Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán has become a legendary figure. The alleged Mexican drug lord’s life is coming to the TV screen via Narcos co-creator Chris Brancato, and will be called #Cartel.
Reports Deadline:
Written by Brancato, #Cartel will explore the global drug wars through the true story of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, called the most powerful drug lord in history. Described as a story of power, money, sex and the human cost of the drug wars, the drama will chronicle the kingpin’s rise to power, taking a look inside the stranger-than-fiction world of drug cartels who use social media to maintain their image, recruit new members and threaten rivals. Unlike drug lords of decades past, El Chapo, who reigned over the Mexican drug trafficking cartel for 25 years, has fan followings, with relationships in the entertainment and music industry that stretch past the Mexican border and into the United States.
“The show is a metaphor for the lives we present on the internet, the secret selves we reveal in supposedly private communication, and the risks of not-so-humble-bragging on social media,” Brancato said.
Reportedly, #Cartel will rely on historical research for its storyline.
Considering El Chapo escaped a max security Mexican prison not once but twice, and snuck into the U.S. twice while on the run, there is plenty of material to flip into engaging television.
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Photo: AP Photo/Marco Ugarter
