The new year launches at full speed as Tron: Ares, the epic sci-fi action-adventure from Disney, begins streaming January 7 exclusively on Disney+. Directed by Joachim Rønning, the latest chapter in the iconic TRON franchise invites audiences back into the Grid with a bold new vision—one packed with cutting-edge visuals, pulse-pounding action, and a powerful story centered on the collision between artificial intelligence and humanity. And a most pleasant welcome to actor Arturo Castro who plays Seth Flores and turning heads on the national and international stage.

Castro’s path to Tron: Ares came through an unexpected but very Hollywood chain of events. A standout moment in the trailer for the Jake Gyllenhaal–led Road House reboot showcased Castro as Moe, a candid biker gang member whose sharp comic timing left a strong impression. His performance caught the attention of Gyllenhaal’s WME agent, Brent Morley, who promptly recommended Castro to another of his clients—Jared Leto.

Leto, who both stars in and produces Tron: Ares, quickly took notice. Impressed by Castro’s presence, Leto championed him for the role of Seth, personally advocating on his behalf. With Leto’s support, Castro’s name gained traction within the production, ultimately leading director Joachim Rønning and the creative team behind the third Tron installment to officially cast him in the film.

Castro, best known for his roles as Jef in the Comedy Central series Broad City and as David Rodríguez in the Netflix crime drama Narcos. Castro hosted his own show, Conexion, on Guatemala’s national network, a year before moving to New York City. In New York, where attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and where he met Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer and landed the role of Jaimé in Broad City.

“Its been really recently that we have been allowed to be three dimensional characters in movies.” Castro commented on the Nerds of Color YouTube Channel.

Authentic Representation Amplifies Engagement

A McKinsey study revealed a powerful correlation between authentic Latino representation and audience engagement. McKinsey findings found that Latino viewership doubles when Latinos are represented on- or off-screen, underscoring the importance of authentic portrayals and inclusive storytelling (McKinsey).

And representation matters to Latino Audience. Known for their strong connection to action-driven, visually immersive storytelling, U.S. Latino audiences and worldwide have long embraced high-energy sci-fi and franchise films—genres that blend spectacle with themes of identity, survival, and technology’s impact on everyday life. Tron: Ares taps directly into that appeal, delivering relentless momentum and a futuristic world that feels both thrilling and culturally relevant.

Although not for everyone, Tron: Ares has been praised by critics as “a fast-paced, thrilling movie that launches at full throttle and never slows down” (Jonathan Sim, Coming Soon). The film’s bold aesthetic also stands out, with reviewers highlighting how “Rønning and cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth’s canvas pops with color, contrast and motion, while Nine Inch Nails’ techno-forward score literally rattles your seat” (Joseph Morona, Cleveland.com).

Adding to the excitement, Tron: Ares will stream in IMAX Enhanced on Disney+, featuring IMAX’s expanded aspect ratio that preserves the filmmakers’ creative intent for a more immersive at-home experience. Viewers with compatible TVs and AV receivers can also enjoy IMAX Enhanced sound powered by DTS, delivering the full dynamic range of the original theatrical mix.

Before diving into this bold new future, fans can revisit the origins of the franchise. Both Tron and Tron: Legacy are currently streaming on Disney+, offering the perfect lead-in to the newest evolution of the Grid.

The post ‘Tron: Ares’ Ignites the Grid With Adrian Castro Making His High-Octane Action Film Debut first appeared on .

Before Sex and the City defined women’s friendship on screen, a group of Latina creatives in Los Angeles were already breaking ground with their own unapologetic, vibrant take on love, sex, and sisterhood. For those of you who missed it back then, or weren’t born yet (yes it’s been around a while but still fresh and relevant), Luminarias (1999) the first Latina chick rom-com, is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video During Hispanic Heritage Month, offering audiences a chance to rediscover a trailblazing piece of cinema.

Written by acclaimed playwright and actress Evelina Fernández and directed by José Luis Valenzuela, Luminarias brought together a dynamic cast including Marta Dubois (Star Trek: Next Generation), Angela Moya (Zoot Suit), Dyana Ortelli (Legends of Evergreen Fields, Rocket Power), Robert Beltran (Star Trek), Geoff Rivas (Blood In Blood Out, La Bamba) Cheech Marin (Primos, Born in ELA), and Scott Bakula (NCIS: New Orleans). The film centers on four professional Latinas who gather at an East Los Angeles restaurant—fittingly named Luminarias—to share their truths about careers, relationships, family, and, yes, sex.

Dubbed the “Latina Sex and the City of the West Coast,” the film was ahead of its time in representing Latina women not as stereotypes, but as complex, independent, and funny protagonists with agency over their love lives and ambitions.

For many in the Latino community, Luminarias was more than just a film; it was a cultural touchstone. It reflected the realities and aspirations of women often invisible in Hollywood stories, while celebrating East L.A. as a vibrant hub of community, friendship, and identity.

Now, 25 years after its original release, the film is finding a new audience on streaming. Its return couldn’t be more fitting for Hispanic Heritage Month, inviting a new generation to experience this groundbreaking and entertaining work that helped pave the way for greater representation in Hollywood.Whether you’re revisiting it or discovering it for the first time, Luminarias is a must-watch reminder that Latinas have always had the ganas, humor, and brilliance to tell their own stories.

The post ‘Luminarias’ — The 1st Latina Chick Rom-Com Streams On Amazon During Hispanic Heritage Month first appeared on .

Mags (Selina Ringel), is a Mexican-American financial advisor who runs the household and Ash (Ritesh Rajan), an Indian-American, and a great dad who runs a struggling cannabis start-up. The high-power couple seemingly have it all… except happiness.  You, Me & Her is the story of a couple who look to unconventional ways to rekindle their love life.

Leaving the baby with the nanny the two go off on a much needed vacation and a chance to re-kindly the romance they once had.  That’s when two turns into three or at least they are working on it.  They meet Angela, a spiritual digital nomad, who takes a romantic interest in Mags.  Mags is intrigued and starts to question her own sexuality. Suddenly Ash and Mags start to reconnect over the idea of having a threesome, in hopes the sexual experience will save their marriage.

You, Me & Her is a multi-festival winner, most notably taking Best Romantic Comedy at the Los Angeles Film Awards, and Best Feature Film at the Sherman Oaks Film Festival, The New York Film Awards and more recently at the Mexican-American Film & Television Festival.

It is decidedly a favorite of film reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes. Bradley Gibson encapsulates the film perfectly, “…a romantic comedy/sex farce with a bit of introspection around how emotionally healthy adults might act when presented with an option for ethical non-monogamy, then You, Me & Her will be worth your time”.

The director Dan Levy Dagerman does an excellent job of taking the actors through a myriad of emotions. From the opening scene where he sets the stage of the unhappy couple dealing with a new baby, money issues and a seemingly sexless life; to the beautiful vacation beach resort in San Pancho, Mexico where half the film takes place and the audience is set up for a in for quite a ride.

You, Me and Her, also seamlessly and organically dispels the Hollywood stereotype of what a Mexican looks like.  Ringal who not only plays the lead character, but also wrote and produced the film, is a blond haired, hazel eyed beauty, born in Guadalajara, Mexico whose character switches from English to Spanish while in Mexico and when speaking to her Mexican-Indian-American child in the film.  

You, Me and Her is a true delight in so many ways.

Production Company: Irreversible Pictures. Cinematographer: Michael Street Producers:
Anna Campbell | Cameron Fife | Fernando Lebrija | Pablo Lebrija

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The Greatest Love Story Never Told follows Latina icon Jennifer Lopez as she embarks on her most daring and personal project – the creation of a new album and an original cinematic piece titled “This Is Me…Now.” The narrative takes the audience through her twenty-year career, exploring the highs and lows, triumphs, and challenges she faced. Unveiling her journey towards self-love, the film is a testament to Lopez’s determination to reclaim her narrative.

“The Greatest Love Story Never Told” grants unflinching access to Jennifer Lopez’s most personal moments. Through intimate interviews with her inner circle, including producing partners and longtime collaborators, the documentary paints a vulnerable portrait of an icon who puts it all on the line. Candid home moments showcase the real Jennifer Lopez, allowing audiences to witness her authenticity and resilience.

Directed by Jason Bergh and produced by team including Courtney Baxter, Gillian Brown, Lindsay Utz, and Stephan Bielecki, “The Greatest Love Story Never Told” is an Artists Equity production. Executive producers are Dani Bernfield and Jason Bergh, along with co-producers Caitlin Alba-Rothstein and Eliza Comer.

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Brands like McDonalds have known for years that U.S. Latinos make up a consumer market too large to ignore. According to the 2023 Latino Donor Collaborative study, U.S. Latinos currently represent the 5th largest economy in the world with a GDP of $3.2 trillion dollars a year, a consumer cohort that are brand loyal. That is one of the reasons McDonald’s USA last year launched the Spotlight Dorado Short Film initiative, a multiyear platform that seeks to showcase and advocate for Latino talent in Hollywood, because representation matters.

In it 2nd annual McDonalds once again dives into the captivating world of the latest Spotlight Dorado lineup, showcasing the talents of emerging Latino and Hispanic filmmakers. Cinephiles across the nation will have until Februaty 11th to cast their vote for their favorite short film to be selected from the latest edition of the three films selected to be part of th this year SpotlightDorado.com

This year’s films include Marissa Díaz‘s adventure-filled Mexican standoff, Fancy Florez’s Summer Staycation, Kryzz Gautier‘s virtual reality romance, Chimera, and Pablo Riesgo‘s satire sci-fi, Cuando Volvimos A La Tierra. Fans can vote for their favorite film until February 11 to help determine the grand prize winner.

The short films are making their debut amid underrepresentation of Latinos in the entertainment and film industry. Recent findings from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative highlight the issue remains ongoing, both behind the scenes and on-screen. Their latest research study, supported by McDonald’s Spotlight Dorado, reveals that less than 5% of directors from major motion pictures between 2007 and 2022 were Hispanic/Latino. Among this group, only five were women.

Latin Heat had the pleasure of interviewing Marissa Diaz about her entry in this competition, with her short Fancy Florez’s Summer Staycation on their show Hollywood Talks.

This disparity goes beyond directors. On-screen, a mere 4.4% of lead or co-lead roles featured Hispanic/Latino actors. This latest research highlights the urgency for a more inclusive film landscape.

By supporting pivotal research and rising storytellers, McDonald’s is helping drive inclusivity while reaffirming its commitment to the diverse communities it serves.

“As part of our commitment to giving back to the diverse communities we call home, we are proud to support opportunities that help drive inclusivity and change,” said Ryan Worthy, Content and Culture Director at McDonald’s USA. “With Spotlight Dorado, McDonald’s has been able to use its scale to amplify pivotal research and create opportunities for Latino and Hispanic storytellers–and the results speak for themselves. We’re so proud of the outstanding talent showcased by this year’s Spotlight Dorado finalists. They have a bright future and we can’t wait to see what else is in store for them.”

Following their selection as the top three finalists last summer, McDonald’s gave the talented filmmakers a combined budget of $225,000 to produce their short films. Each also received personalized mentorship from industry leaders, including Grammy®-winning artist, Golden Globe® and Emmy® nominated actor Anthony Ramos, actress Danay Garcia, comedian, writer, actor, and producer Al Madrigal, director Carlos López Estrada and writer-director Nancy Mejía.

The grand prize winner of this year’s program will be announced in March. For more information on the program, visit www.spotlightdorado.com.

Watch the Spotlight Dorado Short Film Trailers

• Marissa Díaz – Fancy Florez’s Summer Staycation
• Kryzz Gautier – Chimera
• Pablo Riesgo – Cuando Volvimos A La Tierra

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The life of legendary Hollywood actor and internationally renowned artist Pepe Serna is revealed in Pepe Serna: Life Is Art, a one-hour documentary film directed by Luis Reyes will be available for streaming on Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, and Vudu on February 21, 2024. Told by Serna himself, the documentary follows his lengthy acting career and artistic life and provides viewers with a rare opportunity to discover previously unseen and unknown sides of the actor’s journey. 

With over 100 film and television credits, Serna is most recognized for his iconic role opposite Al Pacino in the classic film Scarface as Ángel Fernández, whose grisly demise is one of the most memorable in cinema history. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1944, Serna built a career from the ground up and appeared in films such as Car Wash with Richard Pryor, Postcards from the Edge with Meryl Streep, The Jerk with Steve Martin, and Academy Award-winning director Alexander Payne’s Downsizing with Matt Damon. 

Eva Longoria and Edward James Olmos, both longtime friends of Serna, provide personal insight and perspective on his versatility and longevity as an actor and artist alongside Cheech Marin, Gloria Calderón Kellett, Luis Valdez and many others.

Throughout his journey, he has inspired countless Latino artists to follow in his footsteps by delivering powerful performances for filmmakers such as Brian De Palma, Clint Eastwood, John Schlesinger, Dalton Trumbo, Roger Corman, Henry Hathaway, William Friedkin and Dick Donner. 

Serna’s career is a testament to how far Latinos have come in Hollywood. He has indisputably claimed a reputable place in one of the world’s most competitive industries for his story-telling abilities and unique drive to empower not just Latinos but also other underserved communities. 

His recent memoir “Life is Art” recounts his motivational story from humble beginnings and offers life-changing lessons to overcoming adversity. “Life is Art” is available now for purchase here.

In addition to Hollywood success, Pepe is a visual artist whose paintings have been exhibited in galleries around the world. He also conducts motivational and improvisational workshops in high schools nationwide.

The documentary received awards in 2022 including Best Documentary at the Official Latino Film and Arts Festival, and the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, Audience Award at the San Diego Latino Film Festival, and Festival Prize at the South Texas International Film Festival.

Most recently, Serna can be seen in Eva Longoria’s feature directorial debut Flamin’ Hot and on Amazon’s TV series With Love.

For additional information on Pepe Serna: Life Is Art, please visit: 

Website: https://www.pepeserna.net

Facebook: @https://www.facebook.com/pepesernanews/

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/pepefied11/

Purchase the book today Here

Cast: Luis Valdez (Playwright, director Zoot Suit, La Bamba), Edward James Olmos (Oscar-nominated actor & director), Eva Longoria (actor, producer & director), Gloria Calderón Kellet (showrunner on “One Day at a Time,” “With Love”), David Ansen (former Newsweek film critic), Cheech Marin (of the comedy duo Cheech and Chong, actor & art collector) and Robert Beltran (actor, Cmdr. Chakotay in Star Trek: Voyager TV series)

Produced By: Kayvon Derak Shanian, David Méndez and Isaac Artenstein 

Executive Produced by: David Damian Figueroa 

Directed By: Luis Reyes

Run Time: 1 hour and 2 minutes

Rating: Not rated

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Fresh off the world premiere of his latest film Radical at Sundance 2023 which took the Best Film Award, Eugenio Derbez’s Apple TV+ TV series Acapulco is also winning. The Apple Original comedy, starring and executive produced by Emmy and SAG-Award winner Derbez, has been picked up for a 10-episode third season, set to go into production this spring.

Following a globally acclaimed second season, the bilingual comedy series was recently hailed as “consistently hilarious,” “feel-good,” “a candy-colored neon dream of a show,” and was ranked as one of the top shows for 2022, reaching a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. 

“We at 3Pas Studios are thankful to Apple TV+, the perfect home for Acapulco, along with our production partner Lionsgate, filmmakers and cast and crew,” said Derbez. “We have always believed that the stories we tell about our communities and cultures can resonate with global audiences, so crank up the AC, it’s about to get a lot hotter at Las Colinas Resort.”

“We’ve seen an overwhelming response from audiences all over the world who have fallen in love with with Acapulco,” said Morgan Wandell, head of international programming for Apple TV+. “Eugenio, Austin, Ben, Eric, Kim and the talented cast and crew behind Acapulco have created a feel-good show that has a lot of heart, emotion, and laughs, and we can’t wait to bring even more of that into season three.”

In Season Three of Acapulco, it’s a time of reconciling past mistakes and exciting new beginnings. In our present story, older Maximo (Derbez) finds himself returning to a Las Colinas he no longer recognizes. While in 1985, younger Maximo continues his climb up the ladder of success while potentially jeopardizing all the relationships he’s worked so hard to build… 

The upcoming third season will be showrun by Sam Laybourne (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Black-ish). In addition to Derbez, the Acapulco ensemble cast returning includes Enrique Arrizon (as Máximo Gallardo), Fernando Carsa (as Memo), Damián Alcázar (Don Pablo), Camila Perez (Julia), Chord Overstreet (Chad), Vanessa Bauche (Nora), Regina Reynoso (Sara), Raphael Alejandro (Hugo), Jessica Collins (Diane), Rafael Cebrián (Hector), Carlos Corona (Esteban) and Regina Orozco (Lupe).

Acapulco season two picked up right on the heels of season one, telling the story of 20-something Máximo Gallardo (Arrizon), whose dream comes true when he scores the job of a lifetime as a cabana boy at the hottest resort in Acapulco, Las Colinas. In 1985, Máximo must contend with upheaval at the resort, unexpected problems at home and a new love interest who just might rival the girl of his dreams. Under Don Pablo’s guidance, he sets his eyes on one day running the entire Las Colinas operation by becoming the right-hand man of Diane. Meanwhile, in present day, older Máximo (Derbez) returns to Acapulco to make peace with the recent passing of Don Pablo, where he is forced to confront some unfinished business young Máximo left behind.

Seasons one and two of Acapulco are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.

Hailing from Lionsgate Television, Acapulco is inspired by 3Pas Studios and Pantelion Films’ box office hit How to Be A Latin Lover, and is produced for Apple by Lionsgate Television, 3Pas Studios, Zihuatanejo Productions and The Tannenbaum Company. The series is created by Austin Winsberg, Eduardo Cisneros and Jason Shuman. Winsberg (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist) also serves as executive producer on the project. Jay Karas (Abbott Elementary, Ghosts) serves as an executive producer and director. In addition to starring in the series, Derbez serves as executive producer alongside Ben Odell and co-executive producer Sonia Almanza Gambaro on behalf of 3Pas Studios. Eric and Kim Tannenbaum executive produce along with Jason Wang on behalf of The Tannenbaum Company.

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Following the latest Ghostface killings, the four survivors leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter. In Scream VI, Barrera (Sam Carpenter), Jasmin Savoy Brown (Mindy Meeks-Martin), Mason Gooding (Chad Meeks-Martin), Ortega (Tara Carpenter), Hayden Panettiere (Kirby Reed) and Courteney Cox (Gale Weathers) return to their roles in the franchise alongside Jack Champion, Henry Czerny, Liana Liberato, Dermot Mulroney, Devyn Nekoda, Tony Revolori, Josh Segarra, and Samara Weaving.

The highly anticipated film will be available on theatrical release on March 10th, 2023, and while fans are already speculating about the next plot twist in the story, a new teaser trailer is giving us a glimpse of the imminent danger the characters are about to experience in one of the most hectic cities in the world.

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In a Texas border town, car salesman Charlie (Charlie Clark) moonlights as a masked Lucha libre wrestler going by the name “Green Ghost.” When unknown assailants arrive seeking an otherworldly emerald, Charlie discovers that he has super powers. As he learns to fight from the unconventional Master Gin (Danny Trejo), Charlie is told that he’s part of a secret warrior “triad of light” with his childhood friend Marco (Kuno Becker) and Marco’s sister Karina (Sofia Pernas) led by La Nana (Renee Victor).

Together, they’ve been chosen to protect humanity from Drake (Marko Zaror), the embodiment of the Mayan apocalypse. As a stargate is opened in a Mexican pyramid, Drake seeks the power to destroy humankind — and Charlie, linked to the power of the emerald, is the only one who can stop him. Charlie must harness both his physical and mystical strength to save humanity and go from Gringo to Green Ghost. In the style of comedy-horror martial-arts movies of the 1970s and ’80s, director Michael D. Olmos’ Green Ghost and The Masters of the Stone is a comedic anti-hero action movie filled with adventure for the entire family.

Stand outs in the cast include the evil Lechusa is Elpidia Carillo, Pepe Serna is the Rancher, Sal Lopez id the Archeologist, Enrique Castillo is Sergio and Jesse Garcia is the Luchador.

Directed by award winning Michael D. Olmos (Filly Brown, Mayans) 

Produced by David R. Rodriguez

 Introducing Charlie Clark. Starring Kuno Becker, Marko Zaror, Renée Victor, Sofia Pernas, Elpidia Carrillo, Enrique Castillo, Pepe Serna, Sal Lopez and Danny Trejo

The post A Comedic Anti-Hero Action-Filled Adventure Exclusively In Theaters April 29, 2022 first appeared on .

Reynolds plays a time-traveling pilot who must team up with his younger self and his late father to save the future — and come to terms with his past. Saldana stars as Laura, the missing love of the adult Adam. Walker Scobell plays Adam’s younger version, with Mark Ruffalo and Jennifer Garner playing the boy’s parents.

The film is directed by Shawn Levy, an Oscar-nominated producer of the sci-fi movie Arrival and multiple-Primetime Emmy-nominated producer of the sci-fi popular series Stranger Things.

Casting the film was Carmen Cuba, a filmmaker of Peruvian descent who reportedly lived both in Peru and Bolivia. Cuba has won two Emmys for her casting of the TV series Stranger Things and Behind the Candelabra. She also cast Vida for Starz. Most recently she cast the films, Hillbilly Elegy, The Matrix Resurrections and The Power of the Dog. Past film credits include Boy Erased, The Martian and the Magic Mike franchise.

The Adam Project will debut March 11.

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