This is a story I’m very happy to report, since the man behind it all is actually a longtime friend. I first met Richard Dominguez in the early 1990s when he was debuting his comic book creation El Gato Negro, a superhero for a Latino audience that was carefully designed to be accessible for all. I never met anyone who picked up that book that didn’t like it, and Richard was part of that charm, as his enthusiasm was part of why it worked so well. Over the years he’s had interest in the character from the Hollywood scene, but nothing seemed to get past the talking stage. Today, that all changes. MGM Television has cast Diego Boneta (ROCK OF AGES) to star in a series, which will be executive produced by Dominguez through his company Three Amigos. Joel Novoa (ARROW) serves as co-executive producer. Deadline broke the story, but things are moving along for the show at a brisk pace, and it will see International distribution.
The comic book series was first released in 1993 through Richard’s Azteca Productions and was a hit with fans. The initial run of 5000 copies sold out in two months. Which for an independently produced comic at the time was impressive. The Deadline article featured a quote from Diego Boneta about the series and his excitement on starring in the title role, stating “I am so honored to be partnering with my friend Mark Burnett and MGM to bring this classic and truly epic superhero to life. I know that bringing this Latin superhero-led series to the screen is a great responsibility and a huge challenge, but I couldn’t have a better partner than MGM.”
Mark Burnett added “Since I first worked with Diego on The Dovekeepers for CBS, I knew he was a one-of-a-kind, multi-talented actor who has only become better with each role he inhabits. I consider him a friend. From Luis Miguel to this project, I know he will bring this character to life like no one else can do.”
This is a big deal in the world of comics, as independent books are often overlooked or not considered for mainstream media productions, and it’s a huge thing for the Latino audiences to have a superhero television series with a strong Latino leading man. Despite being very busy prepping for the series, I did manage to get a nice quote from Richard on this news… consider this an exclusive!
“This is definitely a dream come true and almost 25 years in the making. I’m looking forward in working with both director, Joel Novoa and actor, Diego Boneta on making this television worth watching.”
I want to officially congratulate Richard on this incredible news, and well-deserved attention it’s been getting online. Stay tuned for more news on EL GATO NEGRO: NOCTURNAL WARRIOR.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
