Zayas and Emiliano Vargas Join the Cast of 'House of Guerrero'

Xander Zayas and Emiliano Vargas are heading from the ring to a film set. Top Rank announced Nov. 10 that both fighters have joined the cast of House of Guerrero, the boxing drama that marks Gina Rodriguez's feature directorial debut. Sports Illustrated independently confirmed the casting.

According to SI, Zayas plays a character named JJ Perez, promoter Eddie Hearn appears as himself, and Emiliano's older brother, Amado Vargas, has a minor role. SI also reports that the Vargas brothers portray siblings Declan and Aldo Hernandez, without saying which brother plays which part. Those role assignments come from SI; Top Rank's post did not list character names.

Rodriguez, who also stars as the lead's older sister, said in a statement provided to SI: "To have real legends and figures from the boxing world be part of House of Guerrero means everything to me. Their presence brings an authenticity that you simply cannot manufacture, but even more than that, it feels like a beautiful tribute to the sport and the people who have dedicated their lives to it. This film is a love letter to boxing, to family, and to the communities that raised us, and having the boxing world embrace it makes it all the more special."

From boxbid.ioPlay Fantasy Boxing, freePick every fight on the card. Win points and the weekly Ringside badge. Play

Carlos Sanson Jr. leads the film as Alex Guerrero, with George Lopez and Rosario Dawson in the family roles, according to Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter, which first reported the project in September. Becky G and Tokischa later joined the ensemble, as reported by Billboard and SI. The Hollywood Reporter says fight choreography is being led by Clayton J. Barber and Eric Brown.

Deadline and THR both say production is underway in Los Angeles and California's Imperial Valley. No release date has been reported.

Kimster's take: boxers showing up in a boxing movie is not a plot twist. The news is that two of Top Rank's younger names are in the picture, and that the production is already shooting. Until a date is on the calendar, it's a casting announcement, not a premiere.

When Zayas is back in the ring, try Guess the Purse on his next card.