EXCLUSIVE
Maya and the Three creators, Jorge Gutiérrez, have set I, Chihuahua, as his first animated feature for Netflix. With actor and comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias coming aboard to produce and star. Check out the first-look concept art created for the part below.
Written by Gutiérrez, Doug Landale, and Candie Kelty Langdale,I, Chihuahua is billed as the ultimate underdog tale of Chacho. A scrappy masked Luchador Chihuahua who embarks on a hilarious and action-packed journey around the world to fight for his family. After learning his beloved home is in danger, Chacho dons a Lucha Libre mask to become Luchacho. Our masked underdog enters an international fight tournament, competing against a hilarious and eclectic mix of animal fighters. They are from worldwide in the lead-up to a final, epic fight against the nefarious beast called Chamuco. Iglesias will produce alongside Tim Yoon.
“I cannot wait for everyone to see this wonderful film celebrating underdogs in and out of the ring! It has action, drama, laughs and twists & turns, as any great Lucha storyline movie should have,” said Iglesias. “When I first had the idea of a Lucha Libre cartoon, there was no one else I wanted to partner with other than Jorge Gutierrez. He has a brilliant mind that can expand this story in unimaginable ways.”
I, Chihuahua!
“After The Book of Life and the amazing experience on Maya and the Three, I’m now thrilled to collaborate with [VP Animated Films] Melissa [Cobb], [VP Animated Films] Gregg [Taylor], [Director of Animated Films] Tito [Ortiz] and all my friends at Netflix Animation on my follow up animated feature: I, Chihuahua! And to finally tag team a movie with my good friend and creative partner Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is a dream come true!” added Gutiérrez. “Our internationally epic and heartfelt film will be a hilarious love letter to Lucha Libre (Mexican wrestling) movies, fighting video games, and underdog sports films. I don’t want to overpromise, but this will be the greatest masked Chihuahua film ever made! What a time to be alive!”
“Fluffy” is one of America’s most successful stand-up comedians. He has performed at sold-out concerts worldwide and is also one of the most watched comedians on YouTube. And with almost a billion views and more than 25 million fans across social media. He is currently on his Gabriel “Fluffy” Back On Tour and will make history from May 6-7 as he becomes the first comedian to perform at Dodger Stadium.
The Book of Life and Maya and the Three
Iglesias previously collaborated with Gutiérrez as part of the cast of The Book of Life and Maya and the Three. He has also featured in such series as Disney+’s Monsters at Work and ABC’s Cristela while leading his own Netflix sitcom, Mr. Iglesias. He has also lent his voice to animated (or partially animated) films, including Space Jam. A New Legacy, UglyDolls, Ferdinand, The Star, Coco, The Nut Job and The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature, Smurfs: The Lost Village and Norm of the North. Additional film credits include Magic Mike, Magic Mike XXL, and A Haunted House 2.
Gutiérrez is an Emmy- and Annie Award-winning animator, painter, voice actor, writer, and director whose Mesoamerican fantasy series Maya and the Three debuted on Netflix last year. That series won two Annie Awards upon its premiere. And including the prize for Best Children’s TV/Media, with Gutiérrez moving to expand his relationship with the streamer in writing, and directing. Producing new animated films, series, and interactive projects across preschool, kids & family, and adult animation.
The biography:
Born in Mexico City and raised in Tijuana, the CalArts graduate has completed various films, cartoons, and paintings exploring his love affair with Mexican pop and folk culture. He was the director and co-writer of Guillermo Del Toro. Iglesias produced the animated feature The Book of Life for Fox, which earned him a 2014 Golden Globe Award nomination. He was also the writer-director behind the Emmy-nominated VR short Son of Jaguar for Google. Gutiérrez also created the multiple Emmy Award-winning animated series El Tigre, The Adventures of Manny Rivera for Nickelodeon, alongside his wife, Sandra Equihua.
CAA, Arsonhouse Entertainment, and Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum presented by Iglasies. Gutiérrez by WME and Chatrone. And Doug and Candie Landale by Gotham Group.
