Rafael Amaya, a well-known Mexican actor, is set to star as Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán in a new series. This project marks a significant step in Amaya’s career, as he will also serve as the executive producer. The series focuses on Emma Coronel, Guzmán’s wife, offering a unique perspective on their life together.
Overview of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán
Joaquín Guzmán, co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, has been a notorious figure in the drug trafficking landscape. He gained worldwide notoriety after his high-profile prison escapes. In February 2014, he was captured, only to escape from the El Altiplano maximum-security prison on July 11, 2015, through a tunnel. His ability to escape from two maximum-security facilities is unprecedented in Mexico.
Legal Troubles and Sentencing
Guzmán was recaptured in January 2016 and later extradited to the United States. A trial in New York from November 2018 to February 2019 resulted in a guilty verdict on ten counts related to drug trafficking and organized crime. In July 2019, he was sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years. He is currently serving his sentence at ADX Florence in Colorado, under strict isolation conditions.
Emma Coronel’s Role in the Series
The new series will narrate the story from the viewpoint of Emma Coronel. It is described as a high-quality fictional police drama that delves into themes of power, loyalty, and survival. The narrative will cover Coronel’s relationship with Guzmán and the personal consequences she faced due to their association.
Background of Emma Coronel
- Coronel and Guzmán’s relationship became public in 2006.
- They have twin daughters born in 2011.
- Coronel was arrested in February 2021 on drug trafficking charges.
- She was sentenced to three years in prison for drug trafficking and money laundering in November 2021, before being released in September 2023.
Coronel has expressed her dissatisfaction with previous portrayals of her in media. Although she will not appear in the series, she is involved in the casting process. Notably, she stated that Guzmán admires Rafael Amaya and would love to see him take on this role.
Producers of the Series
Alongside Amaya and Coronel, Martiza Ramos will contribute as an executive producer through Amaya Productions and Zero Gravity Management. The series is reportedly in its early stages of production and does not yet have an official title.
