnny Galecki, writer Patrick Walsh and Warner Bros. Television.

Based on A.J. Jacobs’ bestselling book The Year of Living Biblically, the project centers on a modern-day man at a crossroads in his life who decides to live according to the Bible.

Gomez will play Father Gene. A dryly funny priest at Chip’s (TBD) church, Father Gene is impressed by Chip’s determination, and they form an unlikely friendship when he helps him translate the rules of the Bible to a modern world.

Gomez is best known for his series-regular roles as Javier on Felicity and Andy on Cougar Town.

Gomez, who most recently recurred on the CW’s Supergirl, has guest-starred on The Real O’Neals, Angels from Hell and Drop Dead Diva.

Lima to Star in CW’s Superhero Series “Supergirl”

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Floriana Lima has landed a Super-sized role…

The Latina actress has landed a series regular role on the CBS-turned-CW superhero series Supergirl.

Lima will portray Maggie Sawyer, a character inspired by the historic gay DC Comics character.

Created by John Byrne, Maggie was first introduced in 1987 as a captain of the Metropolis Special Crimes Unit where she was a highly skilled member of the Science Police, the division of the police department that deals with metahumans.

Additionally, Maggie was revealed to be a lesbian in the Superman titles, making her one of the first openly characters in mainstream comics. She later went on to become romantically involved with another famous female superhero, Batwoman, in addition appearance in several Batman titles.

On the Warner Bros.-produced Supergirl, Maggie will be a detective for the National City Police Department who takes a special interest in the cases involving aliens.

Supergirl executive producer Greg Berlanti, who is also an EP on Arrow, The Flash and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, spoke with The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year about the importance of being all inclusive. His DC Comics shows have changed the ethnicity and sexuality of several iconic comic book characters to better reflect present day, like Supergirl‘s Jimmy Olsen (Mehcad Brooks) and Arrow‘s Curtis Holt (Echo Kellum), respectively.

“I wanted to contemporize these comics that I loved growing up and have them reflect the society that we live in now,” Berlanti said. “It’s still about working in some of those very real qualities so that everyone feels represented.”

Maggie Sawyer is one of several famed DC Comics characters coming to Supergirl for season two. Teen Wolf‘s Tyler Hoechlin has been cast as Kara’s cousin Clark Kent aka Superman, and Cougar Town vet Ian Gomez will play journalist Snapper Carr. Additionally, former Wonder Woman star Lynda Carter is set to appear as the President of the United States.

The character of Maggie Sawyer previously appeared in several episodes of former CW series Smallville, as played by Jill Teed.

In addition to the ABC drama The Family, Lima’s credits include Allegiance and The Mob Doctor.

Supergirl‘s second season premieres on Monday, October 10 at 8 p.m. on The CW.

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