Actress Annie Gonzalez has been cast in the lead role of an upcoming biopic about Vanessa Guillén, the US Army specialist whose 2020 murder at Fort Hood prompted nationwide outrage and calls for military reform. Gonzalez will play Mayra Guillén, Vanessa's older sister, who is also serving as an executive producer on the film, which tells Vanessa's story from Mayra's perspective and was developed with the Guillén family's involvement. The project, from Jolene Rodriguez and Jorge Xolalpa of Mighty Aphrodite Pictures, aims to honour Vanessa's life alongside her family's advocacy, which drove lasting legislative change.

Guillén disappeared in April 2020 after reporting sexual harassment by a superior without filing an official complaint, and was later killed by fellow soldier Aaron David Robinson, who took his own life when police tried to arrest him. The still-untitled film is currently seeking a director, with further casting and creative announcements to follow; additional executive producers include Natalie Khawam and Alejandra Palomera. Gonzalez, known for Flamin' Hot and Jenni, has previously led biopics of prominent women and will next appear in Wild Ones.