Edward James Olmos has almost come full circle. Creating the role of “El Pachuco” in Luis Valdez’ groundbreaking 1978 play “Zoot Suit,” he now has teamed with his son Michael Olmos and animation veteran Mike Montijo to form Laka Laka Entertainment. Bringing their weight to the company, they’re able to help Montijo’s brainchild to life, Pachuko Boy 2055.
Working with Demente Animation Studio in Guadalajara, Mexico, the three are developing this concept into an animated series. Though SAG and WGA strikes mean the Olmoses cannot appear at Comic-Con, Montijo and his wife enthusiastically guard booth #3915 to talk about their company, the project, and the official poster. It’s clear they have a passion for it, and it looks bold. Like a lot of adventure animation, it has a hint of anime to it, but rightfully wears the influence of 1940s Latino culture on its sleeve. It’s cool, it’s bold, and dang it, ought to take off.
Montijo sent me the following press release:
“Demente Animation Studio has always been attracted to Latin projects, especially being able to make more content for us and our people. With Pachuko Boy we loved the direction the creators took with the show. It’s all about storytelling and they did a phenomenal job. For me, Pachuko Boy is made special by his background, which was created and inspired by the Latino culture of the 40s, where people were proud of their Mexican roots. We believed we captured this. I think people will love Pachuko Boy because they have never seen anything like it,” said Demente lead Carlos Gaxiola.
“It’s been a great journey for me and Edward working with Mike Montijo on this project. We’re excited to bring Pachuko Boy 2055 to the world. Mike’s passion and energy is inspiring and we look forward to a beautiful, creative friendship,” said Michael Olmos.Industry veteran Margaret Loesch has been involved in the world of Pachuko Boy since the beginning with Montijo. Margaret at one time was the president and CEO of Marvel Productions, ran Fox Kids, and was responsible for putting on the X-Men animated series as well as Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. She was also president of the Jim Henson Television group. She has always been a pioneer in the entertainment business.“I’ve always been attracted to Pachuko Boy because I felt the Latino audience was very underserved. I believe it’s very important to understand the Latino perspective and I think Michael does this well. I was also very impressed with Michael’s storytelling and his love and affection for his family which is brought out through Pachuko Boy. This new angle has never been done before, it’s very relatable, and I think audiences from all different backgrounds will love this show,” she said.
