La Bamba Remake in the Works at Sony

La Bamba Remake in the Works at Sony

As a devoted admirer of music and cinema history, I eagerly await the remake of the iconic film “La Bamba.” The original movie, released in 1987, beautifully captured the life and career of the legendary Ritchie Valens, whose impact continues to resonate even today. The upcoming remake, with Luis Valdez on board as an executive producer, promises to delve deeper into the short yet momentous life of this rock and roll pioneer.


1987’s biographical movie “La Bamba,” focusing on the life and music journey of rock and roll icon Ritchie Valens, remains a well-regarded production even today. Interestingly, Ritchie Valens is set to return to the big screen with a new take on “La Bamba” in development at Sony. According to Variety’s report, Mucho Mas Media and Sony are collaborating to create a remake of the Golden Globe-nominated film that portrays Valens’ life and career as a rock star.

Luis Valdez, creator and director of the initial movie, has agreed to serve as an executive producer. José Rivera, renowned for his work on “The Motorcycle Diaries” (2004), which earned him an Academy Award nomination, is set to pen the upcoming screenplay. Valdez discussed the enduring relevance of the film, the inspiration it offers future generations, and how this new biopic could further illuminate the brief yet impactful life and career of Ritchie Valens.

“The brief lifespan and professional journey of Richard Valenzuela remain a source of inspiration for fans globally. With fresh insights about his life emerging, a film portraying his ever-youthful seventeen years could further cement his enduring legend.”

Alongside Valdez, Sherrese Clarke Soares, Phillip Braun, Robert Muñoz, Simon Wise, Vincent Cordero, and Bruce Barshop will serve as executive producers. Javier Chapa is set to produce for Mucho Mas Media, with Sony Music Mexico joining as a creative partner for the music in the film. Chapa expressed his anticipation for the remake, stating that they aim to honor and elevate the original film just as Luis Valdez and the creators of ‘La Bamba’ did, making it a timeless classic. He also shared their excitement about retelling Ritchie Valens’ story.

“It’s a privilege and a humbling experience for us to share Ritchie’s tale – the remarkable journey of a young Hispanic man whose music and exceptional abilities touched and inspired countless others.”

La Bamba Boasts a Stellar Performance From Lou Diamond Phillips

La Bamba Remake in the Works at SonyLa Bamba Remake in the Works at SonyLa Bamba Remake in the Works at Sony

Lou Diamond Phillips played the character Richie Valens in the initial “La Bamba” film, produced by Columbia Pictures and launched in 1987. The narrative depicts the transformation of the 17-year-old Valens from a farm laborer to a popular rock star with numerous chart-topping songs and commercial triumphs. The movie garnered positive reviews from both critics and viewers, earning a nomination for “Best Motion Picture – Drama” at the Golden Globes. Phillips’ portrayal of Valens was particularly acclaimed, marking his breakthrough performance. In 2017, “La Bamba” was inducted into the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress, a distinction given to films for their cultural, historical or artistic significance.

If you’re unfamiliar, Valens was a renowned Mexican-American rock and roll artist known for his hits such as “La Bamba”, “Donna”, and “We Belong Together”. Sadly, his life and career were abruptly ended in 1959 following a plane crash that also took the lives of other pioneers in rock and roll, Buddy Holly and J.P. Richardson, also known as “The Big Bopper”. This tragic event has since been referred to as “The Day the Music Died.”

news about a remake emerges during a period when there’s been a boost in musician biopics. Movies like Elvis, Back to Black, focusing on Amy Winehouse’s career, and One Love, chronicling Bob Marley’s life, have enjoyed significant success lately. This year, we can expect releases such as Timothée Chalamet’s role as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, and Angelina Jolie portraying Maria Callas in her biopic Maria. Additionally, Lionsgate plans to unveil Michael, a biopic about Michael Jackson, featuring his nephew Jafaar Jackson, with a scheduled release date of 2025.

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2024-08-27 18:31