Tejano legend Selena Quintanilla’s life is finally going to receive the much-deserved spotlight – a series that may be long-overdue has been greenlighted by streaming service giant Netflix in collaboration with the family of the late singer. Titled “Selena: The Series,” the details, including the number of episodes and premiere date, have yet to be announced.
Suzette Quintanilla, Selena’s sister, said in a statement that the series will give the audience an idea of how the late singer had changed their family’s life and the music industry in general. Furthermore, the show will give clueless fans a sneak peek into who the famed performer was behind the camera, thereby letting them understand how she had become an icon all throughout the years.
Focus On Family Life
Spearheading the script is Moises Zamora, executive producer famous for “American Crime” and “Star,” who will make the show along with Suzette; Abraham Quintanilla Jr., Selena’s father; Simran A. Singh, Rico Martinez, and Jaime Davila, Campanario Entertainment president.
As for the storyline, Davila points out that although Selena had certainly made her mark in the industry with her awards and recognition, the series will delve deeper into the Mexican-American’s vital role in breaking gender barriers to become a world-renowned star on her own. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that this isn’t the first time the singer’s life has been publicized.
In 1997, Jennifer Lopez played the titular character in the musical drama film, touted as the “On The Floor” singer’s breakout movie. It was warmly received and critics raved about it, so a series was unquestionably seen on the horizon from the start. Perhaps, the only difference between the two are the details, as the series will focus more on the late singer’s family life and because the show would mean more air time to provide the supporting albeit crucial little things about her life.
Possible Actresses To Take On The Role
There is still no word as to who will portray the legendary singer in the “Selena: The Series,” but some have made suggestions on the best actress who will fit the job description. A strong contender for the role is former Disney child star Demi Lovato, who has always been vocal about embracing her Latina roots. In a 2014 interview, the “Tell Me You Love Me” hitmaker, who released a Spanish version of that song, admitted that she used to hate not being like everyone else, but had come to accept that she’s beautiful thanks to her genes.
Riverdale’s Camila Mendes, who plays Veronica Lodge in the hit CW series, has also been eyed to play Selena in the series because of her strong voice. “Kill ‘Em With Kindness” singer Selena Gomez reportedly also has the potential to fill in the character, which may be because she released another version of the late Tejano icon’s song “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” of course with the Quintanilla’s seal of approval.
If that’s not enough to convince big bosses from the streaming giant, Gomez’s first name was copied directly from the “Dreaming of You” singer. In 2016, the 26-year-old actress admitted she was a big fan of Selena.
Everything About Selena Quintanilla
Selena used to be in a band called Selena y Los Dinos, whose other members include siblings Suzette and A.B. before she started professional recording in 1982. She was heralded as one of the most influential singers of Tejano music, a genre that’s male-dominated, but entering such a world wasn’t a walk in the park.
In the ‘80s, Selena faced a lot of refusals after trying to enter the Tejano genre, but she began making her mark in the industry in 1987 when she won Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year. It was also the time when her name started to attract record producers, and so, in 1989, she released her first self-titled album.
She had won numerous awards, including a Grammy in 1994, making her the first female Tejano singer to gain that achievement. Apart from the outstanding credits to her name, Selena supported civic causes, which made her all the more admirable. However, the singer’s booming career was cut short in 1995 when she was killed by Yolanda Saldivar, whom she considered her best friend and was the president of her fan’s club.
Since then, Selena’s presence was felt more than ever – in the industry and in the songs she created. The then governor of Texas declared the late singer’s birthday as Selena Day.
