EXCLUSIVE: Following the news of Gina Rodriguez‘s directorial feature debut, House of Guerrero, the lead cast has been set with Carlos Sanson Jr. (Bump, Paper Dolls) taking the lead, Rosario Dawson (Ashoka, 25th Hour), George Lopez (Lopez vs. Lopez, Blue Beetle), and Rodriguez. The project comes from Wayfarer Studios, 1Community, and I Can and I Will Productions.
House of Guerrero has commenced production in Los Angeles and California’s Imperial Valley, “capturing the distinct landscapes and communities of Los Angeles and El Centro while drawing on the deep history of Latino boxing and the region’s enduring professional fighting culture. Set against the backdrop of communities where boxing has long served as a pathway to identity, discipline, opportunity, and pride, the film brings an authentic sense of place and culture to the story of the Guerrero family,” notes a release for the film.
The original story by Rodriguez and Bernardo Cubría follows Alex Guerrero (Sanson Jr.), whose promising boxing career is cut short before he gets one last shot at stepping back into the ring, with his embattled ex-fighter father Alejandro (Lopez) in his corner. Struggling with the grief and loss of his mother, Elsa (Dawson), Alex turns to his older sister, Paloma (Rodriguez), who is a gifted boxer herself, to become his new trainer and help him rediscover the fighter he once was.
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“The level of talent Gina has assembled for House of Guerrero is truly exceptional,” said Andrew Calof, Producer and President of Production and Development for Wayfarer Studios. “We’re only a few days into shooting, and you can already feel the laughter, the love, and the raw emotion coming through in these performances. This is a film that will have audiences on their feet cheering. With Gina at the helm, we’re in the hands of a true filmmaker with a remarkable vision and instinct for storytelling. More exciting casting news is coming soon!”
“Latinos have always been a powerful force in boxing, as passionate fans and as champions who have shaped the sport,” said Budnick of 1Community. “It was vital to us to tell a story that felt both authentic and deeply respectful of the enormous impact Latinos have had on boxing. That authenticity starts with the cast, and it’s a tremendous honor to welcome Gina, Carlos, George, and Rosario to the Guerrero family.”
House of Guerrero is produced by Scott Budnick and Ameet Shukla from 1Community, Rodriguez’s I Can And I Will Productions with Molly Breeskin, and Justin Baldoni and Andrew Calof from Wayfarer Studios. Steve Sarowitz and Jamey Heath are Executive Producing for Wayfarer, with Sherrese Clarke and Niija Kuykendall from HarbourView Media Group, alongside Clare LoCicero and Alice S. Kim. Wayfarer Studios, 1Community, HarbourView Media Group, and Clare LoCicero are co-financing the feature with tax credit financing provided by Three Point Capital. UTA Independent Film Group is representing the film for worldwide sales. Casting by Mary Vernieu and Lindsay Graham Ahanonu. Cast deals were negotiated by Eric W. Thompson.
Sanson Jr. is represented by M88 and United Management; Dawson is represented by CAA and Untitled; Lopez is represented by UTA and 3Arts Management; Rodriguez is represented by WME.
