History Channel to broadcast “El Chapo” series

History is developing “#Cartel,” a drama about the Mexican drug lord El Chapo, hailing from “Narcos” co-creator Chris Brancato, according to entertainment news website Variety.

“#Cartel” will explore the global drug wars through the true story of Joaquin Guzman, better known as El Chapo, following the kingpin’s rise to power. Unlike drug lords of decades past, El Chapo has fan followings with relationships in the entertainment and music industry that stretch past the Mexican border and into the United States.

The History project will reflect that by 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.

Written by Chris Brancato, a writer and producer, known for Narcos (2015), Hoodlum (1997) and Species II (1998), #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.

Actress Kate del Castillo was present at an interview with El Chapo Guzman. (PHOTO: Milenio.com)

“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.

History president and general manager Jana Bennett said in a statement. “The true story of ‘El Chapo’, fraught with murder, drugs, corruption and celebrity, has been and continues to be one of the most disturbing and fascinating of the past decade. Chris is the perfect person to bring this slice of modern history to the screen.”

Over the past year, Guzman has made international headlines after he broke out of prison and was recaptured soon after a secret meeting with Mexican actress Kate del Castillo and Oscar-winning actor Sean Penn.

Penn wrote about it for Rolling Stone magazine.

Accounts have varied as to whether Guzman wanted to discuss a film based on his life or was intent on meeting del Castillo.

Mexican officials said the unlikely meeting helped lead to Guzman’s capture in January.

Sources:

History Developing El Chapo Series From ‘Narcos’ Co-Creator