Paulina Chávez (The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia, Fate: The Winx Saga) and Rose Portillo (Zoot Suit, The Exorcist II) are set to join in the new “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” film for Disney+. The feature will be a Latino-centric adaptation of the best-selling children’s book by Judith Viorst. Previously announced cast includes Eva Longoria, George Lopez and Jesse Garcia (Flamin’ Hot).
According to Deadline, Chávez will play Mia Garcia, Alexander’s 16-year-old sister who is described as an independent-minded, intelligent and eye-rolling teenager. Her parents are Frank (Garcia) and Val (Longoria). Portillo plays Lidia Garcia, the family matriarch, the mother of Frank and grandmother to Alexander, Mia and David.
According to THR, this new version follows a Mexican American family who have recently lost their connection to each other and their roots, as they embark on an epic road trip that immediately goes hilariously wrong.
Longoria will play reportedly Alexander’s mother, a travel writer who has lost her passion for work, while Lopez has been cast as the family’s grandfather, a tough biker.
According to Deadline, Garcia will portray Frank Garcia, a happily married vegan chef, and father of Mia, David, and the titular Alexander. Frank clashes with his family when he refuses to modify his recipes to more traditional Mexican food even if it means missing out on opportunities.
Marvin Lemus, the co-creator and showrunner of Gentefied, will direct the movie. Matt Lopez (Father of the Bride, Clifford the Big Red Dog) will provide the script. Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps and The Jim Henson Company are producing the film.
Filming is slated to begin this spring in New Mexico.
A release date for Disney+ has not been announced yet.
Chávez is best known for starring in the lead role in Netflix’s The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia and playing Flora in Netflix’s sci-fi/fantasy series Fate: The Winx Saga.
Portillo’s credits include And the Earth Did Not Swallow Him, Eisenhower & Lutz, The Exorcist II and Where The Buffalo Roam.
Source: Deadline