The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentEventsFilmThe Latest

Influencer-Packed Luncheon Celebrates Upcoming Release of Fast-Paced Gang Thriller ‘Diablo’

Grindstone Entertainment Group and Social Media Upstart Highlightstar Are Upending Hollywood with Social-First Production Strategy.

by Jonathan Tolliver June 4, 2025
by Jonathan Tolliver June 4, 2025 0 comments
622

You had me at ‘action-packed.’ The sure-to-be-heart-pounding ‘Diablo’ is out in theaters and digital on-demand next week, and one thing is clear: this movie is as thrilling as it is innovative. 

Social media marketing company Highlightstar and skyrocketing influencer Francisco Carrillo, aka CiskoKid, are co-executive producing the film and ushering in a new era of Hollywood. Boasting an impressive array of digital darling friends, including actress Paola Paulin, comedians The SWAGmodovars, JValentino, Nick Antonyan, and tons more, they’re banking on the creator economy to build acclaim for their latest feature-length foray.

Actress Paola Paulin

The movie centers on ex-con Kris Chaney (Scott Adkins), who kidnaps the daughter of powerful gangster Vicente (Lucho Velasco), setting off a chain of events that draws the ire of psychopath El Corvo (Marko Zero). If the frenetic and fast-paced trailer is any indication, this one has BFE: Big Franchise Energy. 

The Hideaway in Beverly Hills hosted the luncheon and blew the culinary roof off the joint with an impressive array of Mexican dishes, including corn empanadas, wagyu beef flautas, roasted chicken, carnitas, crispy rock shrimp, and wild mushroom enchiladas. I’d let that crispy rock shrimp officiate my wedding. Truly the best mariscos I’ve had in Los Angeles. 

Tequila titans El Cristiano sponsored this soiree and graced us with a tried and true cocktail menu headlined by a to-die-for El Diablo spicy margarita. I had three – shoutout to rideshares.

Bill Shadorf, CEO of Highlightstar and Executive Producer of Diablo, who I must say is beloved by everyone I talked to that day, effusively praised the film and laid out a blueprint for the new Hollywood.

“This project is not just a great movie; it aligns perfectly with our future aspirations as content creators are revolutionizing the landscape. Highlightstar sees a big sector of content creators as the new Hollywood studios starting to recognize the monetization value of our relentless vision. Our ideas were considered outlandish six years ago, but now the industry is shifting and recognizing the future,” he said. 

I didn’t want the lunch to end but I was technically on the clock for my work-from-home job. Do you think they read The Knockturnal? Pray for me y’all. 

Keep your eyes peeled for our coverage of the film’s release and brace yourself for a seismic shift in the industry we all know and love. 

Guests at the luncheon included notable influencers and top film industry names such as LA Magazine’s Christopher Gialanella, Alberto Portillo, Ana Maria Perez, Angel Rodriguez, Matthew Espinosa, Ashley Suarez, Bill Shadorf (Highlightstar), Carlos Ayala, Chimechi Oparanozie, Daniela Ganoza, Fernando Escobar, Francisco Carrillo (CiscoKid), JR Jimenez, Jairo Orozco, Javier Munoz, Jay Mendoza, Jorge Almodovar, Brandon Almodovar, Rene Chacon, Sebastian Topete, Christopher Romero, Logan Winter, Luis Verduzco, Mr. Biggs, Shero Carroll, Nick Antonyan, Paola Paulin, Sakenah Samarah, Stan Wertlieb (Lionsgate), Barry Brooker, Jon Brooker, Clay Epstein, Craig Baumagarten, Luis Santiago, Jack Hobbs, and Bryan Rojo, among others.

DiabloMarko Zarornew movieScott Adkins
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Jonathan Tolliver

previous post
Restaurant Review: CHILI
next post
‘Out’ and ‘The Advocate’ Host Pride of Broadway

Related Posts

Korean Band N.Flying Celebrates a Decade with Powerful...

September 7, 2025

Indulge in Superior Korean BBQ and Bold Flavors...

September 7, 2025

Apple TV+ Showcases Highest 2 Lowest Star in...

September 6, 2025

CARDI B, LEON THOMAS, GELO, WU-TANG CLAN &...

September 6, 2025

Slattery Gallery Premieres Exhibition of Gerard Byrne

September 5, 2025

Elizabeth Arden Unveils The Capsule Lab with Leslie...

September 5, 2025

NR- The Upper East Side’s Most Unique Cocktail...

September 5, 2025

DeWanda Wise Talks Starring in New Film ‘Love,...

September 4, 2025

A Match Made in the Kitchen – Tiafoe,...

September 4, 2025

In the Room Where It Happened – A...

September 4, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this tim PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this time it’s for tickets to see LU KALA 💥

We’re giving away a pair of tickets to see her at Mercury Lounge in New York City on September 10th! Join us as we dance the night away to some of her top hits like Pretty Girl Era and Hotter Now 🎶

To enter hit the link 🔗 in our bio and fill out the form. Winners will be contacted through email! 

Hurry giveaway ends Sunday, September 7 @ 11:59 PM EST! 

📍MUST BE IN NEW YORK CITY
🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin 🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin brought charisma, control, and creativity to every second of his Shrine set.

Kai On Tour gave fans in LA a front-row seat to his evolution as an artist, and it was nothing short of iconic. 👏

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/kai-on/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-

#KaiOnTour #KAI #KAIatTheShrine #KpopInLA #EXO #KpopSoloist #KpopConcert #KAI2025 #ShrineLA
🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with 🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with “The Paper” — the sharp new workplace comedy making headlines. 🖋️ We sat down with the cast + creators in an exclusive video interview to talk inspiration, improv, and bringing chaos to the copy desk. 🎬✨

📺 Watch the full interview now 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/the-paper-puts-a-newsroom-spin-on-classic-workplace-comedy/

✍️: Alyssa Threadgill

-

#ThePaper #VideoInterview #WorkplaceComedy #BehindTheScenes #IndieTV #ComedySeries #CastInterview #OnSet #TVTalk #MakingTheShow #WritersRoom #BTS #NewSeries
🎥✨ Austin Butler and the cast of Caught Steal 🎥✨ Austin Butler and the cast of Caught Stealing open up about stepping into this gritty new story, the challenges on set, and why this film is unlike anything they’ve done before.

Catch our exclusive video interview now!

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/austin-butler-cast-talk-new-movie-caught-stealing-video/

✍️: OJ Williams

-
#AustinButler #CaughtStealing #MovieInterview #ExclusiveInterview #FilmFeature #BehindTheScenes #Hollywood #OnSet #NewMovies #EditorialContent #CastInterview
Vegas was just crowned the No. 1 nightlife spot in Vegas was just crowned the No. 1 nightlife spot in the world. We put our detective skills to work at @resortsworldlv to see if it lives up to the hype 🎰 🪩🥂💃🕺

Read the full review on our website ✍️ 

#lasvegas #resortsworld #hilton #sliving #zoox #zouk #stubbornseed #alle #nightlife #vegas #elderbrook
When French comfort food, @marthastewart48 hospita When French comfort food, @marthastewart48 hospitality, and @parisvegas combine you get @thebedfordbymarthastewart 🇫🇷🤤 Our recent trip to the legendary homemaker’s restaurant in Las Vegas had us positively stuffed.

Read the full review on our website ✍️ 

#lasvegas #marthastewart #thebedfordbymarthastewart #parislasvegas #frenchfood
@zkdlin performs ‘Mhmm’ at his solo tour #KaiO @zkdlin performs ‘Mhmm’ at his solo tour #KaiOn in Los Angeles ✨

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
@zkdlin performs ‘Rover’ 🚗⚠️ at #KaiOn @zkdlin performs ‘Rover’ 🚗⚠️ at #KaiOn in Los Angeles ✨ 

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
A @weareone.exo throwback from @zkdlin at his firs A @weareone.exo throwback from @zkdlin at his first ever solo tour, #KaiOn 🐺✨ This is ‘Growl’ 

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
🎶 Meet @hitgs_offcl — the K-Pop girl group ma 🎶 Meet @hitgs_offcl — the K-Pop girl group making waves at KCON 2025. In our exclusive, they open up about growth, music, and their U.S. debut story.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/hitgs/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#HITGS #KCON2025 #KPopGroup #RisingStars #KPopOnStage #KPopInTheUS #GlobalStage #KPopExclusive #MusicAndCulture #NextGenKPop
📍 Culture has a new home. Complex x ESPN’s fl 📍 Culture has a new home. Complex x ESPN’s flagship opening blended sport, sound, and style into an experience that set the tone for what comes next.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/complex-x-espn-flagship-grand-opening-a-night-of-style-sports-and-sounds/

✍️: Winnie Ren

-
#ComplexxESPN #FlagshipOpening #Complex #ESPN
🔥 Korean rock band @xdinaryheroes_official kick 🔥 Korean rock band @xdinaryheroes_official kicked off their LA show at the Hollywood Palladium with an electrifying performance of “Beautiful Life” 🎶✨

🌌 “The track’s soaring lyrics and layered sound made for the perfect introduction.” 🎸💥

Read the full article here 👉 https://theknockturnal.com/xdinary-heroes-los-angeles/

By @emmasalehi 

#XdinaryHeroes #BeautifulLife #KoreanRock #LiveMusic #HollywoodPalladium #KBand #RockOn #ConcertVibes
🎶🎤 Legends and rising stars took over Newark 🎶🎤 Legends and rising stars took over Newark for Rock the Bells 2025—Busta Rhymes, Redman, Scarface, Remy Ma, and more brought hip-hop’s past, present, and future to life. Hosted by Roxanne Shanté with DJ Kid Capri on the decks, this was a celebration you won’t forget! 🙌

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/rock-the-bells-2025-celebrating-hip-hops-past-present-and-future/

✍️: Malachi Davis 

-
#RockTheBells2025 #HipHopFestival #BustaRhymes #Redman #Scarface #RemyMa #RoxanneShante #DJKidCapri #HipHopLegends #FestivalVibes #MusicFestival #HipHopCulture #NewarkEvents #UptownRecords #LiveMusic #HipHop
@jamieleecurtis , @lindsaylohan , and a whole new @jamieleecurtis , @lindsaylohan , and a whole new generation of chaos... 💜💚
“Freakier Friday” flips back into theaters August 16! 🔄

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/disneys-freakier-friday-a-nostalgic-encore-with-a-modern-beat/

✍️: Jesse Kosierowski

-
#FreakyFriday #DisneyMovies #BodySwap #FamilyComedy #MovieNight #Nostalgia #JamieLeeCurtis #LindsayLohan #NowInTheaters #MovieMagic #Disney
Enter for a chance to WIN tickets to the hottest s Enter for a chance to WIN tickets to the hottest show of the summer at the Hollywood Bowl in LA on August 27! Get ready to dance the night away with the legendary Charlie Wilson, known for his timeless funk hits, the iconic Grammy magnet “Babyface,” and the smooth, soulful vibes of K-Ci Hailey. Don’t miss your chance to witness these music legends light up the stage—enter now and let the magic begin! 🌟🎶

🔗 Link in bio
📍MUST BE IN LOS ANGELES! 

#losangeles #hollywoodbowl #knockgiveaway
SomeTHING was in the air last week at the NY premi SomeTHING was in the air last week at the NY premiere and special screening of @wednesdaynetflix season 2! 🤍
We caught up with @tonytost, the visionary writer We caught up with @tonytost, the visionary writer and director behind ‘AMERICANA’, ahead of its theatrical release on August 15. 🎬🇺🇸

-
#AmericanaFilm #TonyTost #IndieFilm #FilmDirector #WriterDirector #CinemaLovers #IndieCinema #FilmCommunity
We attended a special screening of ‘AMERICANA’ We attended a special screening of ‘AMERICANA’ at @desertfivespotny, where indie cinema met intimate conversation. 👏👏

-
#IndieFilm #FilmScreening #NYCEvents #DesertFiveSpotNY #IndieCinema
Bad Bunny’s residency wasn’t just a concert — it was an experience. A love letter to Puerto Rico wrapped in lights, rhythms, and moments that made the whole arena feel like family. 🎶🌴🇵🇷

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/i-was-there-bad-bunnys-residency-show-was-more-than-a-concert-it-was-a-love-letter-to-puerto-rico/

✍️: Abigail Amengual 

-
#yonomequieroirdeaqui  #badbunny #badbunnyresidency #badbunnypr #dtmf
Three days. Endless fan chants. Rows of K-beauty b Three days. Endless fan chants. Rows of K-beauty booths. Idol stages that made the entire arena feel like one heartbeat. KCON 2025 was a celebration of music, style, and the fandom that makes it all unforgettable. 🎶♥️

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/kcon-festival/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#KCON2025 #KCONLA #KPop #Hallyu #KBeauty #FanChants #IdolStages #KPopConcert #KPopFandom #KoreanCulture #KPopStans #KCulture
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch