Who Will Play 'El Chapo'? Univision, Netflix Announce Marco De La O As Lead In New Series, Plus Full Cast

Actor Marco de la O has been cast in the role of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán for Univision and Netflix's upcoming biopic series "El Chapo," inspired in the infamous Mexican drug lord. Recently, Netflix and Univision announced they joined forces to bring to life this controversial series, set to be broadcast in the United States through the UniMás channel in 2017 and through the streaming site in the rest of the world.

"We are thrilled to have Marco take on the role of 'El Chapo' as we begin to unfold the real story of the most notorious drug lord of our times, revealing the man behind the myth," said Christian Gabela, General Manager of Story House Entertainment. "We think viewers will be truly captivated by both Marco’s performance and this story of power, ambition, corruption, secrecy, and deception."

The new drama explores the life story of one of the world’s most notorious criminals over a span of three decades – from 1985, when he was a low level member of the Guadalajara Cartel, his rise to power and his ultimate downfall.

Additional casting announced includes Humberto Busto (Amores Perros) as Attorney Conrado Sol, a.k.a "Don Sol" (an important political party figure); Juan Carlos Olivas (180°) as El Güero (Joaquín’s main partner); Alejandro Aguilar (Rosario Tijeras) as Toño (Joaquín’s main assassin); Tete Espinoza (Wenses y Lala) as Chío (Joaquín’s lover); Rodrigo Abed (Reevolución) as Amado (Mexican capo), among others.

Guzmán Loera is originally from Badiraguato, Sinaloa. Since the late 1980s he became one of the leading leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel and pushed its expansion into rival organizations such as the Juarez Cartel and the Tijuana Cartel.

"El Chapo" was created by Silvana Aguirre Zegarra and produced by Daniel Posada. The first season was directed by Jose Manuel Cravioto and Ernesto Contreras. The series, which is currently in production, will air in three separate cycles, as exposed on Variety.

"El Chapo" will premiere on Sunday, April 23 at 8 PM ET/PT on the Univision Network.

You cannot miss it! Watch the trailer below.