Esai Morales in Negotiations to Star in the Action Thriller “Shadow”

Posted on May 15, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Esai Morales could be preparing for a little shadow play soon…

The 60-year-old Puerto Rican actor is in talks to star in the action thriller Shadow, which XYZ Films has boarded.

XYZ acquired world sales — minus select territories — to the film, which is inspired by true events.

Colombian filmmaker Antonio Negret is directing from a screenplay he co-wrote with his brother Daniel Negret.

The film will begin production in the fall in Colombia.

The plot follows a real-life Colombian police dog named Sombra, who, after piling up hundreds of arrests, became the cartel’s public number one enemy. As a result, a bounty is put on her head. After the cartel’s new leader sets a trap to abduct the dog, Sombra’s once reluctant handler must risk his life and career to save his partner.

The cast features Colombian actors Juan Pablo Raba and Natalia Reyes alongside Kate Del Castillo.

Previously sold territories include Latin America (CDC), Brazil (CDC), Mexico (CDC), Russia (Volga), Middle East (Selim), Korea (Noori), and Indonesia (PT Amero).

“After having spent a great deal of time in Colombia, I became incredibly passionate about and committed to telling important and inspiring stories from a regional perspective with local stars like Juan Pablo & Natalia,” said Sentient president Renee Tab. “I’m looking forward to once again teaming up with long-term collaborators Pierre Morel, and Antonio Negret (as well as his brother Daniel) to shape this true story into an action narrative inspired by a drug-sniffing German Shepherd named Sombra.”

Morales’ previous credits include La Bamba, American Family, Resurrection Boulevard, Ozark and Titans.

Negret is best known for his debut film Towards Darkness, starring America Ferrera, which premiered in competition at Tribeca. His follow-ups Seconds Apart, a supernatural horror/thriller, was released by Lionsgate, and thriller Transit starring Jim Caviezel, was released by Silver Pictures/Dark Castle.

Eiza González to Star in the Sci-Fi Thriller “Ash”

Posted on March 30, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Eiza González has landed an out of this world role…

The 33-year-old Mexican actress and singer will star opposite Aaron Paul in the sci-fi thriller Ash, the sophomore feature from producer, rapper and filmmaker Flying Lotus.

González and Paul will replace Tessa Thompson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt who were previously announced last summer.

Gonzalez will play a woman who wakes up on a distant planet and finds the crew of her space station viciously killed. She must decide whether she can trust the man (Paul) sent to rescue her.

Flying Lotus is also set to compose an original score, with production due to start in New Zealand in May.

Based on an original screenplay by Jonni Remmler, XYZ Films and GFC Films are producing, with Neill Blomkamp and Echo Lake onboard as executive-producers. XYZ Films is co-financing alongside IPR.VC.

Baby Driver and Ambulance actress González will next be seen in the series Three Body Problem for Netflix. She is currently filming Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare from Guy Ritchie and Jerry Bruckheimer.

“We are building something fresh and unique with Ash and having Eiza and Aaron in this world just makes it flames. They are absolute magic makers, brave and equally inspiring. All that to say… We ‘bout to kill this shit,” said Flying Lotus.

Matthew Metcalfe and Nate Bolotin stated: “At the helm of the visionary artist Flying Lotus, and now in collaboration with the incredibly talented Eiza González and Aaron Paul, we are excited to embark on this journey to bring the unique world of Ash to life.”

Nacho Vigalondo Casts Henry Golding as Lead in His Upcoming Sci-Fi Romance “Daniela Forever”

Posted on February 13, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Nacho Vigalondo has found his star…

Henry Golding will star in the sci-fi romance Daniela Forever, a new film from the Spanish filmmaker.

XYZ is financing the film and launching for sales at the EFM.

Daniela Forever, which is set to shoot in Madrid, Spain, this spring/summer, will see Golding play a man struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of his girlfriend in an accident six months prior. So, he signs up for a sleep trial that allows him to reconstruct his life with her through the use of lucid dreams.

Nahikari Ipiña and Nacho Vigalondo are producing at Sayaka Producciones, along with Benoit Roland at Wrong Men, Leire Apellaniz at Señor y Señora, and XYZ Films.

“This movie is built around a deeply human character trapped in twisted plot, something Henry Golding is so perfect for this almost feels unreal,” said Vigalondo. “I’m enthusiastic about the team gathered around this project, and I hope the story delivers everything I want to say about love, dreams and Madrid.”

“We’re thrilled to be a part of this project. Nacho and Henry are a dream fit for what promises to be an unforgettable film,” said XYZ.

Golding just wrapped filming Netflix’s Old Guard 2 opposite Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman, and played a lead role in thriller Assassin Club for Paramount. Next up he is re-teaming with Guy Ritchie in the WW2 pic Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

Nacho Vigalondo is best known for Timecrimes, Extraterrestrial and Colossal starring Anne Hathaway and Jason Sudeikis.

Guillem Morales to Direct the Psychological Thriller “The Wasp”

Posted on September 23, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Guillem Morales is all abuzz…

The 47-year-old Spanish film and television director will direct Naomie Harris and Natalie Dormer in the psychological thriller The Wasp.

Hailing from XYZ Films, the film based on Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s play of the same name, which ran in 2015 at London’s Hampstead Theatre.

It follows Heather (Harris) and Carla (Dormer), who agree to meet after having not spoken in years. Over tea, Heather presents a very unexpected proposition that will change their lives forever.

Malcolm adapted the screenplay for the film, slated to enter production in Bath, UK in November.

Nate Bolotin and Maxime Cottray will produce for XYZ Films, along with James Harris and Leonora Darby of Tea Shop Productions, Sean Sorensen of Royal Viking Entertainment, and Matthew B. Schmidt of Paradise City Films.

“Working with consummate professionals like Naomie Harris, Natalie Dormer, Guillem Morales, XYZ, and the entire producing team renews my passion for moviemaking,” said Royal Viking Entertainment’s Sorensen.

Morales has previously directed the films Los Ojos de Julia and The Uninvited Guest, as well as the television series Inside No. 9.

Tessa Thompson to Star in the sci-fi thriller “Ash”

Posted on August 29, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Tessa Thompson is ready to kick ash…

The 38-year-old part-Panamanian and part-Mexican American actress will star opposite Joseph Gordon-Levitt in the sci-fi thriller Ash, which the Grammy-winning musician and filmmaker Flying Lotus — otherwise known as Steven Ellison — will direct as his sophomore feature.

Neill Blomkamp will executive produce the film, which its financier XYZ Films will rep for worldwide sales at the upcoming Toronto Film Festival.

The new film, for which the multi-hyphenate will also compose an original score, watches as a woman (Thompson) wakes up on a distant planet and finds the crew of her space station viciously killed, and must then decide if she can trust the man (Gordon-Levitt) sent to rescue her. But as their investigation into what happened sets in motion a terrifying chain of events, he begins to wonder how innocent she really is.

Jonni Remmler wrote the original screenplay for the film, looking to go into production in New Zealand next year.

It is Flying Lotus’ follow-up to the Sundance-premiering body horror anthology, Kuso. XYZ Films and GFC Films will produce, with Blomkamp exec producing alongside Echo Lake Entertainment.

“It’s an absolute dream come true to collaborate with some of the most talented actors out there!,” said Flying Lotus.

Thompson is an Emmy– and BAFTA Award-nominated actress and producer who reprised her Marvel role as Valkyrie for the recent Thor: Lover and Thunder, also recently returning for the fourth season of HBO’s Westworld.

Other notable big-screen credits from recent years include Rebecca Hall’s directorial debut Passing, and Prime Video’s Sylvie’s Love, which she also executive produced, as well as Selma, Dear White People and the Creed films.

Among Thompson’s upcoming projects is Creed III, which is currently in post-production, with its release set for next March. Her production company Viva Maude is actively in development on projects including Secret Lives of Church Ladies, Luster and Who Fears Death.

XYZ Films Acquires North American Rights to Alexander Molina’s Rideshare Thriller “Dash”

Posted on August 18, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Alexander Molina is dashing to a theater near you…

XYZ Films has acquired North American distribution rights to the thriller Dash, a “one-take feature” about an adulterous rideshare driver navigating the streets of Hollywood starring the Latino actor.

Written and directed by Sean Perry, the film follows Milly (Molina), a rideshare driver who leads a double life. Over the course of one night shift behind the wheel, he attempts to sell drugs to his unassuming passengers. As the night progresses, his life takes a turn for the worse as he desperately tries to take the secret of his nefarious double life to the grave. The film’s locations included Hollywood Boulevard with shooting taking place in real time.

XYZ plans to release the film domestically late this fall.

Molina also serves as executive producer and is co-creator of Spam Pictures. The cast also includes Monette Moio, Paige Grimard, Shah Granville and Audra Alexander.

James Emanuel Shapiro, Executive Vice President of U.S. Distribution for XYZ Films says, “Dash is a one-shot roller coaster ride of a thriller that is non-stop fun. What Sean, Alexander and their whole team have accomplished is simply incredible and I’m so proud to show this to audiences.”

Writer-director Sean Perry added: “Making Dash was an exhilarating challenge for everyone involved and we’re excited to get it into the hands of the talented team at XYZ Films.”

Jackie Cruz Replaces Stephanie Beatriz in the Horror-Thriller “History of Evil”

Posted on May 31, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Jackie Cruz is embracing a new history…

The 35-year-old Dominican-American actress, singer, former model and Orange is The New Black star is replacing Stephanie Beatriz as co-lead in the horror-thriller film History of Evil, which recently wrapped production.

Paul Wesley co-stars in the feature, which was pre-bought by AMC’s genre streamer Shudder for release in North America, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

Beatriz reportedly had to switch out before the film’s early May start due to scheduling conflicts.

Written and directed by Iranian-American filmmaker Bo Mirhosseni, the film is being produced by genre specialists XYZ Films, Under the Shadow outfit Two & Two Pictures and Jake Siegel.

In History Of Evil, a family on the run from a corrupt state takes refuge in a safe house with an evil past — a terrifying last stop on a near-future Underground Railroad.

The film is the first project under a pact between XYZ Films and Two & Two Pictures to make films from first- and second-time genre directors from under-represented demographics.

The pact is set to produce two to three pictures a year initially and was hatched as a result of XYZ Films partnering with Two & Two on Babak Anvari’s Under the Shadow, which went on to win a BAFTA for Outstanding Debut. The companies most recently collaborated on Anvari’s third feature film, I Came By, which is currently in post-production for Netflix.

Cruz is best known for starring in Netflix’s hit series Orange Is The New Black. Her recent features include the Bruce Willis actioner Midnight In The Switchgrass and the thriller Panama with Mel Gibson and Cole Hauser.

Saban Films Finalizing Deal to Acquire Rights to Alejandro Hidalgo’s Horror Drama “The Exorcism of God”

Posted on September 27, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Alejandro Hidalgo’s could exorcise American audiences in the near future…

Saban Films is finalizing a deal to acquire The Exorcism of God, a horror drama from the Venezuelan filmmaker.

The news came ahead of the film’s premiere at Fantastic Fest on Monday.

Saban Films will handle the film’s distribution in the U.S., as well as in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland and South Africa, with XYZ Films continuing to oversee international sales in other territories.

The feature, set in an isolated Mexican town, follows Father Peter Williams (Will Beinbrink), an American exorcist who becomes possessed by the Devil, subsequently committing a terrible sacrilege. 18 years later, the consequences of his sin come back to haunt him, unleashing a battle within.

Hidalgo co-wrote the script with Santiago Fernández Calvete, with María Gabriela de Faría and Joseph Marcell co-starring.

Hidalgo and Epica Pictures, Inc.’s Joel Seidl produced the film, with producers Karim Kabche and Antonio Abdo of Kabche Film Productions serving as its financiers.

“Alejandro Hidalgo is a mighty directorial force in the Latin American horror genre,” said Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley. “We are excited to share this fascinating and frightening film of his with an American audience.”

“Releasing our film in theaters and digital platforms in the US has always been a dream,” added Hidalgo. “We feel beyond excited to make it happen hand in hand with such a wonderful team as XYZ and Saban Films.”

Veronica Echegui to Star in the Rom-Com “Book of Love”

Posted on February 8, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Veronica Echegui has book(ed) an exciting new project…

The 37-year-old Spanish actress will star opposite Sam Claflin in the romantic comedy Book of Love, which begins shooting next month.

The story is about two writers thrown together on a book tour in Mexico. Analeine Cal Y Mayor is directing from a script by David Quantick.

Sky is producing the movie as a Sky Original for its markets, with XYZ Films co-producing, co-financing and handling rights for the rest of the world. The project is being made in association with BuzzFeed Studios.

A three-time Goya Awards winner, Echegui’s previous credits include Unknown Origins, La gran familia española and Katmandú, un espejo en el cielo.

First Trailer Released for Brigitte Kali Canales’ Horror Film “The Old Ways”

Posted on October 10, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Brigitte Kali Canales is reverting to her old ways…

The first trailer has been released for the Sitges Film Festival horror The Old Ways, starring the Mexican, Cuban and Spanish American actress.

The film follows Cristina Lopez, a Mexican American reporter who returns to her ancestral homeland of Veracruz chasing a story on witchcraft and faith healers. But Lopez becomes the subject of her own story, kidnapped by a local “bruja” and her son.

In addition to Canales, the film also stars Andrea Cortés, Julia Vera, Sal Lopez and AJ Bowen.

Christopher Alender directs from a script by Marcos Gabriel.

The English and Spanish-language movie will get its world premiere at the festival.

The Old Ways has been picked up for sales by genre specialist XYZ Films.

Canales’ previous credits include Baby Driver and Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

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