A Luchador’s Resurrection—and His Reckoning

Matadero centers on Rafael “Matadero” Muzquiz, a devout luchador whose life is shattered by a cartel boss’s brutal betrayal. But death is only the beginning: resurrected by La Santa Muerte and armed with a glowing green scythe, the fallen hero is granted superhuman strength and a chilling ultimatum—collect seven evil souls before sunrise or lose his murdered family forever.

What follows is a relentless quest for redemption as Matadero battles cartel narcos and a cybernetic mercenary through the unforgiving streets of Marin, Nuevo Leon. The film promises a visceral blend of heart-pounding action, cultural mysticism, and the emotional stakes of a man fighting for the souls of those he loves.

A Creative Partnership Fueled by Cultural Authenticity

“Matadero is a love letter to lucha libre and Latino culture, infused with a dark, cinematic edge,” said Pablo Bobadilla, founder of Bobadilla Productions. “Partnering with Masked Republic—who are unmatched in their expertise and passion for lucha libre—allows us to craft a story that’s authentic, thrilling, and universally resonant. Hector Rodriguez’s script is a game-changer, and we’re excited to bring his vision to life.”

Rodriguez, best known as the mind behind the long-running comic series El Peso Hero and founder of Texas Latino Comic Con, brings a deep reverence for lucha libre and grassroots Latino storytelling. His work, which often centers on heroism, community, and identity, makes him an inspired choice to helm the world of Matadero.

“Hector’s ability to weave cultural authenticity with gripping storytelling makes Matadero a standout,” added Kevin Kleinrock, President and COO of Masked Republic. “This collaboration with Bobadilla Productions is a perfect synergy. Their experience creating horror that reaches beyond the genre’s traditional audience, combined with our mission to tell stories of luchadores and lucha culture that extend far beyond the ring, makes this a tag-team ready to take on the world.”

A Cinematic Universe Rooted in Culture

The film promises eye-popping visuals, gripping hand-to-hand combat, and supernatural intrigue—all against the rich tapestry of Mexican culture. From stylized lucha libre choreography to eerie mystic sequences powered by La Santa Muerte, Matadero is designed to captivate a broad spectrum of audiences: action aficionados, horror enthusiasts, comic book fans, and lovers of Mexican folklore.

Both companies emphasize that authenticity is not just an aspiration—it’s a mandate. The production, slated for late 2026, intends to cast Latino actors and real-life luchadores to ensure fidelity to the traditions and communities that inspire the story.

A New Era for Latino Genre Filmmaking

With Hollywood finally recognizing the hunger for culturally rich genre stories, Matadero arrives at a pivotal moment. The partnership between Bobadilla Productions and Masked Republic signals a new kind of Latino-fronted storytelling—one that merges mythology, action, and representation without compromise.As audiences worldwide continue to crave fresh perspectives and bold narratives, Matadero is shaping up to be a cinematic force ready to carve its own path—scythe in hand.

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REVIEW By Bel Hernandez Castillo

Leguizamo Does America is back for Season 2, and its return couldn’t be more timely. At a moment when harmful rhetoric and misinformation about Latinos is dominating headlines, this six-episode series flips the narrative. Instead of portraying Latinos as takers, Leguizamo Does America showcases what U.S. Latinos have always been: builders, innovators, and culture shapers. 

In these times the MSNBC TV series becomes more than a docuseries—it becomes an antidote, a cultural resistance providing visibility and celebration wrapped in a bold, funny, and fiercely loving package.

Leguizamo Does America, is an NBC News Studios and Casa NOHO Production, created and hosted by Emmy and Tony award-winning actor John Leguizamo. “For season two, I wanted to go deeper into America and put a magnifying glass on Latino exceptionalism, Latino ingenuity, and Latino genius,” says Leguizamo.

Under director Ben DeJesus guidance and the excellent production skills of showrunner Carolina Saavedra the audience is taken on a cultural journey of Latino excellence in six stunningly shot and powerful episodes filmed in New Orleans, Philadelphia, Denver, Phoenix, Raleigh, and San Antonio.  Leguizamo meets the artists, chefs, activists, and cultural entrepreneurs—who are making an undeniable impact across the U.S.

The opening episode takes us to Philadelphia, the birthplace of the USA where we learn of the major role Latinos played in the American Revolution. We find out the famous Philly cheesesteak has been Latinized and people are loving it…and literally “eating it up”.  

In Raleigh, North Carolina, home to Academy Award winning actress Ariana deBose, we learn, among other things, how immigrants were brought into the US by corporations to help save the poultry industry there; how the Flor de Hidalgo dance group is keeping Mexican folklorico alive — and giving Leguizamo the host, a change to show off his “zapateado”. This episode drives home the notion that whether honoring or correcting historical erasure, Latinos in America are living examples of what it means to own our story while shaping America’s future.

In San Antonio, we meet the Castros—Congressman Joaquin Castro and his mother Rosie Castro, a lifelong activist and community organizer who helped lay the groundwork for modern Chicano politics in San Antonio. We’re also introduced to Shelly Lares, the legendary Tejano artist whose career has not only been preserving traditional music but passing it on with a Tex Mex twist to new generations with pride and purpose.

In Phoenix, Leguizamo goes head to head with WNBA’s great Diana Taurasi in a round of “hoops”. While in Denver Leguizamo explores the birthplace of the Chicano Movement, while also suiting up for a “lucha libre” bout at Hugo’s Lucha Libre cultural landmark arena.

Throughout the series, we meet musicians, chefs, artists, and entrepreneurs who are not just surviving—but thriving. And let’s talk about the food. From Mexican carnitas  to Venezuelan arepas to Tex-Mex fajitas the series celebrates Latino culinary excellence. Several featured chefs are James Beard Award winners and nominees, further proving what we’ve always known—Latinos are impacting cuisine in a most delicious way.

Think about it: tomatoes, vanilla, avocados, chocolate —these and so many other staples of global food culture are gifts from the Americas, cultivated and cherished by Indigenous and Latin communities for centuries. Leguizamo Does America honors that legacy, and reminds us of the central role Latinos play in the culinary world globally.

This is part of our resistance showing Latin joy, Latin success, Latin excellence, Latin genius, Latin exceptionalism and innovation” — John Leguizamo.

The historical context, too, is essential. The episodes filmed in New Orleans, Phoenix, and San Antonio underscore that Latino roots in America run deep—long before the arrival of the European immigrants. These are not stories of outsiders or newcomers; these are stories of indigenous peoples and Latinos who helped build this nation.

At the recent MSNBC LA premiere for Leguizamo Does America, Leguizamo spoke to a who’s who of Hollywood executives, actors, directors, producers and executives about the upcoming series.  “This is part of our resistance showing Latin joy, Latin success, Latin excellence, Latin genius, Latin exceptionalism and innovation” he said. That is exactly what Leguizamo Does America does once again in season 2. The series shines an undeniable  bright light on a community that has been here longer than America itself. Latinos in the U.S. are 65 million strong, they are American and they are here to stay.

WHERE TO WATCH:

• MSNBC: The series airs on MSNBC on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET. 
• Peacock: You can also stream the show on Peacock. 
• Roku: The Roku Channel offers access to the show, with options to buy episodes or watch through streaming services that carry MSNBC. 
• Other Streaming Services: Check platforms like Fubo, Sling TV, DIRECTV, Xumo Play, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video for availability. 

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The picturesque landscapes of Napa Valley came alive this past weekend, June 1st and 2nd, with the vibrant sounds and electric energy of the La Onda Music Festival. Music lovers from all over the state gathered for two days of unforgettable performances and a rich array of activities.

Opening the festival, Alex Fernandez captivated the audience with his soulful renditions of ranchera classics, demonstrating his vocal prowess and charismatic stage presence. His father, the legendary Alejandro Fernandez, followed with an electrifying performance that included his greatest hits like Como Quien Pierde Una Estrella and Me Dediqué a Perderte, leaving fans mesmerized by his powerful voice and emotional delivery.

Mon Laferte, the Chilean songstress known for her eclectic mix of rock, pop, and Latin influences, brought an intense energy to the stage with hits like Tu Falta de Querer and Amárrame. Her passionate performance was a highlight of the festival, as she seamlessly blended different musical styles and connected deeply with the audience.

The iconic Mexican rock band Cafe Tacvba delivered an energetic and dynamic set, performing fan favorites such as Eres and La Ingrata. Their innovative sound and spirited performance had the crowd dancing and singing along throughout the night. Closing the festival with a bang, Mana took the stage with their powerful rock anthems like Rayando el Sol and Labios Compartidos, ensuring the festival ended on a high note.

In addition to the stellar musical lineup, festival-goers enjoyed a variety of activities that added to the immersive experience. The silent disco provided a unique and fun way to dance the night away, as participants donned headphones and grooved to music of their choice in a vibrant, synchronized spectacle. The karaoke sessions allowed fans to showcase their singing talents, adding a personal touch to the festivities.

The Lucha Libre wrestling matches were a hit, offering thrilling entertainment that kept attendees on the edge of their seats. Colorful masks, high-flying acrobatics, and dramatic showdowns created an atmosphere of excitement and spectacle.

For those looking to relax and unwind, the festival also offered wine tastings featuring some of Napa Valley’s finest selections, allowing attendees to savor the region’s renowned wines. A variety of food stalls served delicious local cuisine, from gourmet tacos to artisanal cheeses, ensuring that everyone found something to satisfy their taste buds.

Art installations and workshops provided a creative outlet for those inspired by the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. Interactive exhibits, live painting sessions, and craft workshops allowed attendees to engage with art in meaningful and hands-on ways.

As the weekend came to a close, attendees left with memories of an extraordinary festival experience, eagerly anticipating next year’s event. For those who can’t wait, pre-sale tickets for the 2025 La Onda Music Festival are now on sale, promising another incredible lineup and even more exciting activities.

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By Cesar Arredondo

For Mexican wrestlers Canek Jr. and El Hijo de Fishman, lucha libre has been a part of their cultural upbringing and a family affair. Now the popular sports genre also gives them a chance to play superheroes with fantastic powers like in comics books and a la Hollywood style.

Both luchadores are part of a new cadre whose wrestling characters now go beyond what, until recently, was the norm in Mexico and even the United States. Canek Jr. and El Hijo de Fishman star in Heroes of Lucha Libre, a scripted series in which wrestlers arrive at the ring with a backstory to compete against rivals for special rings said to be key to harnessing the forces of nature. Playing a Mayan god and a warrior, respectively, the wrestlers try to prevail in a fight between técnicos and rudos in the mythical world of Therraton. The 11-part series is available on Crackle Plus, a free streaming ad-supported video-on-demand network.

Family Traditions

Heroes of Lucha Libre has brought new experiences for the two Mexican wrestlers, who have spent years on the ring following in the footsteps of their fathers.  

 “What I love the most is the production (element), the way it’s revolutionized lucha libre,” says El Hijo de Fishman, adding that the audiences’ response to Heroes of Lucha Libre has been positive.

For Canek Jr., performing in arenas of reportedly up to 12,000 people is a big accomplishment. “It’s an acknowledgment of (your) work, one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve experienced,” he states and also notes the VIP treatment Heroes get, from catering to hotel to transportation.

Both luchadores say they are proud of their roots and the Mexican tradition of lucha libre, a unique form of freestyle wrestling populated by masked characters, some of whom have become legendary in Mexico and even movie stars. The genre has proven popular in Mexican-American communities in the U.S., of late among young American-born and Mexican-by-heritage millennials.

“I was born into lucha libre,” says Canek Jr. whose name pays tribute to his professional wrestler father. “I would see my dad wrestle when I was little,” he recalls. “I’ve got lucha libre in my blood. My dad is Canek and he still works the ring.”

Lucha libre is also a family affair for El Hijo de Fishman–his name means Fishman’s son in Spanish. His father was a top Mexican wrestler in the 1970s and 1980s who retired in 2000. Fishman senior passed away a few years ago. El Hijo de Fishman has two brothers who also are professional wrestlers.

Popular the World Over

So popular is freestyle wrestling south of the border, especially in the nation’s capital that lucha libre was declared an intangible cultural heritage of Mexico City by local authorities. “It’s part of our culture,” says Canek Jr., who notes that luchadores masks and toys are popular among Mexicans. This has carried on in the U.S. with Lucha Libre iconography, events and TV shows.  

Robert Rodriguez El Rey Network premiered Lucha Underground in 2014 and ran it for four years.  Netflix featured the documentary Nuestra Lucha Libre and even on Etsy, the e-commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items, you can find hundreds of vendors selling clothing, luchador masks, and other items dedicated to the lucha libre lore. 

Masks add an air of mystery to wrestling. “They are part of a luchador’s magic and we never take them off, not even for family gatherings nor at home,” states El Hijo de Fishman, sporting his signature green mask with yellow designs. “A luchador is (like) a hero, just like Batman, Spiderman, and Superman. We luchadores are Mexican heroes.”

Luchadores are loved the world over. In 1970 one of the most famous of Mexican luchadores Mil Marcaras (1000 Masks) traveled to Japan for the first time inspirng many Japanese wrestlers such as Gran Hamada, Satoru Sayama (the original Tiger Mask) and Jushin Thunder Liger.

Heroes of Lucha Libre was created and produced by Joaquin Vodanovich and Alejandro Ortiz, with the latter also writing the series. The show is distributed worldwide by Screen Media, a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment company and the supplier of exclusive and original content for Crackle Plus.

Crackle linear and video networks are reportedly available in the U.S. and can be accessed on up to 27 devices and services by the end of the year, including Amazon FireTV, RokuTV, Apple TV, Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio), gaming consoles (PS4 and XBoxOne), Plex, iOS and Android mobile devices and on desktops at Crackle.com. 

Featured photo: Heroes de Lucha Libre (Crackle)

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The scripted Mexican series Heroes of Lucha Libre, featuring a cast of professional wrestlers like Rey Mysterio Jr., Mil Mascaras, Tinieblas Jr., and Blue Demon, is coming to the U.S. The 11-part scripted series directed by Alfredo Widman (The Red Thread) will launch Wed., Nov. 25 on Crackle Plus, a free streaming ad-supported video-on-demand network.

Heroes of Lucha Libre celebrates and honors the rich cultural tradition of the Lucha Libre sport while integrating an imaginative comic book storyline. With a contemporary spin on the action in the ring, the series features superhero elements making it unique to other content of its genre. The miniseries presents luchadores as superheroes who emerge from the decades-long tradition of Mexico’s lucha libre. Other wrestlers in the series include Mistico, Dragon Lee, Trumposo, Rayo de Jalisco Jr. and Lady Gaviota, according to the industry website IMDb.com.

Heroes of Lucha Libre was created and produced by Joaquin Vodanovich and Alejandro Ortiz, with the latter also writing the series. “I grew up watching these heroes with my grandfather in Mexico,” says Ortiz. “Now I want to share all those emotions and admiration with the world and help to inspire future generations.” 

Vodanovich, says that “lucha libre tradition has been in our culture for over 100 years and we want to honor that heritage in the way it deserves.” He adds, “We think Crackle is the best partner to do just that.”

The miniseries is distributed worldwide by Screen Media, a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment company and the supplier of exclusive and original content for Crackle Plus.

Crackle linear and VOD networks are reportedly available in the U.S. and can be accessed on up to 27 devices and services by the end of the year, including Amazon FireTV, RokuTV, Apple TV, Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio), gaming consoles (PS4 and XBoxOne), Plex, iOS and Android mobile devices and on desktops at Crackle.com.

The deal was negotiated by Patrick Hughes, Harvey Russell and Pablito Vasquez of Foundation Media, who are also executive producers on the project

Featured photo: screenshot of ‘Heroes of Lucha Libre’

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