Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, a feature film adaptation of Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s YA novel, will star Eugenio Derbez and Eva Longoria. Aitch Alberto will be making her directorial feature debut with the film in which she also wrote the script. The film’s producers include Derbez, Kyra Sedgwick, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Also set to star in the film are Max Pelayo (Panic), Reese Gonzales (Kidding), Veronica Falcón (Jungle Cruise), Isabella Gomez (One Day at a Time), Luna Blaise (Manifest), and Kevin Alejandro (Lucifer).

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe was first published in 2014. In 2021 Time magazine called it one of the best YA books of all time and has won quite a few awards, including ALA Stonewall Award winner, ALA Michael L. Printz Award Honor winner, Pura Belpre Award winner, and LAMBDA Literary Award winner.

Aristotle is a rage-filled adolescent with a sibling in prison. Dante is a know-it-all with a unique perspective on the world. When they meet at the pool, they appear to have nothing in common. But as the loners spend more time together, they realize they have a rare friendship—the sort that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through their relationship, Ari and Dante will discover the essential facts about themselves and the kind of people they aspire to be.

Derbez is set to star next in the animated comedy about the adventures of Looney Tunes character Speedy Gonzales in which Derbez will play Speedy Gonzales.

Longoria’s directorial debut Flamin’ Hot was just completed for Searchlight.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe has begun filming.