Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe: Here’s everything we know about the upcoming movie
In 2021, it was officially announced that the popular YA queer romance Aristotle and Dante Discover The Secrets of The Universe was getting a film adaptation of its very own. The film, whose official title has not been confirmed yet actually finished filming much earlier than anticipated. While a release date for the film is still not known, all signs point to an earlier release than expected.
When the film adaptation was announced, the queer community held its breath while they waited to hear who would be working on the show. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when it was announced that the movie was going ahead with a queer writer and director, as well as some kick-ass veteran Latinx actors too.
Aitch Alberto adapted the screenplay from the novel and also signed on for her directorial debut. Eugenio Derbez and Eva Longoria have signed onto the cast, with a couple of promising newcomers too.
As the new year ticked over, excitement in fandom spaces over the release of the film increased. Here is everything we know about the upcoming release of Aristotle and Dante Discover The Secrets of The Universe.
Plot summary
Based on the 2012 YA hit smash sensation by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. It’s the story of two fifteen-year-old Mexican-American boys – Ari and Dante – who meet by chance at a public swimming pool in their hometown of El Paso, Texas.
The boys quickly realize that while they have a lot of differences, they have a lot in common too. A camaraderie develops between them and a beautiful friendship emerges. However, not too long later, tragedy strikes, and Ari is involved in an accident that changes the course of not only his life but Dante’s as well.
Dante moves away, Ari starts kissing girls (although he doesn’t really like it) and despite the fact that they keep in touch, neither of the boys is willing to acknowledge the elephant in the room. Until Dante comes back. How on earth are Dante and Ari supposed to tell their families that they’re in love with someone of the same gender when they’re both expected to find a nice girl to marry?
The highly acclaimed novel explores queer themes rooted in cultural and generational homophobia as these two boys stumble through their journey together toward each other.
The cast
Max Pelayo signed on to play Aristotle Mendoza. Pelayo is relatively new to the onscreen world. He has only two other small roles under his belt, and Aristotle will be his first-ever leading role. Very little is known about this fresh new face, but we don’t expect it to stay that way for long. Watch this space as more movie information unfolds.
Another newcomer, Reese Gonzalez was selected to play Dante. Although Gonzalez has been around since 2013, he doesn’t have a whole lot of titles under his belt. Dante will also be his first major role.
Eva Longoria signed on as Soledad Quintana, Dante’s mom, and Kevin Alejandro signed on as Sam Quintana – Dante’s dad. Eugenio Derbez and Veronica Falcon both signed on as Ari’s parents. With such an incredibly talented cast, we can’t wait to see how they bring these beloved characters to life.
Aitch Alberto
Alberto is most definitely not new to this game. Aitch Alberto is a Sundance Episodic Lab fellow, recipient of a Skowhegan Artist Residency, a Yaddo fellowship, a Latino Screenwriting Project Fellowship, and an alumnus of the Outfest Screenwriting Lab.
She has a small collection of screenplays and short films that she’s penned on their IMDB resume, but Aristotle and Dante Discover The Secrets of The Universe is going to be her directorial debut. The excitement, faith, and confidence that was expressed by those involved in the project when Alberto was announced was impressive. The right person had been selected for the job.
Filming wrapped in November 2021. An official release date is still pending, so watch this space for more information as it becomes available!
Loved the article, But there is a small mistake. Since before Dante Lives El Paso, he tells Ari that he loved him, and Said that in ALL of the letters he send to him from Chicago. Ari is the only one that doesnt want to talk about it… While Dante tries to talk about it ALL the time <3