The Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman drama tells the story of Antonio "Matador" Bravo ( Gabriel Luna ), a well-known soccer star who uses his fame to hide the fact that he’s part of the CIA.

The network has given an early pickup to the spy thriller starring Gabriel Luna ahead of the July 15 premiere.

El Rey Network is moving ahead with a second season for Matador.

The cable network has given an early pickup to the spy thriller from executive producer Roberto Orci, five days before it makes its July 15 premiere.

Matador chronicles the rise of Tony "Matador" Bravo (Gabriel Luna), a professional soccer player for the L.A. Riot who comes to be known as much for his antics off the field as his moves on it. But what his fans and family don't realize is it's all a cover — he's a covert operative going on missions for the CIA.

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"When Roberto first told me his concept for Matador, I knew immediately that it had to have a home on El Rey," said Robert Rodriguez, El Rey founder and chairman. "This show exceeded every possible expectation we had in terms of great storytelling, incredible action and unique characters."

Said Orci, who will direct the next Star Trek, on the Thursday afternoon panel: "We're already talking about what next season will be."

Alfred Molina, Nicky Whelan, Neil Hopkins and Tanc Sade co-star in the 13-episode series from creators Roberto Orci, Dan Dworkin, Jay Beattie and Andrew Orci. Christopher Cousins, Margot Bingham and Eve Torres also are among the castmembers.

Showrunners Dworkin and Beattie also executive produce with Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Heather Kadin, Robert Rodriguez, John Fogelman and Cristina Patwa. Andrew Orci is consulting producer.

The news comes on the heels of El Rey's early season-two renewal of From Dusk Till Dawn in March.

Matador premieres July 15 at 9 p.m. on El Rey, though a sneak peek of the first episode is available on several platforms such as iTunes, Vudu and Xbox 360.

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