Charlie Hunnam Cast As 'La Barbie'? British Actor To Play Mexican-American Drug Lord In Upcoming Movie

Actor Armie Hammer, known for his roles in “The Social Network,” “Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” and “The Lone Ranger,” announced he had secured Edgar “La Barbie” Valdez Villareal’s life rights during an exclusive interview with Buzzfeed last week. According to website’s report, Hammer and “La Barbie” have been in contact since 2012, when the 29-year-old actor turned to Kent Schaffer, Valdez Villareal’s lawyer, for legal representation.

Even though Hammer didn’t reveal specific details about the upcoming project during the interview, rumors on the World Wide Web suggest that British actor, Charlie Hunnam, has been selected to portray the former leader of the Beltrán Leyva Brothers Cartel in a movie, which will be based on the Rolling Stone article, “An American Drug Lord in Acapulco.”

Hunnam, who is no stranger to the world of drugs, violence and guns after playing the role of Jax Teller on the FX hit show “Sons of Anarchy,” has been spotted in Laredo, Texas, where he is allegedly doing research on the Texas-born kingpin. Although Hunnam’s fans base is well built, and would contribute a great deal to the film’s acceptance, many are wondering why was an English actor cast to play a Mexican-American drug lord?

Sources have pointed out that actors such as Santiago Cabrera, James Roday, William Levy or “Scream Queens’” Diego Boneta should at least be considered to give life to one of the most wanted Mexican criminals. This controversy comes at a time when the Academy Awards are, once again, being criticized for the lack of diversity during this year’s nominations.

What do you think? Are you happy with Charlie Hunnam playing “La Barbie” or should they go for a Latino actor? Let us know in the comment box below.