There’s still plenty of work to be done regarding Latine representation in Hollywood, but if 2021 proved anything, it was that Latine talent could carry movies.
From West Side Story to Encanto to In the Heights, there’s no question that, as Broadway superstar Lin-Manuel Miranda told Remezcla last April, “It’s getting harder to ignore us, isn’t it?”
Along with the big musicals and family films last year, don’t forget about the individual performances that shined like the one Clifton Collins Jr. delivered in Jockey, Robin de Jesús in Tick, Tick … Boom!, Tessa Thompson in Passing, Benicio del Toro in The French Dispatch and Eugenio Derbez in CODA, just to name a few.
Then, of course, there were the Latine filmmakers who were in top form, too, including the aforementioned Miranda making his directorial debut with Tick, Tick … Boom!, Guillermo del Toro with Nightmare Alley, Pablo Larraín with Spencer, Natalie Morales with Language Lessons and Plan B, Phil Lord with The Mitchells vs. the Machines and Reinaldo Marcus Green with King Richard.
So, what does 2022 bring for Latine talent? Since it’s only January, many films are still searching for a spot on the schedule, but here are seven projects that will more than likely be on the 2022 calendar that you should keep in mind moving forward. There’s plenty more on the list like Lupita Nyong’o in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Sasha Calle in The Flash, and Daniella Pina in Jurassic World Dominion (not to mention all the films that will rise to the top during festivals all year), but we’ll start with a small sample to whet your appetite.
1
Flamin’ Hot
Actress and producer Eva Longoria makes her feature film directorial debut with a movie about a former Frito-Lay janitor named Richard Montañez who worked his way up to the executive suite after initially being credited as the inventor of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Last year, controversy arose when Frito-Lay pushed back on Montañez’s story calling it an “urban legend.” At that time, Longoria told Remezcla that she was confident in the upcoming film. “[Richard’s] story has always been the story we wanted to tell,” Longoria said. “We’ve never faltered or stepped away from it. I can’t wait for people to watch it. It’s inspirational [and] aspirational, and nobody can take that away from Richard.” The film stars Jesse Garcia, Annie González, Bobby Soto, Emilio Rivera, and others.
2
Father of the Bride
A romantic comedy remake will feature a cast of Latine talent, including Oscar nominee Andy Garcia in the title role. The film tells the story of a Cuban family marrying into a Mexican family. The original film debuted in 1950 and starred Spencer Tracy and Elizabeth Taylor. A remake was made in 1991 starring Steve Martin and Diane Keaton. Other cast members of the new version include Gloria Estefan, Isabela Merced, Adria Arjona, and Diego Boneta.
3
The Mother
In this action movie, Jennifer López will star alongside Gael Garcia Bernal and Jesse Garcia about an assassin who comes out of hiding to protect her daughter. Production is set to wrap at the end of the month, so there should be enough time to get the film cut and distributed before 2022 is over. Netflix, however, could decide to hold the movie since López will have two other projects coming out this year – Marry Me in February and Shotgun Wedding in June.
4
Blonde
Cuban actress Ana de Armas will portray a fictionalized version of screen icon Marilyn Monroe in an adaptation of Joyce Carol Oates’ novel of the same name. De Armas said it was challenging to learn how to speak like Monroe early last year. “It only took me nine months of dialect coaching, and practicing, and some ADR sessions,” she said. “It was a big torture, so exhausting. My brain was fried.” Recently, de Armas replaced Scarlett Johansson in the rom-com adventure Ghosted.
5
The Northman
British-Argentine actress Anya Taylor-Joy reunites with director Robert Eggers for the first time since her breakout role in the 2015 horror film The Witch. The Northman is a revenge movie that follows a Viking prince searching for his father’s murderer. Taylor-Joy will be busy in 2022. She has also finished production of an untitled David O. Russell film and will lend her voice to Princess Peach’s character in a new Super Mario Bros. animated project.
6
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One)
Oscar Isaac will lend his voice to the Marvel character Spider-Man 2099 in the sequel to the Oscar-winning animated feature Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Isaac had a short post-credits cameo scene in the 2018 film, but he will be a bigger part of the narrative this time. Spider-Man 2099 is an alternate version of the web-slinging superhero from the future. Recently, a Marvel fan posted an image on social media of what Isaac would look like if the character were given his own live-action movie. Sometime in 2022, Disney+ will release its new series Moon Knight starring Isaac in the title superhero role.
7
Avatar 2
After countless delays, the wait looks to finally be over for those anticipating the sequel to the 2009 blockbuster sci-fi film Avatar from Oscar-winning director James Cameron. Actress Zoe Saldaña is returning to reprise her role as Neytiri, a warrior of the Na’vi clan who teaches an outsider the ways of her tribe. Unfortunately, actress Michelle Rodriguez will not be returning for this sequel, or the other three are scheduled to be released in 2024, 2026, and 2028.