Jorge Gutierrez is bringing more fun to Netflix. Per Cartoon Brew, the streaming service has announced a new feature film, I, Chihuahua, from the director of the hit series Maya and the Three. The synopsis of the film can be read below!
After learning his beloved home is in danger, a young chihuahua named 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 from all over the world, leading to the final epic fight against the nefarious beast known as Chamuco, The Widow Maker.
The film is the first project in a deal that Gutierrez, signed with Netflix in 2020, where himself and production company Mexopolis will be creating original content for the streaming platform. This deal includes the production of films, shows, and interactive projects that could range from preschool-aged children to adult animation! Gutierrez had this to say in a statement on the new deal with Netflix.
"Dang! I could not be more thankful to extend my creative love affair with my beloved Netflix! Melissa Cobb and the entire Netflix Animation team match my endless passion for diversity and inclusion in front and behind the camera. After all the kindness that has been shown to me, I look forward to mentoring and empowering diverse storytellers from not only North America, but also Central and South America. My mustached heart has a six pack and I can’t wait to create new stories and bold new worlds. What a time to be alive!"
Lucha Love!
I, Chihuahua’s script will be written by Gutierrez, Doug Langdale, and Candie Kelty Langdale. The film will also be produced by Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias and Tim Yoon. Iglesias, who previously worked with Gutierrez in The Book of Life and Maya and the Three, expressed excitement to work with the director. This time, however, he will be taking center stage as Chacho the star Chihuahua.
"I cannot wait for everyone to see this wonderful film that celebrates underdogs in and out of the ring! It has action, drama, laughs and twists & turns, like any great Lucha storyline movie should have. 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."
Gutierrez has a long history of colorful, inspired, and unique animation. One of the stand-out aspects of his projects, which also include 2014’s The Book of Life and the Nickelodeon cartoon El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera, that he always finds a way to add some love and appreciation for Mexico and Mexican culture. According to Gutierrez’s statement on the project, I, Chihuahua will be no different!
"After The Book of Life and the amazing experience on Maya and the Three, I’m now thrilled to collaborate with Melissa, Gregg, Tito 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! 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 over promise but THIS WILL BE THE GREATEST MASKED CHIHUAHUA FILM EVER MADE! What a time to be alive!"