Eric Roberts joins cast of Chiaramonte Films’ Ricardo Del Rey

By AI, Created 4:20 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Chiaramonte Films has cast Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts in its upcoming feature Ricardo Del Rey, with principal photography set to begin in Phoenix in late May 2026. The project is being positioned as a character-driven drama centered on redemption, loyalty and the choices that shape two lives.

Why it matters: - Eric Roberts brings instant name recognition to Ricardo Del Rey, giving the independent feature a higher-profile cast anchor. - The film is being positioned as a character-driven drama with broad commercial appeal and a Southwestern setting that supports its tone.

What happened: - Chiaramonte Films announced that Eric Roberts has joined the cast of Ricardo Del Rey. - Principal photography is scheduled to begin in late May 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. - Andrew Chiaramonte wrote and directed the feature.

The details: - Roberts will play a man who has lost everything and finds redemption through an unlikely bond with 11-year-old Miguel Rodriguez, also known as Ricardo Del Rey. - The story centers on ambition, loyalty, consequences and the choices that shape both characters’ legacies. - The production is being developed as a contemporary dramatic film with spiritual overtones. - Roberts earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Runaway Train. - Roberts also received Golden Globe nominations for King of the Gypsies, Star 80 and Runaway Train. - Brent Nicholson, marketing director for Chiaramonte Films, said Roberts’ name gives the film an immediate point of connection with audiences, media outlets and industry professionals worldwide. - Phoenix will serve as a key backdrop for the film’s visual style and atmosphere. - Additional casting and production announcements are expected to follow.

Between the lines: - Casting Roberts signals an effort to pair a recognizable veteran actor with an indie feature that leans on character and emotion rather than spectacle. - The choice of Phoenix suggests the production wants a distinct regional look to reinforce the film’s mood and identity.

What’s next: - Chiaramonte Films is expected to announce more cast and production details ahead of the late-May start date. - Production will move into principal photography in Phoenix, bringing the project closer to release.

The bottom line: - Ricardo Del Rey is trying to use a high-profile casting move to build momentum before cameras roll.