Spain Showbiz Latest News and Updates

Marta Balaga Spanish director Jonás Trueba wants you to celebrate the endings, not just the beginnings. That includes the demise of a serious relationship, because Ale and Alex (Itsaso Arana and Vito Sanz) have been together for 15 years. Now, they want only two things: to go their separate ways and to have a proper fiesta.

Leo Barraclough International Features Editor Berlin-based sales agency Films Boutique has closed the first international sales for Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof’s “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” ahead of its world premiere on Friday in the Competition section of the Cannes Film Festival. The film has been acquired in Italy by BiM Distribuzione and Lucky Red, Benelux by September Film Distribution, Spain by Bteam Pictures, Greece by Ama Films, Hungary by Cirko Film, Norway by Selmer Media, Portugal by Leopardo Filmes, Taiwan by Hooray Films and Turkey by Bir Film.

Leo Barraclough International Features Editor Manila-based production outfit Parallax Studio and entertainment company Saga Film Studios have formed a joint venture that will distribute the two-part Western epic “Horizon: An American Saga” in the Philippines. The deal is the first of a number of acquisitions planned by the joint venture. The “Horizon: An American Saga” films are directed by and star Academy Award winner Kevin Costner.

John Hopewell Chief International Correspondent Spain’s Latido Films has clinched world sales rights to “Sacamantecas,” the third feature by writer-director David Pérez Sañudo, whose Latido-repped debut feature, “Ane,” swept three Spanish Academy Goya Awards in 2021. Latido is already handling Pérez Sañudo’s second feature, “Los últimos románticos,” which it announced at the Berlin Film Festival as the first title in a two-picture deal with Sañudo.

Another Manchester footballing legend has emerged. They have the feistiness of City's Mike Doyle in his battling heyday and a unique sartorial style to match the once boutique-owning George Best and Mike Summerbee, or the iconic David Beckham and Eric Cantona.

AC/DC kicked off their huge European stadium tour in Germany last night (May 17), marking their return to touring for the first time in 8 years.The tour, in support of their 2020 comeback record ‘Power Up’, began at the 62,000-capacity Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen and was the first featuring new bassist Chris Chaney, who is best known for his tenure in Jane’s Addiction. He replaced Cliff Williams after he retired from touring.Their setlist was almost identical to the one in their comeback gig at Power Trip Festival in October, albeit with the order of some of the songs changed.

John Hopewell Chief International Correspondent Movistar Plus+, Spain’s most-viewed pay TV operator, is partnering on “Los domingos,” a new film from “Lullaby” director Alauda Ruíz de Azua and the producers of that critically acclaimed film. “Los Domingos” is set in and will shoot in Ruíz de Azúa’s native Basque country, said Nahikari Ipiña at Sayaka Producciones (“Colossal”). Now in development, “Los Domingos” is produced by Movistar Plus+ and Sayaka and Marisa Fernández Armenteros’ Buenapinta Media (“The Mole Agent”), Sandra Hermida at Think Studio and Colosé Producciones (“Society of the Snow”) and Manu Calvo (“Wounded”).

John Hopewell Chief International Correspondent In a deal sealed at Cannes, Spain’s Film Factory has closed France with Wild Bunch on action film “The Gentleman” as well as crime thriller “Undercover.” The directorial debut of seasoned Mexican cinematographer Luis Gabriel Beristáin (“Blade II,” “The Beekeeper”), “The Gentleman” stars Ron Perlman as Theo, an aging former U.S. soldier who pays Olga, a prostitute, to talk with him about who he once was and what he might have been. When Olga is brutally murdered, Theo embarks on bloody revenge.

Todd Longwell The Sony Pictures sequel “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” made headlines as it rolled through a succession of Florida locations in late February and early March, with reports of crews “spark(ing) buzz” filming on the A1A Highway in Fort Lauderdale, fans catching a glimpse of stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in Brickell, and traffic tie-ups in Miami. “If you look at the trailer, you’ll see anything that has to do with the beach is all us, with the stunt scene that they did on Ocean Drive in Fort Lauderdale,” boasts Sandy Lighterman, film commissioner for Broward County (Film Lauderdale) and president of Film Florida.

EXCLUSIVE: Whitney Peak (Hocus Pocus 2, Molly’s Game, Gossip Girl) has been cast in Aisling Walsh’s Ethel, alongside the previously announced cast of Shira Haas and Sarah Paulson. Bankside Films first launched the title, which is currently in pre-production, earlier this year and has completed a number of international pre-sales in Cannes. 

Jamie Lang Spanish sales, distribution, and production company Filmax has picked up international rights to the upcoming kids and family animated feature “The Light of Aisha” and is sharing the project with buyers at this year’s Marché du Film. The CG-animated film tells the story of Aisha, a young girl living in XI-century Al-Andalus in the south of modern-day Spain.

Prime Video’s German series Maxton Hall – The World Between Us has been handed a swift recommission after becoming the streamer’s most-watched international show of all time in its first week.

John Hopewell Chief International Correspondent “La Mesías” star Carmen Machi, Almodóvar muse Rossy de Palma and Blanca Portillo, a Cannes best actress co-winner for Almodóvar’s “Volver,” are set to star in “The Prey” (“Dia de Caza”), billed as a contemporary revision of Carlos Saura’s 1965 pic “The Hunt,” quite possibly his crowing achievement. The film is set to shoot in July in Spain’s Extremadura, with theatrical release scheduled for summer 2025. Brutal, kinetic at times and taking no prisoners, Saura’s original won a Berlin Silver Bear.

A Place in the Sun buyer was thrilled to secure her dream home in Spain on Wednesday's instalment of the popular Channel 4 property programme.

Jennifer Garner knows how to make a good TikTok. The 52-year-old actress loves creating content on the app, and on Tuesday, she shared an adorable video dancing to “Your Soul” by Jules Spinner, channeling her inner ‘80s girl.

Gemma Atkinson shares a string of sweet moments from her and her daughter's visit to see Gorka Marquez as he continues touring the country with his Strictly Come Dancing co-stars.

Imax has committed screens around the world to show Francis Ford Coppola‘s magnum opus “Megalopolis,” the company’s CEO Richard Gelfond confirmed at a Cannes Film Festival event on Thursday. The film’s trailer, which debuted on Tuesday, said that “Megalopolis” would be coming to Imax theaters this year — but it was not specified that the release would be global. The run-up to the premiere of Francis Ford Coppola’s self-financed epic at Cannes on Friday has been filled with anticipation and controversy, partly because “Megalopolis” has yet to secure a U.S.

Brits heading to a popular holiday destination this summer have been warned of huge crowds of tourists. Croatia has soared in popularity in recent years as a cheaper alternative to traditional places such as Spain and Italy.

A Place in the Sun buyer has revealed how her dream home completely transformed her life after a night out. The Channel 4 show's host, Sara Damergi, was on hand to help Donna find her perfect holiday home abroad in Wednesday 15 May episode. Joined by her best friend Savannah, Donna was on the hunt for a two-bedroom apartment in Roquetas de Mar, Spain, with a budget of £70,000.

Jamie Lang Buenos Aires-based production, sales, and distribution outfit FilmSharks is hosting a pair of market screenings for David Bisbano‘s animated feature “Dalia and the Red Book” at this year’s Marché du Film, and Variety has been given exclusive access to the first English-language trailer for the film. “Dalia” will screen twice at this year’s market, on Thursday, May 16, at 2:00 p.m. in Palais E and on Friday, May 17, at 9:30 a.m.

John Hopewell Chief International Correspondent Chile’s Quijote Films, behind Cannes 2023 Un Certain Regard Fipresci Prize winner “The Settlers,” has tied down a powerful alliance of international partners on “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo,” the first feature of 2018 Cannes Cinéfondation top winner Diego Céspedes. An LGBTQ-themed drama, “The Mysterious Gaze” is set in a mining town where a strange illness is said to be transmitted between men who fall in love with each other.

Leo Barraclough International Features Editor Beta Cinema has closed a slew of international territory sales on its resistance epic “William Tell,” Nick Hamm’s adaptation of Friedrich Schiller’s play. WME Independent represents domestic rights.

Alex Garland’s Civil War has been set for a June 7 theatrical release date in China. This marks the first time an A24 production will officially hit cinemas there. The dystopian thriller was acquired by Huahua Media in the market with Alibaba set to partner on the local release. 

Anne Hathaway candidly shared her eclectic musical tastes, unveiling a surprising affinity for the groundbreaking sounds of Spanish sensation Rosalía.In an interview with Remezcla, Hathaway expressed unabashed adoration for Rosalía, confessing, “I’m going to actually faint because I love [Rosalía] so much.” She described how Rosalía’s captivating song “Malamente” had gripped her for five months, exerting an irresistible influence on her mind. But Hathaway’s musical journey doesn’t stop at Rosalía.

ITV2's Love Island is reportedly set for a major shake-up on its launch night, with the new series just weeks away.The popular dating show is due to return soon, and it's rumoured that there will be some big changes on the first night. The show, which sees singletons enter the iconic villa in search of love, will be back on our screens on Wednesday 5 June and Maya Jama is set to return as host, giving fans their much-needed Love Island fix. But it appears that ITV bosses are reportedly planning to take the launch up a notch as the show will celebrate its eleventh summer season when it returns to the Spanish island of Mallorca.

Maya Jama left King Charles in stitches with a cheeky Love Island quip during a star-studded Buckingham Palace garden party.The TV presenter and host of the hit ITV2 dating show sparked a light-hearted moment with the King at the garden party celebrating the creative industries. Upon meeting the monarch, 29 year old Maya introduced herself, saying to the Charles: "I host Love Island. I don't know if you've watched it? It's a reality dating show." King Charles, 75, quipped back: "There's one born every minute." When asked about her future plans, Maya told the King: “I’m just about to go to Spain to film some young people snog someone”, promising a new lineup of singles eager for romance in the well-known villa, reports the Mirror.

Michelle Salas recently shared a photo alongside her father, Luis Miguel. The rare event took place after Luis Miguel celebrated his birthday, showing the world the tight and loving bond that exists between them, even if they rarely discuss the topic publicly. Michelle’s mother, Stephanie Salas has addressed the image, revealing that she’s happy and proud of her daughter regarding all of her decisions.Stephanie addressed the press shortly before Mother’s Day, where she was asked about Michelle’s Instagram post with her father.

Tom Cruise might be 61, but he has a better body than some men half his age. The legendary actor famously played beach volleyball shirtless in Top Gun when he was 23, and 38 years later, he is still rocking some impressive abs. While he isn’t flaunting them too often these days, he was recently spotted soaking up the sun and enjoying the beach in Mallorca, Spain.

Suri Cruise is enjoying her walks. The 18 year old daughter of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise was spotted enjoying an afternoon walk in New York city over the past week, wearing some comfortable clothes and carrying a backpack. Tom Cruise looked ripped in Spain with Alejandro Gonzalez IñarritSuri Cruise and Katie Holmes look like sisters on a fashionable coffee datePhotos show Suri taking advantage of the warmer weather and the opening weeks of spring, wearing a pink t-shirt and some grey sweatpants.

Jamie Lang International sales and distribution outfit Pink Parrot Media has closed several key deals for Doce Entertainment and Mr. Miyagi Films’ animated kids and family feature “Hanna and the Monsters.” Agreements have been made with World Visions for CIS, Boxoo for South Korea, Front Row for the Middle East, GPI for the Baltics, Cinetel for Hungary, Wediacorp for Turkey and Movie Company for Benelux.