2019 is turning out to be quite the coming out party for Latinx superheroes so far between the release of Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, and the forthcoming May 3 theatrical release of Ben Hernandez Bray’s feature debut, El Chicano.
Going forward, we now turn our attention to the small screen as we’re learning from Deadline that MGM Television is officially in the works to develop a live-action series adaptation of Azteca Productions comic series, El Gato Negro: Nocturnal Warrior.
The comic franchise launched in 1993 from the mind of creator and author Richard Dominguez whose 2004 evolution of the series centers on Francisco Guerrero, a Texas social worker who one day takes on his grandfather’s nom de guerre to avenge a friend’s death.
As Erik Pedersen reports, actor Diego Boneta (The Titan, Luis Miguel: La Serie, Rock of Ages) is attached to star in the series and will exec produce under his Three Amigos banner. Joel Novoa (Arrow) will co-exec produce with MGM Television also set to produce, as well as distribute internationally.
“I am so honored to be partnering with my friend Mark Burnett and MGM to bring this classic and truly epic superhero to life,” Boneta said. “I know that bringing this Latin superhero-led series to the screen is a great responsibility and a huge challenge, but I couldn’t have a better partner than MGM.”
Said Burnett: “Since I first worked with Diego on The Dovekeepers for CBS, I knew he was a one-of-a-kind, multi-talented actor who has only become better with each role he inhabits. I consider him a friend. From Luis Miguel to this project, I know he will bring this character to life like no one else can do.”
Talks are also underway for showrunners and writers to complete the team that will help manifest the series for TV. Dominguez was also a consultant on a seperate fan film that is currently aiming toward festivals in the form of El Gato Negro: Prey, from burgeoning filmmaker Michael S. Moore who has also worked on the comic series dating back to 1997.
Andrew Mittman, MGM’s SVP Television Production and Development, will oversee the show’s progress.
Boneta will next appear this November in Tim Miller’s Terminator: Dark Fate, and also joins the Milla Jovovich/Tony Jaa-led line-up for Paul W.S. Anderson’s Monster Hunter next year.