Eugenio Derbez Buys Comedy to Star in, Direct (Exclusive)

3pas Studios, the Santa Monica-based production shingle run by Mexican helmer-thesp Eugenio Derbez and former Pantelion Films production chief Ben Odell, has acquired an untitled original comedy script about an aging Latin lover for Derbez to topline and direct.

Both he and Odell will produce the pic, written by Chris Spain and Jon Zack, under 3pas Studio’s first look deal with Pantelion Films, the joint venture between Lionsgate and Mexican media giant Televisa. Details of the storyline are under wraps, but it is thought to have franchise potential for the shingle, which focuses on Spanish and English-language films for U.S. Latino and crossover auds.

“I was doubled over laughing in the pitch; the Latin lover is such an iconic character,” said Derbez. “We are very excited to add this to our slate.”

“We love Zack and Spain; they bring the humor and the heart that is the embodiment of our brand. And it’s a perfect vehicle for Eugenio,” said Odell.

3pas inked a first-look deal in August 2014 with Pantelion Films, which released Derbez’s breakout hit, “Instructions Not Included,” which grossed $44.5 million, making it the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the U.S. Pic grossed another $55 million overseas.

In addition to other projects, 3pas is in development on a remake of 2006 French comedy “The Valet,” which grossed $29.4 million worldwide.

Zack and Spain are repped by Paradigm and Principato Young.

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