Pantelion Films, the joint venture between Lionsgate and Mexican media corporation Televisa, has cast Oscar-winning actress Marisa Tomei to star in La Vida Robot opposite George Lopez. Based on Joshua Davis’ Wired magazine story, the film is being directed by Sean McNamara. Lopez is producing the project via his Travieso Productions banner, with David Alpert via the Circle of Confusion banner, Rick Jacobs, Leslie Kolins Smith and Ben Odell. Principal photography for the project began this month in New Mexico.
Paul Presburger, Pantelion Films’ CEO, said, “We are fortunate to have a star of Marisas caliber join the film. Marisa and George combine to give LA VIDA ROBOT the star power and cross-cultural appeal that has become a Pantelion trademark, and together they tell an incredible true story.”
The film is based on a true David & Goliath story about four undocumented Mexican American teenagers from Phoenix who form a robotics team. With 800 bucks, used car parts and a dream, they build an underwater robot that wins the national robotics competition taking down reigning champion MIT. Tomei will portray a dedicated and passionate teacher whose belief in the rag tag team helps lead them to success.
La Vida Robot marks the first film under Lopez’s recently announced overall film and TV deal with Pantelion and South Shore, the TV venture between Lionsgate and Televisa.
Pantelions Ben ODell will oversee the project for the studio.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
