J Balvin to Make Film Debut in Drug Drama ‘Little Lorraine’

Canada’s Wango Films has completed filming on their upcoming feature “Little Lorraine,” which marks the big-screen debut of bestselling Latin artist J Balvin, known as the “Prince of Reggaeton.”

The production, shot in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and Ontario, also stars Stephen Amell (“Arrow,” “Code 8”) and Sean Astin (“Lord of the Rings,” “Stranger Things”).

Directed by Grammy nominee Andy Hines, the film is based on true events from the late 1980s, depicting a remote mining and fishing town’s transformation into a hub for a major cocaine smuggling operation. The cast also includes Stephen McHattie, Auden Thornton, Matt Walsh, Rhys Darby, Josh Close, Steve Lund and Sugar Lyn Beard.

Amell portrays an out-of-work coal miner who takes a job on a lobster boat involved in drug smuggling. Balvin plays an Interpol agent investigating a Colombian drug importation ring suspected of entering America through Cape Breton.

The Latin superstar, whose new album “Rayo” released earlier this month, hinted at making his acting debut in an interview with Variety last week. “I’ve started acting — like real acting, not just cameos — and I just wrapped filming for a movie I’m in that comes out next year,” he said. “I love that side of myself.”

The film is produced by Tim Doiron and James van der Woerd of Wango Films, and Mike Volpe of Topsail Entertainment. April Mullen and Nic Neary serve as executive producers. Recent productions from Wango include the Simu Liu and Sam Worthington-led sci-fi “Simulant” and “Wander” starring Aaron Eckhart and Tommy Lee Jones, while Topsail’s credits include “Mr D” and “Trailer Park Boys.”

Tim Doiron, CEO of Wango Films, said: “Having grown up on the rugged east coast of Canada, I’ve always been driven to tell a story that truly captures the raw power and untamed beauty of this region and its people. ‘Little Lorraine’ is the realization of a lifelong dream to bring this authentic, intense narrative to the big screen.”

Hines has worked with musicians ranging from Kanye West and Missy Elliott to Luke Combs and Keith Urban. His work has earned multiple MTV VMA Awards and five at Cannes Lions, including Gold in 2018 for both commercials and music videos.

Hines said: “Stephen Amell’s sensibilities for drama offered us such a wealth of depth and possibility as he took on the lead role in this larger-than-life true story. José [Balvin] and I have been working together for years, and have an incredible rapport in front of and behind the camera. Having him as a lead in my feature is a dream come true, and I can’t wait for audiences to see him bring this character to life.”

James van der Woerd, COO of Wango Films, added: “‘Little Lorraine’ is a film with global resonance, set against the unique cultural tapestry of Cape Breton. This region’s distinctive character adds an authentic depth to the narrative.”

Wango Films plans to launch sales for the fall festival season, with Photon Films (“Uproar”) handling the Canadian release.

Amell is represented by UTA, Leverage Management and SOWD. Astin is represented by Stewart Talent, Luber Roklin Entertainment and attorney Dave Feldman. Darby is represented by UTA, Artists First and Yorn Levine Barnes Krintzman Rubenstein Kohner Endlich & Gellman. Walsh is represented by UTA, Artists First and Ginsburg, Daniels & Kallis. J Balvin is represented by Roc Nation, WME and Granderson Des Rochers.