Remake of ‘La Bamba’ Currently Underway

Mucho Mas Media and Sony Pictures are teaming up to bring a remake of the 1987 film ‘La Bamba,’ which chronicles the life of American Chicano rock and roll star Ritchie Valens, to the big screen once more.

The announcement, first reported by Variety, confirms that Luis Valdez, the original film’s director and writer, will serve as executive producer. The screenplay will be penned by Oscar-nominated writer José Rivera.

The 1987 film saw Lou Diamond Phillips take on the role of Ritchie Valens. The young singer tragically died in a plane crash in Iowa in 1959, at the tender age of 17. The same crash also claimed the lives of Buddy Holly and “The Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson. The film featured additional stars like Esai Morales, Rosanna DeSoto, Elizabeth Peña, and Joe Pantoliano. It received a nomination for Best Motion Picture, Drama at the 1988 Golden Globe Awards. In a testament to its lasting impact, ‘La Bamba’ was added to the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress in 2017.

In a statement, Valdez shared his thoughts on the remake: “Together with the rock and roll classics of Ritchie Valens, my 1987 biopic La Bamba has graciously withstood the test of time. And yet, the tragically short life and career of Richard Valenzuela continues to inspire new generations of fans the world over. As new biographical details have come to light, a new cinematic look at his eternally young seventeen years on earth can only add to his undying legend.”

Javier Chapa will produce the new film for Mucho Mas Media, with Sherrese, Clarke Soares, Phillip Braun, Robert Muñoz, Simon Wise, Vincent Cordero, and Bruce Barshop also serving as executive producers. Sony Music Mexico is set to be the creative partner for the music in the remake.

“We’re honored and humbled to be retelling Ritchie’s story — the story of an incredible young Latino man who inspired so many people through his music and prodigious talent,” Chapa remarked. “We look to uphold and celebrate the original film in ways Luis Valdez and the filmmakers of ‘La Bamba’ made it a classic.”

For now, further details about the remake, including casting choices, remain under wraps. However, with the project officially on the docket, fans can expect more information to trickle out in the coming months. In the meantime, the original ‘La Bamba’ film is available for streaming on Tubi at no cost, providing an excellent way for fans to reacquaint themselves with Valens’ poignant story and musical legacy.