Take a look at the IMDb staff picks for the best movies and series coming to theaters and streaming.

Staff Picks: What to Watch in March

From popular franchises to brand new worlds of exploration, science fiction and fantasy stories are more popular than ever. Check out our list of the best and brightest new and upcoming movies and series.

New and Upcoming Sci-Fi and Fantasy

Hispanic and Indigenous American actor/writer/director Justin Johnson Cortez rose to prominence in 2022 as one of the year's hottest breakout talents, starring in The CW's highest rated new series, "Walker Independence," from executive producer Jared Padalecki. Set in the late 1800s as a prequel to The CW's number one rated hit-series "Walker," Johnson Cortez stars as Calian, an Apache tribe member working as a scout for the city of Independence, Texas.

In March 2023, The CW announced Johnson Cortez would join the mothership series "Walker" as Detective David Luna in a major recurring role for the series' fourth and final season. Shortly after, it was announced he would appear as a major recurring guest star in Netflix's new sprawling Western, "Ransom Canyon." The series, which stars both Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly, will premiere Spring 2025.

Johnson Cortez also stars in the indie feature "Gift of Fear," which brings awareness to the devastating epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women, and made its world premiere at the 2023 Native Women in Film & Television Film Festival. His performance as Manny Donovan garnered a "Best Lead Actor" nomination at the 2023 Red Nation International Film Festival.

Johnson Cortez has also guest-starred on such series as "911: Lone Star," "Lucifer," and served as actor/writer/director/producer in the short film "The Fall," which was a 2020 Skins Fest official selection. A Santa Paula, California native of Yaqui Tribe descent, Johnson Cortez is a true handyman, adventure-seeking athlete and artist at heart. He enjoys using his hands to build custom furniture, riding motorcycles, and creating art and stencil work out of wood blocks; as well as spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Awards

Justin Johnson Cortez

American Indian Film Festival

Red Nation Film Festival

Crown Point International Film Festival

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