EXCLUSIVE: For at least three years, Latino Hollywood has been buzzing about a Chalino Sanchez biopic in the works, though nothing concrete has come out of it — until now.
The new indie film This one here tells the story of Rosalino Sánchez Félix, better known as Chalino and “El Rey del Corrido,” an antihero who achieved superstardom and legendary status for his contributions to the popularity of the regional music subgenre narcocorridos.
For the leading role David Castañeda (The Umbrella Academy, ballerina) was the standout among thousands of Latinos who applied for the role, sources tell Deadline. We hear he’s been circling the role for months and talks are currently in full swing. However, no deal has been signed yet. Production is supposed to start this year.
The indie project was born at the 2020 Sundance Screenwriters and Directors Labs, where author Jesus Celaya received the Latinx Fellowship for his screenplay. Celaya wrote and will direct Storyboard’s entry. The film will feature Chalino’s music throughout, including many of his hits.
Chalino was born in Sinaloa, where he grew up amid the violence prevalent in the Mexican state. In later years he moved to Los Angeles, where he unintentionally started a new career in music. Although Chalino was not known for his singing skills, he enjoyed great popularity among ordinary people because he spoke truth to power through his lyrics. Violence followed him into his adult years, and he was known to carry a gun for protection while navigating Southern California’s criminal underbelly.
Although he was successful as an artist, he also made enemies. While returning to his hometown of Sinaloa to perform, he was murdered in cold blood in 1992 at the age of 31. Although everyone from the cartel to the Mexican government has been accused of his killing, no one has ever been convicted of the crime.
Castañeda’s roles unintentionally prepared him to play such a character. His films include roles in David Ayers The tax collector (2020) directed by Ben Hernandez Bray The Chicano (2018) and Sicario: Soldier’s Day (2018) written by Taylor Sheridan.
Additionally, the Los Angeles-born, Sinaloa-raised rising star is best known for his portrayal of “Diego Hargreeves” in the hit Netflix series The Umbrella Academy, whose fourth and final season will air in August. Other TV appearances include roles in The most dangerous games based on the short story of the same name by Richard Connell, and most recently played “Jimmy” in an episode of Peacock’s hit series Poker face created by Rian Johnson and starring Natasha Lyonne.
Castañeda will next be seen in the film directed by Ana de Armas ballerina Director: Len Wiseman. The one driven by women John Wick The Lionsgate spin-off will premiere in 2025. Additionally, he recently filmed a role in the Scott Free film. Trap housealongside Dave Bautista and Bobby Cannavale.