20-05-2025
Penélope Cruz to Star in Los Javis' ‘La Bola Negra,' Acquired for Global Sales by Goodfellas
Penélope Cruz is set to star in 'La bola negra,' a new feature film written, directed and produced by celebrated Spanish filmmakers Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, collectively known as Los Javis.
The film is produced Movistar Plus+ and Suma Content Films in co-production with France's Le Pacte, with French sales company Goodfellas taking sales rights outside Spain and France, it was announced in Cannes on Monday.
More from Variety
MUV Capital, Retrato Filmes Set Trailblazing Partnership for Distribution in Brazil, Latin America (EXCLUSIVE)
'Urchin' Review: Harris Dickinson's Fine Directorial Debut Bridges Social Realism and Surrealism
'Slauson Rec' Review: A Documentary About Shia LaBeouf's Acting Class - and His Anger Issues - Is More Appalling Than Fascinating
'La bola negra' will premiere exclusively in cinemas in 2026 before arriving on Movistar Plus+ sometime later.
Joining Cruz in the star-studded cast are Guitarricadelafuente, making his screen debut, Miguel Bernardeau ('Elite'), Carlos González ('Veneno') and acclaimed actress Lola Dueñas, known for her award-winning performances in 'The Sea Inside' and 'La Mesías.'
'We wrote Penelope's role specifically for her. Her humor and elegance make it a pleasure to work with her,' said Javier Calvo during the Cannes event.
Inspired by Federico García Lorca's unfinished play 'La bola Negra' and 'La piedra oscura' by Alberto Conejero the film weaves together the lives of three men across three different time periods. Their stories are intimately connected through sexuality, desire, pain, and legacy.
'The creative process began with historical research, which we merged with a beautiful literary collaboration with Alberto Conejero,' said Javier Ambrossi. 'It includes elements of theater adaptation, imagination, and introspection, allowing us to infuse each plotline with our identity. It's incredibly exciting to present part of the cast here in Cannes, there are still many surprises to come.'
'Writing 'La bola negra' has been an emotional and complex experience,' added Calvo. 'We didn't feel like we were creating a story, but rather uncovering it, excavating characters, dialogue, and a wound that somehow always existed within us. It's a deeply personal text that reminds us why we do this work.'
This is the first film from the Javis at Suma Content Films, the new cinematic division of Suma Content, the production company founded by Ambrossi and Calvo. Following the critical and award success of their series 'La Mesías,' which premiered at San Sebastián, screened at Sundance and won six Feroz Awards and three Forqué Awards, 'La bola Negra' marks a major return to feature filmmaking for the duo.
Guillermo Farré, new head of original and Spanish cinema at Movistar Plus+, celebrated the announcement: 'We are thrilled to accompany Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo on this new journey. After the creative adventure of 'La Mesías,' this project represents a bold next step in their artistic path, one driven by a passion for great stories told in brave, singular ways.'
'We are incredibly proud to co-produce 'La bola negra',' said Jean Labadie, president of Le Pacte. ''La Mesías' completely won us over, and we were thrilled to receive the script. We committed immediately, captivated by its wit, intelligence, and emotional power.'
From Goodfellas, whose Cannes 2025 lineup includes five official selection titles, the response was equally enthusiastic: 'We were absolutely blown away by 'La bola negra'. It's bold, cinematic, emotional, and visually striking, one of those films that grips you from the first scene. It confirms Ambrossi and Calvo as among the most vital voices in contemporary European cinema.'
The film's production begins in August and will shoot across various locations in Spain and Europe.
Returning behind-the-scenes collaborators from La Mesías include Gris Jordana (cinematography), Roger Bellés (art direction), Ana López Cobos (costume design) and Raül Refree (original score).
Best of Variety
New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz
Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
