Wilmer Valderrama to Star in a Modern Telenovela Version of ‘El Zorro’

Spoiler alert! El Zorro returns to television through a new live-action series that has been approved by Disney. Colombo-Venezuelan actor Wilmer Valderrama has been chosen to play Don Diego de la Vega and his alter ego El Zorro, a character created by Johnston McCulley. 

Valderrama joins the list of actors who have previously played El Zorro previously in TV and film: Antonio Banderas, Guy Williams, Robert Livingston and Douglas Fairbanks.

The classic story will be reimagined with a modern telenovela style that will take place in a Los Angeles town with iconic elements from the original series such as action, drama, suspense and humor, According to Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded TV.

The 90s version of El Zorro is now available on Disney+

“Growing up, Zorro was the only character that made me feel —as a Latino— that I could be a hero. As an adult and storyteller, I have a responsibility in the stories that I help bring to life,” Valderrama told the Hollywood Reporter. “Partnering with Gary and Disney to bring Zorro back to the family after 60 years and being part of the legacy so other kids know that they too can be the heroes of their own stories is a dream come true.”

Valderrama continues to enjoy the success of Disney’s latest animation film Encanto, number one movie in the world in the last few days, where he was the voice of Bruno. 

Keep up the good work representing Latinos in Hollywood, Wilmer!