Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images
Wilmer Valderramajust landed a big new role!
On Tuesday, Disney Branded Television announced Valderrama, 41, will lead a reimagined version of its famed western adventure,Zorro. In addition to starring in the dual role of Don Diego de la Vega and his alter ego Zorro, the actor will also serve as one of the show’s executive producers.
For Valderrama, being a part of this project is a “dream” opportunity.
“Growing up, Zorro was the one character that made me, as a Latino, feel like I could be a hero,” theThat ’70s Showalum said in a statement. “As an adult and a storyteller, I have a responsibility in the stories that I help bring to life.”
“To partner with [executive producer] Gary [Marsh] 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,” he added.
Ayo Davis — President, Disney Branded Television — said Valderrama shares the company’s “commitment to reflect the interesting and rich diversity of the human experience.”
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“We look forward to delivering a culturally relevant and entertaining story with definitional characters that will connect with our viewers for generations to come,” she added.
Per Davis, the updated reiteration starring Valderrama will be “a compelling period piece, set in Pueblo de Los Angeles, but told in a very modern telenovela style.” It will also feature “richly drawn contemporary characters and relationships set against the action, drama, suspense and humor of the original, iconic Zorro.”
Zorro first appeared in the 1919 novel,The Curse of Capistrano. Many stars have gone on to portray the masked vigilante onscreen, includingAntonio BanderasandSir Anthony Hopkins.
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Ahead of nabbing the role of Zorro, Valderrama starred onNCISas Nick Torres. He also lent his voice to a character in the new Disney animated filmEncanto.
Additionally, Valderramawelcomed daughter Nakano Oceanain February with his fiancéeAmanda Pacheco.
source: people.com
