Justin Baldoni found himself back in familiar territory, this time alongside his former Jane the Virgin co-star Gina Rodriguez. The actor and filmmaker signed on to produce the House of Guerrero, Rodriguez’s first theatrical feature as a director.
The boxing drama also gave Rodriguez a chance to bring a deeply personal passion to the big screen. She had practiced boxing since childhood and helped develop the story behind the project.
Justin Baldoni is producing Gina Rodriguez’s theatrical directorial debut House of Guerrero
According to Deadline, Rodriguez created the original story with screenwriter Bernardo Cubría, who wrote the script. The movie centred on a promising young boxer whose career stalled before an unexpected opportunity brought him back. Rodriguez produced through I Can And I Will Productions with Molly Breeskin. Scott Budnick and Ameet Shukla also produced through 1Community, while Baldoni and Andrew Calof represented Wayfarer Studios.
The project also brought together Wayfarer Studios, 1Community, HarbourView Media Group, and Clare LoCicero as co-financiers. Three Point Capital provided tax credit financing. Rodriguez described directing the film as a major personal milestone. “I’ve been boxing since I could walk,” she said, explaining her desire to explore what the sport could teach about life.
She also wanted the film to spotlight Latino characters, families, and athletes. Rodriguez said those communities deserved stories told with honesty, heart, and pride. The movie had existed in another form for years. Producers first announced Guerrero in 2021, with Rodriguez attached to direct, produce, and act. Professional boxer Ryan Garcia had also been attached to star at that stage.
Baldoni and Rodriguez last shared the screen professionally through Jane the Virgin. The CW comedy-drama ran for five seasons, with Rodriguez playing Jane Villanueva and Baldoni portraying Rafael Solano. Their new collaboration clearly carried personal significance for Baldoni. “I’ve had a front-row seat to her genius, both in front of and behind the camera,” he said.
He also praised Rodriguez’s commitment to Latino storytelling and her longstanding relationship with boxing.
Clayton J. Barber and Eric Brown handled the movie’s fight choreography. Their previous credits included Black Panther, Creed III, and John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. Budnick said Latino athletes had shaped boxing for decades. He hoped the film would finally give that community a prominent place within the genre.
