According to Variety, Wilmer Valderrama will star as Don Diego de la Vega, better known as Zorro, in a new series (of the same name) in development at Disney Branded Television. Set as a reimagining of the Disney-ABC Zorro series from the 1950s, this new telling will bring a notorious and beloved masked vigilante to modern audiences.
Valderrama takes the torch from a long line of actors who have portrayed the character in both film and television since the 1920s. Including Guy Williams, who portrayed Vega in the 50s’ series, and Antonio Banderas, who took up the mantle for the most recent film adaptations The Mask of Zorro and The Legend of Zorro.
RELATED: Scarlett Johansson: Disney Lawsuit Shows It’s Important to Know Your Worth
“We’re reimagining this Disney classic as a compelling period piece, set in Pueblo de Los Angeles, but told in a very modern telenovela style — with richly drawn contemporary characters and relationships set against the action, drama, suspense, and humor of the original, iconic Zorro,” president of Disney Branded Television, Ayo Davis, explains to Variety. “Wilmer shares our commitment to reflect the interesting and rich diversity of the human experience and we look forward to delivering a culturally relevant and entertaining story with definitional characters that will connect with our viewers for generations to come.”
Further evidence of Valderrama’s commitment to the role is his title as executive producer, alongside Gary Marsh, Disney Branded Television’s outgoing president and chief creative officer. Zorro Productions Inc.’s John Gertz is also set to executive produce.
“Growing up, Zorro was the one character that made me, as a Latino, feel like I could be a hero,” Valderrama told Variety. “As an adult and a storyteller, I have a responsibility in the stories that I help bring to life. To partner with Gary and Disney to bring Zorro back into the family after 60 years and be a part of the legacy for other children to know they too can be the heroes of their own stories is a dream come true.”
RELATED: Cobie Smulders Set for Disney+’s Secret Invasion
Valderrama is repped by UTA and Silver Lining Entertainment and is best known as the iconic Fez from That 70s Show. Further outings with Disney include the Disney Junior animated series Handy Mandy, as well as two Disney animated films, Onward and Encanto.
