Cowboys & Aliens actress Ana de la Reguera is headed for the Old West. The actress has joined the ABC pilot Big Thunder, which is based on the Disney Parks ride. This may sound strange until you remember how successful Pirates of the Caribbean was – also based on a Disney ride.
The plot for Big Thunder is really only loosely based on the ride; it is a roller coaster after all, so there will be some fleshing out to be done. Taking place in the late 19th century, it will focus on a New York doctor who brings his family to live in a frontier town where all is not what it seems. Deadline says De la Reguera is slated to play the role of Selena Morales. She’s described as a tough woman whose difficult childhood has led her to become a “take-no-guff” adult. What her role is in the town or in her relation to the doctor, his family, or the “mysterious tycoon” who is said to run things hasn’t been explained yet.
De la Reguera came to the attention of most Americans in the Jack Black comedy Nacho Libre. She’s worked on a few TV shows, including Royal Pains and a six-episode arc on Eastbound & Down. Her next two big screen roles include the Mexican film Las Aparicio and the U.S. horror movie Ghosts, both due out next year. This would be her first regular series role on American television.
Big Thunder is written by Jason Fuchs (Ice Age: Continental Drift) and directed by Castle’s Rob Bowman. Dexter’s Melissa Rosenberg executive produces.
