Danny Ramirez Assembles Star-Studded Cast for Directorial Debut 'Baton'

The soccer drama features Maia Reficco, Diego Calva, Camila Mendes, and more.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Actor Danny Ramirez has locked in the cast for his feature directorial debut 'Baton', a soccer drama in which he also stars. The ensemble includes Maia Reficco, Diego Calva, Camila Mendes, Mia Maestro, Ester Expósito, Becky G, Noah Beck, and Lewis Pullman. The film follows a soccer player relentlessly pursuing his dream of playing professionally, who threatens his relationship with his sister after being kicked off the team and exiled back to Miami.

Why it matters

With the upcoming FIFA World Cup bringing global attention to soccer, 'Baton' arrives at an opportune time to explore the human drama and personal sacrifices within the world's most popular sport. The film's diverse, talented cast also reflects the growing prominence of Latin and Hispanic representation in Hollywood.

The details

Written by Ramirez, who played college soccer before becoming an actor, 'Baton' follows a soccer player who is kicked off his team and exiled back to Miami, threatening his relationship with his sister as they battle over their mother's legacy. Ramirez is determined to get another chance at soccer glory, even if it means losing the only family he has left. The film is produced by a team that includes Victoria Alonso, Tom Culliver, Joshua Harris, and Ford Corbett, with David Beckham and Nicola Howson as executive producers.

  • Baton has begun production.
  • The film is set to be introduced to international buyers at the upcoming European Film Market (EFM).

The players

Danny Ramirez

An actor known for roles in Top Gun: Maverick and the MCU, who is making his feature directorial debut with Baton, in which he also stars.

Maia Reficco

An actress who has joined the cast of Baton.

Diego Calva

An actor who has joined the cast of Baton.

Camila Mendes

An actress who has joined the cast of Baton.

Victoria Alonso

A producer on Baton, known for her work on films like Avengers: Endgame and Argentina, 1985.

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What they’re saying

“Baton came from a very personal place. It's a film about relentless ambition and the pursuit of greatness in the midst of tragedy. Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and this film examines the humanity that exists within it. I couldn't feel more privileged to tell this story along these incredibly talented artists.”

— Danny Ramirez (Deadline)

“With the World Cup coming to the United States this year, and everything happening in Hollywood, there feels like no better gift than a movie about the world's most popular game with a predominately Latin cast.”

— Victoria Alonso, Producer (Deadline)

What’s next

Baton will be introduced to international buyers at the upcoming European Film Market (EFM), with WME Independent and CAA overseeing domestic distribution.

The takeaway

Ramirez's personal soccer background and the film's diverse, talented cast make Baton a timely and compelling exploration of the human drama within the world's most popular sport, arriving as global attention turns to the upcoming FIFA World Cup.