Annie Gonzalez Stars in ‘Wild Ones’ Directed by New Filmmaker Manuel Figueroa with Support from Renowned Producers
Directorial Debut for Manuel Figueroa with Wild Ones
Manuel Figueroa is poised to make his feature directorial debut with Wild Ones, a coming-of-age drama featuring Annie Gonzalez, known for her role in Relationship Goal. The film boasts producers from notable studio backgrounds, including Ruben Fleischer, recognized for Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, and Jon Watts, director of Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Set in the mid-1990s Latinx community of Los Angeles, Wild Ones centers on Eddie, a hard-partying senior from the blue-collar San Gabriel Valley. His life takes a dramatic turn just weeks before graduation when he unexpectedly encounters Darlene, a responsible student with plans for her future. As Eddie grapples with his various challenges, an unlikely romance begins to unfold between them.
Drawing from his own life experiences, Figueroa co-wrote the script with Jordan Heimer. In addition to Figueroa, Fleischer, and Watts, producers include David Bernad, Darryll C. Scott of Evergreen Valley Productions, Paul Coy Allen, and Prince Baggett of Midas Entertainment.
An accomplished actress, Gonzalez has received two Imagen Award nominations. Currently, she stars alongside Kelly Rowland, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, and Robin Thede in Relationship Goals, a romantic comedy that premiered on Amazon Prime Video on February 4. Gonzalez is recognized for her roles in Flamin’ Hot and Jenni and is represented by Innovative Artists, Luber Roklin, and Granderson Des Rochers.
Figueroa’s career has included notable projects such as the pilot Studio Gangsters for AMC Networks. He has also developed Eastside for NBC and Three Joaquins for ABC, along with contributions to The District and other series, including work with musical artist Cuco and Eugenio Derbez’s 3Pas Studios. His experience extends to positions as an executive story editor on series like Stumptown (ABC) and Defiance (Syfy). He is currently writing an action film set in the reggaeton scene for Exile Entertainment/HYBE records and is represented by Gersh, Heroes and Villains Entertainment, and Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum.
