Full Breakdown
New Bilingual Series on Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán in Development
2/24/2026, 12:53:12 PM
Overview of the Series
Rafael Amaya, known for his role in *El Señor de los Cielos*, is set to star and executive produce a new bilingual scripted series focused on Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the notorious former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. The series will be told from the perspective of Guzmán's wife, Emma Coronel, and will explore her life alongside him, delving into themes of power, loyalty, and survival. Guzmán, who co-founded one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations, is currently serving a life sentence plus 30 years after being convicted in a U.S. federal court in 2019.
Key Figures Involved
The project is being developed by Amaya Productions and Zero Gravity Management, with Coronel herself serving as an executive producer alongside Amaya and his producing partner, Maritza Ramos. Coronel, who was released from prison in 2023 after serving three years for drug trafficking and money laundering, has expressed her desire for a more accurate portrayal of her life and experiences. She met Guzmán in 2007, and they married shortly thereafter, sharing twin daughters born in 2011.
Creative Direction and Production Details
The series is currently in the early stages of development, with a search for a writer underway. While Coronel will not portray herself in the series, she will have a say in the casting decisions, a significant factor given her dissatisfaction with previous depictions of her and her husband. Coronel has previously criticized portrayals of Guzmán, particularly for their failure to accurately represent his Sinaloense accent.
Background on Guzmán and Previous Portrayals
Joaquín Guzmán has been depicted in various television series, including Netflix's *El Chapo* and *Narcos: Mexico*, as well as Telemundo's *El Chema*. These portrayals have received mixed reviews, with Coronel noting that Guzmán was not pleased with how he was represented in these productions. Amaya, who hails from Sonora, Mexico, has committed to using a Sinaloense accent for his role, which may resonate more authentically with Guzmán's character.
Future Developments
In addition to the series, Coronel is developing a memoir about her experiences in prison, which may complement the scripted narrative of the show. This dual approach could provide a more comprehensive view of her life and the complexities surrounding her relationship with Guzmán.
Official Statements & Responses
Maritza Ramos, an executive producer, stated, “My husband liked Rafael’s work on *El Señor de los Cielos*, and I know he would be pleased to see Rafael portray him in this project.” This sentiment reflects the collaborative spirit of the production team and their aim to create a narrative that resonates with both Coronel and Guzmán's legacy.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding the project, there are concerns regarding the ethical implications of dramatizing the lives of individuals involved in drug trafficking and organized crime. Critics argue that such portrayals can glamorize criminal behavior and may not accurately reflect the consequences of these actions on society.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My husband liked Rafael’s work on El Señor de los Cielos, and I know he would be pleased to see Rafael portray him in this project,” — Maritza Ramos, Executive Producer
- “That is an important factor since she also has been displeased with previous portrayals of her.” — Source Unspecified
This new series aims to provide a unique perspective on the life of Joaquín Guzmán through the lens of Emma Coronel, potentially reshaping the narrative surrounding one of the most infamous figures in modern history.
