Zorro fans rejoice! The iconic role is being reprised for a Zorro show for Disney Branded Television. Wilmer Valderrama is developing the show and is slated to be an executive producer. The That 70s Show actor will also be starring as the masked horseman and his real identity, Don Diego de la Vega.
The show will be a period piece based in Pueblo de Los Angeles but Ayo Davis, President of Disney Branded Television, said the show will be a very modern telenovela. Davis added that the show will be a “culturally relevant and entertaining story” focused on the characters.
For Valderrama, this role is more than just a role. It is a chance to give back the kind of inspiration and affirmation children in our communities need. Latine representation is still lacking in Hollywood meaning that moments like this can have a real impact.
“Growing up, Zorro was the one character that made me, as a Latino, feel like I could be a hero. As an adult and a storyteller, I have a responsibility for the stories that I help bring to life,” Valderrama told Deadline. “To partner with Gary and Disney to bring Zorro back into the family after 60 years and be a part of the legacy for other children to know they too can be the heroes of their own stories is a dream come true.”
Valderrama has been giving the community representation a lot lately, including as the voice of Augustin in Disney’s Encanto. Valderrama is also producing the comedy series Mexican Beverly Hills with Erick Galindo and Aaron Izek for CBS.