Ritchie Valens is set to return to the big screen with a new remake of the acclaimed 1987 film La Bamba, developed by Mucho Mas Media and Sony Pictures. Luis Valdez, who wrote and directed the original film, will return as an executive producer, while Oscar-nominated screenwriter José Rivera, known for The Motorcycle Diaries and On the Road, will craft the new script.
The original 1987 film, which starred Lou Diamond Phillips as Valens, chronicles the life of the 17-year-old Mexican-American rock star, from his humble beginnings to his rise as a musical sensation. The movie, renowned for its soundtrack featuring hit songs by Grammy-winning band Los Lobos and classic ’50s tracks, not only earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Drama but was also honored by the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress in 2017.
Valens, celebrated for hits like “Donna” and “We Belong Together,” tragically passed away at just 17 in a plane crash alongside Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper, an event famously known as “The Day the Music Died.”
Valdez expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting that the enduring legacy of Valens continues to inspire new generations. “A new cinematic look at his life can only add to his undying legend,” Valdez said.
Javier Chapa will produce for Mucho Mas Media, with Sherrese Clarke Soares, Phillip Braun, Robert Muñoz, Simon Wise, Vincent Cordero, and Bruce Barshop serving as executive producers. Sony Music Mexico will collaborate on the film’s music.
“We’re honored to retell Ritchie’s story, celebrating the incredible impact of this young Latino artist’s music and talent,” Chapa stated.
José Rivera is represented by UTA, Code Entertainment, and Skrzyniarz & Mallean.
