“Arrive at the Gates” Column By Judi Jordan for Latin Heat

This year two of the IMAGEN Awards Best Actor in a TV Drama nominees, Pedro Pascal and Diego Luna, exemplify the IMAGEN Awards mission by portraying Latinos as layered, emotionally resonant figures at the heart of the global sci-fi phenomena. Pascal, as the grieving father tasked with protecting humanity’s last hope, and Luna, as the revolutionary mind behind a galaxy’s fight for freedom. Both prove beyond doubt their ability to anchor entire fictional universes with vulnerability and moral complexity —roles long reserved for others.

Despite their very different career paths, both have become the emotional core of massive franchises, bringing audiences around the world deeply nuanced and fully realized characters. They are themselves extensions of the best of their characters. Luna’s mantra “Cinema is a mirror that can change the world”; and Pedro’s consistent message to fans, “I Love You” emanate authentically from the personal journeys of these very different, gifted artists. 

Two of the most magnetic Latino talents in cinema now stand at the center of entertainment’s most passionate fandoms—sci-fi enthusiasts and gamers alike. Pascal and Luna’s paths to genre stardom reveal strikingly different trajectories that converge in their mastery of complex, morally ambiguous characters in beloved franchises.

Pascal’s journey embodies the classic late-bloomer narrative. Born in Chile and raised in California, he spent over two decades grinding through small television roles and theater work, always struggling financially while honing his craft. His breakthrough didn’t arrive until his mid-forties, when an introduction from steadfast friend Sarah Paulsen to David Benioff EP/Creator Game of Thrones landed him in his career-defining role as Oberyn Martell in this series. That explosive performance and dramatic death opened doors to Narcos, where he portrayed DEA agent Javier Peña, and eventually to the career-transforming role of Din Djarin in The Mandalorian. His latest TV triumph as Joel Miller in The Last of Us showcases an actor who learned patience and persistence, drawing on weathered authenticity for every role.

Luna’s path followed a more traditional arc of early success and sustained excellence. The Mexican actor burst onto the international scene at just twenty with Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Amores Perros, establishing himself as a formidable talent. His career has been marked by deliberate choices spanning Mexican cinema and Hollywood projects, from Y Tu Mamá También to Rogue One. In the title role of Andor, Luna brings gravitas and political complexity to Cassian Andor, crafting a revolutionary whose quiet intensity anchors Disney’s grittiest Star Wars series.

The contrast extends to their on-screen personas. Pascal’s Joel is a surrogate father figure hardened by apocalyptic loss, while Luna’s Cassian represents an idealistic rebellion gradually tempered by harsh realities. Pascal excels at emotional vulnerability beneath gruff exteriors; Luna masters contained intensity and moral ambiguity.

Both actors now navigate the uniquely demanding landscape of sci-fi and gaming fandoms—audiences notorious for their encyclopedic knowledge, fierce loyalties, and unforgiving standards for authenticity and character consistency. These hard-core fans scrutinize every detail, from source material fidelity to character motivations, making successful genre work both career-defining and career-threatening.

Yet their approaches to sci-fi stardom couldn’t be more different. Pascal has fully embraced his ascension to leading man status, particularly with his casting as Reed Richards in Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps. 

Initially skeptical about portraying the brilliant astrophysicist, Pascal has since thrown himself gleefully into promoting the MCU blockbuster with his characteristic warmth for fans and vulnerability with the media. Behind the confident, flirty, dancing persona lies profound vulnerability. 

In a revealing Vanity Fair interview, Pascal opened up about the heartbreak that has shaped him: his mother’s suicide when he was 24, which left him unable to celebrate birthdays for 25 years until he finally reclaimed his 50th with a multi-day celebration. “Fifty felt more vulnerable—much more vulnerable,” he admitted, describing the paradox of achieving maximum success while feeling most exposed.

Luna, by contrast, remains deliberately low-key despite his Andor acclaim. Even as executive producer of the series, he focuses on the craft rather than celebrity, consistently steering interviews toward storytelling and social issues rather than personal fame. He prefers characters with contradictions, explaining “I don’t like the moral approach of good and bad”. Luna maintains his commitment to Mexican cinema via his production company and carefully chosen international projects.

Their future trajectories reflect these contrasting philosophies. Pascal’s Marvel contract extends through Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, cementing his place in Hollywood’s biggest franchise. 

Meanwhile, Luna continues balancing intimate directorial projects like Ceniza en la Boca with thriller Eleven Days, maintaining the artistic integrity that has defined his career since Y Tu Mamá También.  However, as Andor ends its two season run, Luna will be very busy promoting the much anticipated premiere of The Kiss of the Spider Woman in which Luna stars as Valentin a political prisoner alongside Tonatiuh (as Molina) and Jennifer Lopez (as Hollywood Diva) due to premiere October 10, 2025.

Pascal and Luna have not merely survived sci-fi scrutiny, they’ve earned reverence by bringing psychological depth to characters that could easily become one-dimensional. Their contrasting approaches—Pascal’s embrace of blockbuster stardom versus Luna’s measured artistic choices—prove that great genre acting requires the same commitment to truth and complexity as any dramatic role, perhaps more so given the passionate, discerning audiences watching every move.

The Imagen Awards will take place on August 22, 2025 at The Beverly Hilton. Tickets are still available HERE

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Written by Judi Jordan

The Imagen Awards was co-founded by legendary television producer and writer Norman Lear, who lived to the ripe age of 101, and passed in 2023. A deeply curious and humane person, Mr. Lear’s awareness of the void of positive portrayals of Latinos in the entertainment industry gave weight to the importance of positive Latino images. 

Norman Lear would be so proud of the 2025 nominees. His quest to see Latinos portrayed with respect and creativity is met in the ten categories including Drama, Comedy, Docs, Shorts and more. Helen Hernandez is the President & Founder of the Imagen Foundation who produces the Imagen Awards.

LATIN HEAT + IMAGEN  – Part One

The suave Latin devils of old Hollywood TV cliches have been replaced by a crop of intriguing, grown men with callings, consciences and inner conflicts. 

These new Drama Kings are dyslexic, intuitive, vulnerable (Will Trent/ Ramón Rodriguez) caring, conflicted, educated (The Cleaning Lady/Santiago Cabrera) regretful, emotive and resolute, (The Last of Us/Pedro Pascal) evolved, affable and effective, (Lincoln Lawyer/Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) and lonely, wary, idealistic (Andor/Diego Luna) These roles played to the talent’s dramatic strengths while offering exciting nuances that kept audiences tuning in weekly or binging – streamer contingent.  

Drama Kings – modern Latin Lovers are vulnerable, aspirational, responsible and gainfully-if sometimes painfully-employed. These seasoned IMAGEN-nominated men defy the tired one-dimensional stereotypes of heartless seducers, skeezy scammers and gun-happy cholos.

Established TV and film stars in uncommen roles wowed their fans with new facets of their talent and audiences approved. With resumes, personas and ‘chops’ that TV networks and streamer execs respect, TV showrunners craft episodes that highlight and challenge their characters’ strengths. 

Three seasons of Will Trent blew up the long, steady career of Ramón Rodriguez! Who knew he had 20+ film roles on his resume including G-20, Gang Related, Transformers? His memorable early TV work on The Wire 2002-2008 laid the foundation. By the time Will Trent arrived, Ramón Rodriguez, in the title role, was more than ready. His heartfelt, eccentric Southern detective is fascinating, never parodied. Will Trent, broken and brave feels embedded in his soul, but joy has crept into the series with dance numbers that lighten the storyline and a thoughtful, romantic storyline with Gina Rodriguez that fans loved.

An executive producer on the show, Rodriguez directed the exceptional Season 3 premiere episode and will direct again in Season 4. Deadline broke the story that Rodriguez recently signed a multi-year deal with 20^th Television, to develop and produce series and films for Disney, a fitting outcome for the gifted, dedicated multi-hyphenate. 

Santiago Cabrera is nominated for his dark turn as Jorge Sanchez, the highly-reluctant Harvard-educated drug cartel leader of the Sin Cara Cartel, in the gritty Fox/Hulu series The Cleaning Lady. Chilean-born Cabrera joined the show in seasons 3 and 4. Typically cast as the hero, female fans still swoon over his pitch-perfect portrayal of dashing, soulful Aramis in the 3-season BBC hit show Musketeers, now airing on Hulu. His 20-year working streak of good guy supporting and leads in Picard, Heroes, Merlin, Salvation, and prestige series romantic roles in Big Little Lies, Flight Attendant, Land of Women, and a kindly ghost Richard Deetz in Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice called for a change. 

Cabrera had resisted drug lord roles for years; but tempted by the premise, he used his discomfort – his very conflicted Jorge feels real. He admits, “It was fun to play the bad guy.” Audiences witnessed a very different Cabrera with a gun in his hand wading through cartel carnage as the ambiguous yet ambitious man with a plan that goes south by the hour. Not to mention a fraudulent marriage with Thony, a fearless Cambodian female doctor (played by Elodie Yung), who dissects bodies of cartel enemies in exchange for his protection. Plagued at every step by his obsessed sociopath sister Ramona (Kate de Castillo) for control of Sin Cara, Santiago’s Jorge is an idealist, out of his depth in the blood-soaked world.  

STAY TUNED.  NEXT UP: Sci-Fi Nominees

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Oscar®-winning director Bill Condon (Dreamgirls, Beauty and the Beast) returns to the musical genre with a dazzling, Technicolor reimagining of Kiss of the Spider Woman—a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adaptation of Manuel Puig’s groundbreaking 1976 novel and the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical by Terrence McNally, John Kander, and Fred Ebb (Cabaret, Chicago).

Set within the confines of a South American prison, the story follows Valentín (Luna), a political dissident, and Molina (Tonatiuh), a flamboyant window dresser jailed for indecency. As the two cellmates form a surprising bond, Molina escapes into vivid retellings of a glamorous Hollywood musical featuring his favorite screen diva, Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez). Through fantasy and shared vulnerability, their connection deepens—blurring the line between illusion and survival.

Written and directed by Condon, the three film stars bring a lot of talent and recognition to the project. Emmy® nominee Luna (Andor, Y Tu Mamá También), rising star Tonatiuh (Carry On, Promised Land), and Lopez, the Emmy®, Grammy®, and Golden Globe-nominated icon (Hustlers, Out of Sight), who also executive produces alongside Luna.

Produced by Barry Josephson, p.g.a., Tom Kirdahy, p.g.a., and Greg Yolen, p.g.a., Kiss of the Spider Woman promises to be a sweeping cinematic experience where fantasy, passion, and resistance collide. Kiss of the Spider-Woman is an Artists Equity and Mohari Media presentation and a Josephson Entertainment, Tom Kirdahy, Greg Yolen and Nuyorican production. Executive producers include Bill Condon, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Mark Scheinberg, Dani Bernfeld, Kevin Halloran, Michael Joe, Mickey Liddell, Pete Shilaimon, Whitney Williams, Jennifer Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Courtney Baxter, Diego Luna, D. Matt Geller, Pamela Thur, Sam Weisman, Daniel Weisman and Margaux Weisman.

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After testing positive for COVID-19, actor and comedian George Lopez was forced to drop out of announcing the list of nominees along with his daughter Mayan Lopez.

Among the nominees are Cuban-Spanish actress Ana de Armas, Mexican actor Diego Luna, Mexican-Puerto Rican Jenna Ortega, for her performance in Wednesday. Luna is the fourth Latino actor to be nominated for best male performance in a television series. Aubrey Plaza was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio has also been nominated for Best Animated Movie.

The 2023 edition of the Golden Globes will return to NBC in January after last year’s controversy over the lack of diversity in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

To see the full list, CLICK HERE

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Written by Roberto Leal

The Netflix animated mini-Series Maya and the Three is a colorful, action-packed adventure tale that reminds us of the little-known and rarely shown great mythology of Mesoamerica and the ancient civilizations from which they came. Thanks to Maya and the Three the mythology of Mesoamerica will take its place alongside those of Greece, Rome, Asia and England.

THE QUEST

All great myth stories involve the hero embarking on a journey in a quest for something that will bring change or resolution to a problem. It can be a Golden Fleece, a Holy Grail or a sword embrued with magical powers. It often means the hero has to cross a threshold into a different world or realm.

Maya, the Princess of Teca, balks at becoming a mere royal diplomat. She wants to become a warrior and seek out and destroy the evil god of the underworld who threatens the existence of all humanity.  Zoe Saldana (Avatar) is the perfect voice-over actor to portray Maya. Beginning with her role in Avatar and other action-adventure films, the actress is the live-action embodiment of a warrior princess. But in Maya and the Three, Saldana uses only her voice acting skills to project a sense of physicality and urgency to Maya. The temptation is to go over the top and turn Maya into a one-dimensional, strident character. But Saldana controls and modulates her vocal performance and gives Maya nuanced emotional notes especially when she makes mistakes and wrestles with regrets and doubts. Saldana makes Maya a hero the audience can emphasize and cheer on to victory.

However, in order to achieve that victory over the evil god of the underworld, Maya recruits three legendary fighters to help her in her cause. Rico (Allen Maldonado, Heels), Pichu (Gabriel Iglesias, Fieldhand) and Chimi (Stephanie Beatriz, Brooklyn Nine Nine) join Maya on her quest. All three are fearless fighters. All three are flawed and bring their own personal baggage to the journey. Not only do they fight the evil god of the underworld but also battle their personal demons.

A TRIUMPH OF ANIMATION

Jorge R. Gutiérrez is the artistic and creative genius behind the visual landscape of the fantasy world of Maya and the Three. Gutiérrez’s deft drawing hand is responsible for the animation in The Book of Life, El Tigre, The Adventures of Manny Rivera, Space Punch plus many other Latino-themed animated shorts and TV series.

But Maya and the Three is by far his most ambitious undertaking to date. “I love those great Hong Kong martial arts movies,” says Gutérrez. “I was inspired by the choreography of those martial arts fight sequences.” Gutierrez points out all the time, effort and detail that went into choreographing the fight senses in Maya and the Three. “Every episode ends with a totally different fight sequence,” declares Guitérrez with a hint of pride. He goes on to effusively discuss what inspires his approach to animation.

“The animation style in Maya and the Three is very much a love letter to everything I love,” says Guitérrez. “I love Japanese animation. I love the classic American rubber hose animation of the ’30s.” Gutiérrez continues, “I also love super-flat, super-stylized European animation from the ‘50s.” And finally, Gutiérrez concludes with, “I love stop motion. I also love imperfect folk art because it reflects the humanity of the artist.”

That’s a whole lot of loving for one animator. Regardless, Gutiérrez uses colors from all those influential palettes and creates an animated fantasy world that reflects not only his humanity but that of his characters as well.

MEXICO IN THE MIST

The classic Mesoamerican civilizations of the Olmecs, Toltecs, Mayans and Aztecs are the inspiration and backdrop for the fantasy landscape of Maya and the Three. In every episode, we see the temples and pyramids that were found in Teotihuacán, Chichen Itza and Cholula that equaled anything built in Egypt. The names are slightly changed. For example, Maya is the Princess of Teca. Teca? Could that be shorthand for Toltec? One of Maya’s legendary fighters is named Pichu, which is a nod to the city of Machu Pichu of the majestic Inca Empire. And of course, there’s our hero, Maya, her name refers to the Mayans who built enormous cities in the jumble, developed a lunar calendar and invented the mathematical concept of “zero.”

The characters can often be heard speaking words or phrases in Spanish. But wait! ¡Uno memento, por favor! This fantasy story is set in an epoch long before the Spanish Conquest. So where did these folks learn Spanish? Was thee some ancient Berlitz course we are not aware of?

No, Gutiérrez is just taking a little historical poetic license to impress on us Maya and the Three is about the past cultural glories and legacy of Mexico that, as proud Latinos, is our treasured heritage.

AN ALL-STAR CAST OF VOICES

The list of actors who lent their voices to Maya and the Three reads like a Who’s Who of Latino Hollywood: Kate del Castillo, Cheech Marin, Rita Moreno, Rosie Perez, Sandra Equihua, Jorge R. Gutiérrez, Alfred Molina. Even Queen Latifah gets in on the fun. But it’s the strength, power and humanity of Saldana’s voiceover as Maya, Warrior Princess, that draws us through episode after episode on this action-packed adventure fantasy ride to its thrilling conclusion.

Maya and the Three is currently streaming on Netflix.

MAYA AND THE THREE

Cast: Zoe Saldana, Allen Maldonnado, Stephanie Beatriz,Gabriel Iglesias, Jorge R. Gutiérrez, Diego Luna, Dee Bradley Baker, Sandra Equihua, Grey Griffin, Alfred Molina, Carlos Alazraqui, Eric Bauza, Stephanie Beatriz, Kate del Castillo, Rita Moreno, Queen Latifah, Jeff Ranjo, Cheech Marin, Gabriel Iglesias, Joaquín Cosío, Hailey Hermida, John DiMaggio, Isabela Merced, Carolina Ravassa, Gael García Bernal, Chelsea Rendon, Wyclef Jean, Danny Trejo, Rosie Perez and Raphael Alejandro. Additional voices: Alanna Ubach and Andy Santana.

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Two Mexican films, I Carry You with Me and New Order standout at the American Film Institute Fest that is currently running virtually though Oct. 22.

I Carry You with Me, directed by Director Heidi Ewing, blends fictional characters with their real-life counterparts in this artful love story that spans decades, crosses borders and artfully weaves in poignant commentary on immigration, injustice and homophobia. With a screenplay by Heidi Ewing and Alan Page Arriaga, the film stars Armando Espitia, Christian Vázquez, Michelle Rodríguez, Ángeles Cruz, Raúl Briones, and Arcelia Ramírez. It is a Mexico-USA co-production.

New Order (Nuevo Orden) is about the gulf between the haves and have-nots that has reached incendiary proportions in this tale of a revolutionary attempt set against the backdrop of a society wedding. It’s directed by Michel Franco, who also wrote the screenplay. Cast features Naian González Norvind, Diego Boneta, Mónica del Carmen, Fernando Cuautle, Darío Yazbek, and Eligio Meléndez.

Another that standout film with Latino stars is Wander Darkly, about a troubled relationship is further shaken by a traumatic event. New parents Adrienne (Sienna Miller) and Matteo (Diego Luna) retrace pivotal moments of their romance from a surreal perspective and a time-bending narrative structure. The American film is directed by Tara Miele, who also penned the script. The cast also includes: Beth Grant, Aimee Carrero, Tory Kittles, and Vanessa Bayer.

This year’s AFI fest program includes 124 titles–54 features, 3 episodic, 33 shorts, 19 Meet the Press Film Festival at AFI FEST shorts, and 15 AFI Conservatory Showcase shorts. Of all the films, 53 percent are directed by women, 39 percent are directed by Black, Indigenous and other people of color, and 17 percent are directed by LBGTQ+. This program represents 35 countries and includes 7 World Premieres.

“AFI FEST is committed to supporting diverse perspectives and new voices in cinema and this year is no different,” said Sarah Harris, Director of Programming, AFI Festivals. “While we wish we were able to be together in Hollywood, this year’s festival is an opportunity to celebrate the many great films yet to be discovered by audiences across the nation.”

The Grand Jury Award winners for Live Action and Animated Short will be eligible for the 2021 Best Live Action Short and Best Animated Short Academy Awards. Short Film Competition Jurors this year are film critic Carlos Aguilar, filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison and Film Festival Alliance Executive Director Lela Meadow-Conner.

AFI FEST 2020 is presented by Audi. 

For passes, tickets and more information go to: https://fest.afi.com/. 

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In Wander Darkly, a traumatic accident leaves a couple, Adrienne (Miller) and Matteo (Luna), in a surreal state of being that takes them on a disorienting journey through the duality of their shared moments.  They must rediscover the love that truly binds them together. Writer/director Miele offers a profound new perspective on the delicate nature of relationships with this emotionally moving story about a couple who must reflect on their past in order to face their uncertain future.

Rooted in Miele’s personal experiences, the film was lauded at Sundance for its bold vision and emotional depth. RogerEbert.com says, “…Miele directs her two leads to excellent performances.” The Hollywood Reporter called Miller’s “impressive range.”

“I am thrilled that Wander Darkly has found its home with Lionsgate,” said Miele. “It was a dream to bring this story to life with such an incredible team and the ever-brilliant Sienna Miller and Diego Luna. Seeing audiences’ powerful reactions at Sundance was moving and humbling and we can’t wait to share the film with audiences later this year.”

“Tara weaves mystery and intrigue into a modern-day parable and we could not be more excited to work with her and the rest of the filmmaking team on the release campaign,” said Lauren Bixby, Vice President of Acquisitions at Lionsgate.

Wander Darkly was produced by 51 Entertainment and ShivHans Pictures.  The producers are Lynette Howell Taylor, Samantha Housman, Shivani Rawat, and Monica Levinson, and executive producers are Mark D. Katchur, and Connor Flanagan.  Sienna Miller is represented by WME and Diego Luna is represented by WME along with Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof and Fishman.

The deal was negotiated by Endeavor Content on behalf of the filmmaking team along with Lauren Bixby from Lionsgate.

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Buzzing in the trades today is the news that Gael Garcia Bernal (Mozart in the Jungle) and Diego Luna (Rogue One: Star Wars Story), have inked a first-look deal with Amazon. And, these two actors are also executive producers on Amazon’s upcoming limited series Untitled Cortes and Moctezuma Project.

Bernal and Luna will create and produce content for Amazon Studios to premiere on Amazon Prime Video in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. These two Mexican mega film titans also recently announced they’ve launched a new production company in Mexico, La Corriente del Golfo, an indie company for cinematic, theatrical, and television productions and an array of community-oriented projects.

We are delighted and grateful at La Corriente del Golfo for our first-look deal with Amazon Studios,” said Bernal. “This provides an opportunity for us and for talent in Latin America to create ambitious and interesting projects.”

Amazon Studios and Amblin Televison are bringing the four-hour epic drama, The Untitled Cortes and Moctezuma Project, to the forefront. The drama maps the inexorable march and eventual clash between Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes and Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II– an event that led to the annihilation of an empire and tragic downfall of a civilization that took centuries to build. It was destroyed in less than two years.

We are very excited to work hand in hand with Amazon, as this will allow us to reach new audiences and to tell stories that represent us and reflect our realities,” said Luna.

The limited series stars Oscar winner Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men), who also serves as executive producer. Written by Academy Award-winner Steven Zaillian (Schindler’s List) and based on the Dalton Trumbo (Roman Holiday) screenplay.

Bardem, Bernal, and Luna will executive produce alongside Zaillian, Kirk Douglas (Spartacus), Grant Hill (The Tree of Life), and co-Presidents of Amblin Television Darryl Frank (The Americans) and Justin Falvey (The Americans).

Vernon Sanders, Co-Head of Television, Amazon Studios said, “We are incredibly excited to expand Amazon Studios’ relationship with the multitalented team of Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna. Their talent, creativity, and global perspective will undoubtedly result in even more compelling content for our Amazon Prime Video customers.”

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Written By Luis Reyes

The Mandalorean, the Star Wars spin off hit series starring Pedro Pascual as the titular bounty hunter has been renewed for a second season on the new Disney + streaming service. The series, which ended its first season run last Friday, has been a most watched hit since its streaming service debut with record 10 million subscribers on its first day.  Along with Pascual, the series also stars Carl Weathers, Gina Carano and Nick Nolte and has caused a sensation with the introduction of the character of BabyYoda. Disney+ The Mandalorean Season 2 will begin airing in the fall of 2020.  

 Then more Star Wars content is coming in the months ahead as this streaming service is in production on a Rogue One prequel series starring Diego Luna reprising his role of Cassian Andor from the 2016 film.

Narcos: Mexico Cast and Ready To Go

Over at Netflix, Luna returns as Guadalajara’s head Narco Felix Gallardo in season 2 of Narcos: Mexico on February 13, 2020. 

Widely sought after Casting Director Carla Hool has cast the new season to include actors Scoot McNairy as DEA agent Walt Breslin, Mayra Hermosillo (Falco) as Enedina Arelano Felix, Sosie Bacon (Here and Now) as Mimi Webb Miller, Andres Londono (Fear The Walking Dead) as Enrique Clavel Alex Knight (legion) as Kenny Moss, Miguel Rodarte (Time Share) as Danilo Garza, Jesse Garcia (From Dusk Till Dawn) as Sal Orozco, Matt Biedel  (Altered Carbon) as Daryl Petski, Jesus Ochoa (Overboard) as Juan Guerra, Flavio Medina  (The House of Flowers) as Juan Garcia Abrego, Alberto Zeni (The Noble Family) as Amat Palacios, Jero Medina (Belle De Jour) as Ossie Mejia, Jose Julian (The Society) as Javier Arellano Felix, Noe Hernandez (We are The Flesh) as Rafael Aguilar and Nat Faxon (Family Guy) as Ted Kaye. Gaumont Television produces Narcos: Mexico for Netflix and is executive produced by Eric Newman and Jose Padilha.

Hawaii Five-O Crosses Over To Hawaii Five-O

Last week CBS Television, for the first time did some cross-over with their Friday night hit shows Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I. On January 3rd their aired a two episode, two hour (8-10 p.m.) event in which Jay Hernandez’s Magnum P.I. is enlisted by Hawaii Five-0 to help in an investigation.  In the subsequent episode Magnum must use all of his resources when the CIA prevents Five-0 from aiding him in rescuing a close friend held hostage.  

The 41 year old Hernandez, was born and raised in Montebello, California is completing his second season playing the iconic character of Magnum P.I. portrayed by Tom Selleck in the 80’s. 

Hernandez is CBS’s “diversity in a major dose” in a time where broadcast television representation of leading Latinx roles are still infrequent. Last year 2019 CBS brought us Jimmy Smits in the short lived series Bluff City Law and over at ABC Nicholas Gonzalez is in his third season on the hit show The Good Doctor. 

“ There needs to be representation and there needs to be diversity on television,” said Hernandez in a recent interview. “if you’re telling an honest story about America, you need to have shows that represent what the country looks like today. We’re a very diverse place and media should represent that.”

Latinos In Hollywood Trivia

I Love Lucy Still Brings In 4.9 Million Viewers With 0.5 Nielsen Ratings.

The classic I Love Lucy comedy series of the 1950s’ starring Lucille Ball and Cuban American Desi Arnaz  (1917-1986) is still drawing audiences after all these years and creating new generations of fans as the annual colorized Christmas episode dominated the ratings with 4.9 million total viewers on CBS television last Friday Dec 19. 

It’s an amazing accomplishment for a 70-year-old television series that was groundbreaking for its time, about a struggling Cuban–American bandleader Ricky Ricardo and his wacky American housewife Lucy. It shot up to number one in its heyday and became a national obsession on the CBS run (1951-1957) and continues to entertain to this day.

Up to that time, Arnaz was known primarily as a musician and performer who pioneered and popularized Afro-Cuban music to mainstream American audiences.  He proved himself an innovative producer and savvy businessman being instrumental in the development and use of the three-camera system for filming television comedy programs in front of a live audience. He retained the right of filmed TV series ownership through his Desilu productions and created the television syndication business model

He became the first Latino studio head when he used the profits from I Love Lucy to purchase the former RKO studios facilities, which he ran. Arnaz and Ball through their production company Desilu developed such television series as Star Trek and Mission Impossible.

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