I, Chihuahua: Jorge Gutierrez Unveils New Movie

Netflix's heavy investment in animation seems to be paying off in spades. The streaming behemoth has a reputation among animators for creative freedom, which has drawn in some of the top talents in the industry- one look at their upcoming slate will tell you that. It's also keen on establishing long relationships with them. After all, those who have had a positive experience are much more likely to want to work with them again.

One filmmaker who was apparently happy with this arrangement is Jorge Guiterrez. Following the success of his epic Mesoamerican fantasy epic Maya And The Three, the Mexican Maestro has signed on to make his next movie with Netflix Animation.

I, Chihuahua is the story of Chacho, a chihuahua who becomes a luchador- a masked Mexican wrestler-and enters an international fighting tournament in a desperate effort to save his home and family. He'll take on an eclectic mix of animal fighters from all over the world, leading up to the final showdown with a terrifying beast known as Chamuco, The Widow Maker. Guiterrez is partnering with the popular Mexican-American comedian Gabriel Iglesias (aka Fluffy) who will produce and star.

As with all of Guiterrez's works before, I, Chihuahua will pay tribute to the things he loves the most. In particular, in this case, that's Mexican Lucha Libre wrestling, beat 'em up video games and classic sports movies- all of which will be depicted in his unique style. The movie is the first project to come out of the overall deal Guiterrez signed with Netflix back in 2020.

"After The Book of Life and the amazing experience on Maya and the Three, I'm now thrilled to collaborate with Melissa [Cobb], Gregg [Taylor], Tito [Ortiz] and all my friends at Netflix Animation on my follow up animated feature: I, Chihuahua!," said Guiterrez. "And to finally tag team a movie with my good friend and creative partner Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias is a dream come true! Our internationally epic and heartfelt film will be a hilarious love letter to Lucha Libre (Mexican wrestling) movies, fighting video games and underdog sports films. I don't want to over promise but THIS WILL BE THE GREATEST MASKED CHIHUAHUA FILM EVER MADE! What a time to be alive!" We'd have to agree there. After Maya, we're incredibly excited for anything Gutierrez makes next.

Iglesias adds: "“I cannot wait for everyone to see this wonderful film that celebrates underdogs in and out of the ring! It has action, drama, laughs and twists and turns, like any great Lucha storyline movie should have. When I first had the idea of a Lucha Libre cartoon, there was no one else I wanted to partner with other than Jorge Gutierrez. He has a brilliant mind that can expand this story in unimaginable ways.”

The script is being written by Gutierrez with Doug Langdale and Candie Kelty Langdale (both of whom also wrote on Maya). Iglesias will produce alongside Tim Yoon (previously producer on Maya And The Three and El Tigre). Guiterrez confirmed via Twitter, that his wife/muse Sandra Equihua will be designing some of the characters. It will be coproduced by Netflix alongside Mexopolis, the company founded by Guiterrez and Equihua.

The film's release date has not yet been announced, meaning it will probably be a few years away at this point. It's still not a Kung Fu Space Western but if it is half as good Maya it's definitely going to be well worth the wait!