1987 Biography No Bamba The film chronicles the life and career of rock and roll legend Ritchie Valens, a critically acclaimed film that still holds up today. Now, Ritchie Valens gets another big screen appearance with No Bamba According to a report from Variety, Mucho Mas Media and Sony are teaming up to remake the Golden Globe-nominated film based on the life and career of rock star Valens.
Luis Valdez, the writer and director of the original film, serves as executive producer, along with Jose Rivera, best known for the 2004 film. Motorcycle Diaries, Valdes has been tapped to write the new screenplay, which earned him an Oscar nomination. Valdes spoke about his timeless film, Valens’ inspiration for a new generation, and how the new biopic can provide more insight into Valens’ short but successful life and career.
“Richard Valenzuela’s tragically short life and career continue to inspire new generations of fans around the world. As new details of his life emerge, a new cinematic look at his 17 young years on Earth can only add to his enduring legend.”
In addition to Valdez producing, Cherise Clark Suarez, Philip Brown, Robert Munoz, Simone Wise, Vincent Cordero and Bruce Barshop will also executive produce. Javier Chapa will produce for Mucho Mas Media, with a creative partnership with Sony Music Mexico for the film’s soundtrack. “We look forward to supporting and celebrating the original in ways that Luis Valdez and the creators of ‘La Bamba’ made it a classic,” Chapa said of the upcoming remake. He added that they are excited to retell Valens’ story.
“We are honored and humbled to retell Richie’s story — the story of an amazing young Latino who inspired so many people through his music and immense talent.”
“La Bamba” boasts a stellar performance from Lou Diamond Phillips.
Lou Diamond Phillips played Ritchie Valens in the original film. No Bamba The film, released in 1987 by Columbia Pictures, follows the journey of 17-year-old Valens from field worker to rock star with a string of hit songs and commercial success. The film received positive reviews from critics and audiences, and received a nomination for “Best Motion Picture – Drama” at the Golden Globe Awards. Phillips's portrayal of Valens in particular was widely praised, becoming his signature role. No Bamba It was added to the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress in 2017, which recognizes films for their cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance.
For those who don’t know, Valens was a Mexican-American rock and roll icon, with hits like “La Bamba,” “Donna,” and “We Belong Together.” His career ended tragically in 1959 when he died alongside fellow rock and roll pioneers Buddy Holly and “The Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson in a plane crash. The tragedy has since been described as “the day the music died.”
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The announcement of the remake comes amid a resurgence in musician biopics. Recent projects include Elvis, Back to Black, Which follows the career of Amy Winehouse, and one loveFilms about Bob Marley's life and career have been a huge success. Upcoming biopics are planned, including Timothée Chalamet's Totally unknown Where he will play Bob Dylan; and Angelina Jolie will play Maria Callas in her biopic. Maria Both films are scheduled to be released this year. Lionsgate is also set to release MichaelA biopic about Michael Jackson, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, is scheduled for release in 2025.
