Netflix Mexico has unveiled a rousing new slate in production this year that includes the series debut of Luis Estrada (“¡Que viva México!”), a new pic from Rodrigo Garcia (“Familia”), another series from hit-maker José Ignacio “Chascas” Valenzuela (“Who Killed Sara?”) and “La Reina del Sur”’s Kate del Castillo unusually toplining a comedy.
Also leading the pack is series “Gringo Hunters,” produced by Woo Films and Redrum in co-production with Brian Grazer’s Imagine Entertainment in association with The Washington Post.
Said Francisco Ramos, VP of content for Latin America: “We begin 2024 by reaffirming our commitment to show Mexico, just as it is, on Netflix. This diverse and complex Mexico –immensely rich, sometimes contradictory, and with enormous possibilities– is what inspires, motivates and makes us always keep an eye out for the best stories, so that our offer is even more ambitious and accurate.”
“We will continue to explore the identity of our country through big bets, like the film adaptation of‘Pedro Páramo,’ based on the novel by Juan Rulfo: one of the most important works of Mexican and Latin American literature, directed by award-winning cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto and coming to Netflix this year,” he added.
The new tranche of series and films form part of the company’s “Que Mexico se Vea” initiative but is backed by a separate investment in addition to the $300 million announced in 2021. The new investment figure has not yet been announced this year.
“Mexico is of utmost importance for us, our Mexican members love local content, our local content is travelling all over the world, we have extraordinary production capabilities in Mexico, all of this in a country with unlimited talent, extraordinary directors, writers, production designers, etc. So much talent, such a rich culture, extraordinary traditions and a very rich history of storytelling,” Ramos told PvNew, adding: “This new slate we are announcing today signals our consistent and relentless commitment to Mexico with a number of productions of scope and ambition never seen before in Mexico.”
A breakdown of Netflix Mexico’s Upcoming Slate:
TV SHOWS:
“Las muertas,” based on the novel by Jorge Ibargüengoitia that follows the murderous Baladro sisters, inspired by the Mexican serial killers known as Las Poquianchis. Estrada will adapt and direct the series, to be produced by Mezcala Films. His most recent film, “¡Que Viva México!,” topped Netflix’s Global Top 10 of Non-English Films its first week, remaining on the list for four weeks. In addition, it was among the Top 10 films in 33 countries around the world, including Croatia, Spain, Guatemala, Jordan, Peru and Taiwan.
“Gringo Hunters,” The thriller series is based on the first article optioned by Imagine Entertainment from its multi-year, first-look deal with The Washington Post, inked in June 2022. The show tracks an elite Mexican police unit that hunts fugitives, many of them American, on the run to Mexico.
“Nadie nos vio partir,” a limited series based on the eponymous novel by Tamara Trottner, it follows a mother in desperate pursuit of her estranged husband who has kidnapped their children. It also highlights the clash between two of the most powerful families in the Jewish community in the ’60s. Adapted by María Camila Arias and Big Drama, it is produced by Monica Lozano’s Alebrije Producciones and Península Films.
“Celda 211” (working title), a limited series inspired by the acclaimed 2004 novel by Spain’s Francisco Pérez Gandul. This six-episode series turns on a riot that took place at a state prison in the Mexican border town of Ciudad Juárez on Dec 31, 2022 that left several dead. Jaime Reynoso and Gerardo Naranjo will direct with Diego Calva and Noé Hernández to star. Woo Films produces.
“Hermanas Guerra,” a series written by José Ignacio “Chascas” Valenzuela, which tells the story of the intense rivalry between sisters Perla and Antonia, whose relationship is marked by betrayal and cruel manipulation. Helmed by Carlos Villegas and Iker Dupeyron, and produced by Mar Abierto. In 2021, Chascas signed a three-year exclusive creative partnership for series and a first look film pact with Netflix.
FILMS:
“Las Locuras,” Mexican-Colombian director Rodrigo García’s follow-up to his feature debut, “Familia.” The film delves into the human experience, portraying a succession of narratives set within a single intense day. It examines how individuals are pushed to their limits as they defy constraints, whether from self-imposed restrictions, familial expectations, or societal pressures. Like “Familia,” it is produced by Global Panorama.
“The Biggest Fan” (working title), To be directed by María Torres (“Anonymously Yours”), the pic follows disgraced actress Lana Cruz who’s played by Kate del Castillo in her first comedy and who returns to Netflix after her hit series “La Reina del Sur.” Cruz has been canceled by Hollywood so she heads back to Mexico to work in a film and prove that she‘s still a star. What she’s not prepared for is meeting Polly, her biggest fan and worst nightmare. Lana must exert all her efforts to prevent Polly from jeopardizing her career. The comedy is produced by Gaumont and Pasajero.
“Delincuentes,” Directed by Humberto Hinojosa who helmed “Las Viudas de los Jueves” for Netflix. It follows a clique of privileged youths exploiting their social status and prejudices to commit crimes. As they step up their activities, the story unveils the grim truth beneath their lavish lifestyle, where the most vulnerable bear the brunt of their actions. It stars Alfonso Herrera, Ximena Lamadrid, Juan Pablo Fuentes, Fernando Cattori, and Renata Manterola, and is produced by Tigre and BH5.
“Negociando con mi mujer,” (working title). Helmed by Juan Taratuto and starring Mauricio Ochmann, Tato Alexander and Leonardo Ortizgriz. In this action comedy, Alan Binder is a skillful hostage negotiator – the best in Mexico – who will face the most crucial case of his career when the President and his lover are kidnapped. The kidnapper demands to negotiate only with him. Produced by Tiger House and Sin Sentido Films.
