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Chino Pacas, Clave Especial, and Vic Blends Join Gina Rodriguez's Boxing Drama 'House of Guerrero'

Chino Pacas, Clave Especial, Vic Blends, and Emily Austin have joined the cast of Gina Rodriguez's directorial debut House of Guerrero, a boxing drama produced alongside Justin Baldoni's Wayfarer Studios.

3 min readvia The Hollywood Reporter

The upcoming boxing drama House of Guerrero has broadened its ensemble with the addition of regional Mexican artist Chino Pacas, musical group Clave Especial, digital creator Vic Blends, and sports media personality Emily Austin. The project marks the feature film directorial debut of Golden Globe winner Gina Rodriguez, who is also producing and co-writing the drama. Production is currently underway across Southern California, with filming taking place in Los Angeles and the Imperial Valley.

Carlos Sanson Jr. leads the cast as Alex Guerrero, a once-promising professional fighter determined to mount a career comeback amid mounting personal and physical obstacles. The production features a high-profile supporting lineup that includes Rosario Dawson, George Lopez, and international recording artists Becky G and Tokischa. The film centers on family legacy, resilience, and the demanding reality of the combat sports circuit.

The latest casting moves introduce talent from across music, sports journalism, and digital media into the dramatic narrative. Austin, an experienced sports broadcaster who has covered high-profile bouts for DAZN, makes her feature acting debut as an on-screen boxing announcer. Popular barber and online personality Vic Blends and musical acts Chino Pacas and Clave Especial round out the newly announced cast additions.

Rodriguez co-wrote the screenplay alongside playwright and screenwriter Bernardo Cubria, crafting a narrative deeply rooted in Latino culture and community dynamics. The film represents a major milestone for Rodriguez, who previously helmed television episodes of series such as Jane the Virgin, Diary of a Future President, and Charmed. Stepping into the feature director's chair allows her to guide a full-length narrative from development through production.

The project also reunites Rodriguez with her former Jane the Virgin co-star Justin Baldoni, whose banner Wayfarer Studios is producing and co-financing the film. Wayfarer is partnering on the feature with social-impact entertainment company 1Community. The creative collaboration between Rodriguez and Baldoni marks their first major film team-up since their acclaimed multi-season run on network television.

By incorporating prominent names from contemporary Latin music like Chino Pacas alongside social media figures and seasoned actors, the production bridges multiple entertainment sectors. Chino Pacas has emerged as a standout voice in the regional Mexican and corridos tumbados movement, drawing massive streaming audiences across North America. Blending authentic boxing media professionals with established Hollywood veterans aims to bring verisimilitude to the film's athletic atmosphere.

For Wayfarer Studios and 1Community, the movie aligns with ongoing efforts to finance and champion culturally specific stories with broad commercial appeal. Both production companies have prioritized narrative projects centered on underrepresented communities and human connection. The collaborative financing structure provides independent backing while maintaining creative control under Rodriguez's leadership.

Principal photography is progressing in California, utilizing practical locations in both urban Los Angeles and the rural landscape of the Imperial Valley to capture the boxer's roots. The dual settings reflect the central character's journey from local neighborhood gyms to high-stakes professional bouts. Crew members and production partners are aiming to capture a gritty, grounded visual style tailored to modern sports cinema.

A theatrical or streaming distribution partner has not yet been formally announced as filming continues. With production active and post-production expected later in the year, House of Guerrero is poised to target festivals or a commercial release window once distribution packaging concludes. The completed project is anticipated to serve as a significant showcase for Rodriguez's directorial capabilities and Sanson's leading-man credentials.

Primary source: The Hollywood Reporter. Newzly rewrites and structures source reporting for clarity; verify critical details at the original.