A remake of the 1987 movie about the life of Ritchie Valens, the rocker who died in a plane crash, alongside Buddy Holly and “The Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson, on Feb. 3, 1959 is on the way, Mucho Mas Media and Sony Pictures announced.
Luis Valdez, the writer and director of the original film, is on board as an executive producer, with José Rivera, who is best known for 2004’s The Motorcycle Diaries, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award, is attached to write the new screenplay. Valdez spoke about his film standing the test of time, Valens’ inspiration for a new generation, and how the new biopic can provide even more insight into Valens’ short, but successful life and career.
“The tragically short life and career of Richard Valenzuela continues to inspire new generations of fans the world over. 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.”
The original movie starred Lou Diamond Phillips who played Ritchie Valens, Esai Morales as Valens’ troubled older brother, Bob; Rosanna DeSoto as his mom, Connie; Elizabeth Peña as Ritchie and Bob’s love interest, Rosie; and Danielle von Zerneck as the inspiration for Valens’ hit “Donna.”
La Bamba was a solid hit, earning more than $54 million on a budget of $6.5 million.
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