Full Breakdown
Mark Johnson Begins Filming Indie Romance “Hope/Esperanza” in Costa Rica
4/25/2026, 5:17:56 AM
Production Launch in Costa Rica
Hollywood producer Mark Johnson, noted for his two-decade partnership with AMC on series such as *Breaking Bad* and the *Anne Rice* adaptations, has commenced principal photography on the indie romantic drama *Hope/Esperanza*. Filming started in early April 2026 and will continue across multiple locations in Costa Rica through the end of May.
Background and Creative Origins
Johnson’s recent portfolio includes Oscar-winning titles *Rain Man* and *The Holdovers*. The screenplay for *Hope/Esperanza* is written by Emmy-winning documentarian Abigail Fuller, whose nonfiction work includes *Chef’s Table* and an Emmy nomination for *Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer*. Fuller is making her fictional debut, drawing loosely on a period of her own youth.
Key Creative Personnel and Cast
- Producer: Mark Johnson
- Executive Producer: Alejandra Cardenas (Mexico City)
- Costa Rican Producer: Esteban Quesada
- Co-producers: Sarah Quintero, Jessica Mollo
- Director of Photography: Alexander D. Paul (known for *Chef’s Table*)
- Production Designer: Rocio Gimenez (*Friendship*)
The principal cast includes newcomer Olivia Daponde as Mayra Hermosillo, Betsy Brandt (*Breaking Bad*), Virgilio Delgado (*No One Will Miss Us*), and Lara Yuja Mora (*Abril*).
Filming Timeline
- Early April 2026: Principal photography begins.
- Late May 2026: Scheduled completion of on-location shooting in Costa Rica.
No additional dates for post-production or distribution are provided in the source material.
Production Scale
The production employs a crew of more than 200 individuals. The majority are Costa Rican nationals, supplemented by talent and crew from other Latin American countries.
Thematic Focus and Potential Impact
*Hope/Esperanza* follows a teenager from upstate New York who joins a foreign-exchange program in Costa Rica, encounters a strict host mother, and engages in a forbidden romance with an undocumented Nicaraguan immigrant. The narrative foregrounds immigration tensions and personal identity, positioning the film as a vehicle for exploring cross-border relationships and the lived experiences of undocumented migrants within a Latin American setting.
Official Production Statements
Mark Johnson described the project as a slight change of gears from his previous work, emphasizing its indie scope and focus on personal discovery. Executive producer Alejandra Cardenas highlighted the collaboration with Costa Rican partners as central to the film’s authenticity. Costa Rican producer Esteban Quesada noted that the local majority cast and crew bring regional nuance to the story.
Verbatim Quotes
- “His latest project is a slight change of gears.” — Mark Johnson, Producer
Upcoming Milestones
The production team plans to wrap location shooting by the end of May 2026. Subsequent phases will include editing, sound design, and festival submissions, though specific timelines remain unannounced.
