If you’re of a certain age you know the film La Bamba and the 1958 song by Ritchie Valens that became a hit once more in 1987 performed by Los Lobos. Chances are, you never thought anyone would bother to remake La Bamba. It’s one of those movies that was really important to a certain generation and was even added to the National Film Registry, but it’s still largely unknown to younger people. And perhaps that is why a remake is in the works, to reach new audiences who may not know Valens’ tragic story.
Variety reports that Sony and Mucho Mas Media are teaming up for a La Bamba remake. The film will tell the story of 17-year-old Mexican-American singer Ritchie Valens who became a rock ‘n roll sensation, going from field worker to heartthrob celebrity with a string of dance hits including “La Bamba”. His career would burn hot then end tragically on “The Day the Music Died” in 1959 alongside other rock ‘n roll legends Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper.
The original movie made a superstar out of Lou Diamond Phillips and earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Drama. That film’s director, Luis Valdez, is aboard the remake as exec-producer. José Rivera, best known for The Motorcycle Diaries and On the Road, is writing the script. Perhaps they can convince River’s frequent collaborator Walter Salles to direct? Nobody is attached as of yet.
The kid in me hates this, but it’s going to happen anyway so might as well hope for the best. La Bamba is still a great film, iconic for a good reason. Check it out if you haven’t seen it before.
