Gina Rodriguez’s feature directorial debut, the boxing drama House of Guerrero, has set its lead cast, with Rosario Dawson and George Lopez joining Carlos Sanson Jr. and Rodriguez herself. Produced by Justin Baldoni, the film is now in production across Los Angeles and California’s Imperial Valley.
Sanson Jr. leads the film as Alex Guerrero, a once-promising boxer whose rise to fame is derailed for reasons that have not yet been disclosed. Given a second chance at glory, Alex returns to the ring with his ex-fighter father, Alejandro, played by Lopez, back in his corner.
Dawson plays Elsa, Alex’s mother, while Rodriguez takes on the role of Paloma, Alex’s older sister. Set against the backdrop of communities where boxing has long served as a pathway to identity, discipline, opportunity and pride, the film centers on the Guerrero family and draws on the deep history of Latino boxing and the enduring professional fighting culture of the Los Angeles and El Centro regions.
The story comes from an original concept developed by Rodriguez alongside screenwriter Bernardo Cubría, known for his work on Acapulco. The project marks the first professional collaboration between Rodriguez and Baldoni since the two played onscreen love interests Jane Villanueva and Rafael Solano on the long-running ABC series Jane the Virgin, adding a personal connection to Baldoni’s decision to produce her directorial debut.
Speaking about the project, producer Scott Budnick said, “Latinos have always been a powerful force in boxing, as passionate fans and as champions who have shaped the sport. It was vital to us to tell a story that felt both authentic and deeply respectful of the enormous impact Latinos have had on boxing. That authenticity starts with the cast, and it’s a tremendous honor to welcome Gina, Carlos, George and Rosario to the Guerrero family.”
Andrew Calof of Wayfarer Studios, another producer on the film, added, “The level of talent Gina has assembled for House of Guerrero is truly exceptional. We’re only a few days into shooting, and you can already feel the laughter, the love and the raw emotion coming through in these performances.”
House of Guerrero is produced by Scott Budnick and Ameet Shukla for 1Community; Molly Breeskin for Rodriguez’s I Can And I Will Productions banner; and Baldoni alongside Calof for Wayfarer Studios. The film is being co-financed by Wayfarer Studios, 1Community, HarbourView Media Group and Clare LoCicero, with additional tax credit financing provided by Three Point Capital.
Executive producers include Steve Sarowitz and Jamey Heath for Wayfarer, along with Sherrese Clarke and Niija Kuykendall for HarbourView Media Group, as well as LoCicero and Alice S. Kim.
UTA Independent Film Group is handling worldwide sales on the film. Casting was handled by Mary Vernieu and Lindsay Graham Ahanonu, with cast deals negotiated by Eric W. Thompson.
Sanson Jr. is represented by M88 and United Management, Dawson by CAA and Untitled, Lopez by UTA and 3 Arts Management, and Rodriguez by WME.
Dawson is best known for her role in Disney+’s Ahsoka and her early breakout in 25th Hour. Lopez, known for his long-running stand-up and sitcom career, currently stars in NBC’s Lopez vs. Lopez and recently appeared in Blue Beetle. Sanson Jr. has previously appeared in Bump and Paper Dolls.
With production now underway, House of Guerrero brings together established comedic and dramatic talent with rising lead Sanson Jr. The film marks a significant step for Rodriguez as she moves from acting into directing, with a story rooted in family, legacy and the deep cultural history of Latino boxing.