A remake of 1987’s La Bamba is in the works according to Variety. Directed and written by Luis Valdez, La Bamba is a 1987 film that follows the life of musician Ritchie Valens, which in that film was played by Lou Diamond Phillips. It also starred Esai Morales as Roberto “Bob” Morales, Rosanna DeSoto as Connie Valenzuela, Elizabeth Peña as Rosie Morales, Danielle von Zerneck as Donna Ludwig, Joe Pantoliano as Bob Keane, Rick Dees as Ted Quillin, and Stephen Lee as The Big Bopper.
Valdez will serve as an executive producer on the remake of La Bamba. José Rivera will write the the script, who’s previous works include 2004’s The Motorcycle Diaries, 2010’s Letters to Juliet, 2012’s On the Road, 2015’s The 33, and more.
“Together with the rock and roll classics of Ritchie Valens, my 1987 biopic La Bamba has graciously withstood the test of time,” Valdez said. “And yet, the tragically short life and career of Richard Valenzuela continues to inspire new generations of fans the world over.“
Javier Chapa is producing the film, who said in a statement; “We’re honored and humbled to be retelling Ritche’s story — the story of an incredible young Latino man who inspired so many people through his music and prodigious talent,” Chapa said. “We look to uphold and celebrate the original film in ways Luis Valdez and the filmmakers of La Bamba made it a classic.”
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