La Bamba is getting a makeover. On August 26, Mucho Mas Media and Sony Pictures revealed they have a new version in the works, based on the 1987 film that portrays Ritchie Valens musical trajectory.
La Bamba was a huge success when released. Not only was it nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture in Drama (1987), but it also helped cement the iconic Mexican-American artist as a rock and roll legend to new audiences. The original film follows the 17-year-old’s rise-to-fame story and highlights his most emblematic songs like “Donna,” “La Bamba,” and “We Belong Together.” With the help of the 1987 version of Valens – played by non-Latine actor Lou Diamond Phillips – the movie became a classic that was later inducted into the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress in 2017.
Beyond the movie though, the real Valens – born Richard Steven Valenzuela – is referred to as the first U.S. Latino rock star and forefather of Chicano rock. His most popular song would be “La Bamba,” which made history as one of the first Spanish-language songs to enter the Billboard Hot 100. However, his life was cut short in 1959 when his plane crashed and killed the talent with other music icons Buddy Holly and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson.
While the cast is under wraps, the new remake will be executively produced by Luis Valdez who wrote and directed the original film. “Together with the rock and roll classics of Ritchie Valens, my 1987 biopic ‘La Bamba’ has graciously withstood the test of time. And yet, the tragically short life and career of Richard Valenzuela continues to inspire new generations of fans the world over,” Valdez reportedly said. “As new biographical details have come to light, a new cinematic look at his eternally young seventeen years on earth can only add to his undying legend.”
We also know that the script will be written by Oscar-nominated writer José Rivera, who’s best known for his work in The Motorcycle Diaries and On the Road. Javier Chapa will also be on board as a producer for Mucho Mas Media, alongside Sherrese Clarke Soares, Phillip Braun, Robert Muñoz, Simon Wise, Vincent Cordero, and Bruce Barshop, according to Variety.
Furthermore, could it be that this new version will feature a Latine actor as the lead? We’ll keep an eye out for further details.