Netflix has today given a series order to the original drama series Selena: The Series based on the life of the late singer Selena Quintanilla. An episode count and premiere date window were not immediately announced.
Selena was an American singer, songwriter, model, actress and fashion designer who became one of the most beloved Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century. She was known as the "Tejano Madonna." She won a Grammy in 1994 for best Mexican/American album, becoming the first female Tejano artist to do so. Selena ranks as the best-selling female artist in Latin music history, with more than 65 million albums sold worldwide. The singer was shot and killed in 1994 by her best friend and the manager of her fan club who was later found to have been embezzling money from the star's company. Yolanda Saldivar was convicted of murder in 1995 and is currently serving a life sentence in a Texas jail.
The story of Selena Quintanilla was previously told in the 1997 film Selena featuring Jennifer Lopez in the lead role. The family of the late singer produced the film and will continue to be involved with the new scripted series.
Moisés Zamora created the series. He will executive produce with Jaime Davila, Rico Martinez, Abraham Quintanilla Jr., Suzette Quintanilla and Simran A. Singh. Campanario Entertainment will produce for Netflix.
"Selena will always have a lasting place in music history and we feel great responsibility to do justice to her memory," said Suzette Quintanilla, Selena's sister. "With this series, viewers will finally get the full history of Selena, our family, and the impact she has had on all of our lives. We are excited to partner with Campanario and Netflix to give fans a never-before-seen glimpse at our story and highlight why Selena will remain a legend for generations to come."
"Selena and the entire Quintanilla family are an inspiration to many and especially to me, a millennial of the same heritage," added Jaime Davila, President, Campanario Entertainment. "Selena's career achievements are legendary, but our scripted series will focus on the incredible story of a Mexican-American family and how an extraordinary young woman transcended categories and borders to become a global star. I can't imagine a better partner than Netflix to celebrate Selena and her family's lives."
