In the vibrant landscape of television, few stories captivate audiences like those centered around notorious characters, and even fewer actors can seamlessly transition from comedy to intense drama. Enter Sofía Vergara, the Colombian sensation, renowned for her vivacious role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on “Modern Family.” However, her latest venture is a departure from the comedic spotlight as she takes on the challenging role of Griselda Blanco, a Colombian drug lord, in the Netflix series “Griselda.”
The genesis of this remarkable project can be traced back to 2015 when Sofía Vergara, armed with a passion for the complex character of Griselda Blanco, invited Eric Newman, the showrunner of “Narcos,” to her Los Angeles home. Vergara had been captivated by Blanco’s story since watching the “Cocaine Cowboys” documentary in 2006, recognizing the layers beneath the notorious drug lord’s façade. The Colombian actress saw beyond the murders and kidnappings, discovering a narrative that fascinated her – the tale of a seemingly innocuous woman simultaneously raising four children while constructing a brutal drug empire.
The challenge, however, was convincing others that the beloved Gloria Pritchett could embody the ruthlessness of Griselda Blanco. In a recent phone conversation from London, Vergara shared her initial doubts, questioning the odds of persuading Newman that she was the right fit for such a transformative role. Yet, her profound connection to the material, coupled with her personal overlap with Blanco’s life, eventually won over Newman and director Andrés Baiz.
Andrés Baiz, reflecting on Vergara’s commitment, noted the parallel journeys of both women – immigrants from Colombia ascending to the pinnacle of their respective industries, navigating through a misogynistic culture. He highlighted their shared “unstoppable, fierce quality,” which became the driving force behind Vergara’s portrayal of Blanco.
The Netflix series “Griselda,” premiering Thursday, represents a unique approach to the familiar narrative of the Colombian drug trade. Amid a sea of South American narco tales predominantly produced by white creators, Vergara envisioned a bilingual story, with a cast predominantly Latino and female characters taking center stage. Vergara, as the executive producer and star, collaborated with Baiz to bring this vision to life.
For Vergara, known for her comedic prowess and distinctive accent, “Griselda” offered a perfect opportunity. She expressed the difficulty of finding roles due to her accent and comedic background, making this project a personal triumph. The series delves into Blanco’s life during the late 1970s and early ’80s, focusing on her arrival in Miami as a single mother of three sons. The narrative unfolds as Blanco builds her empire, trailed by June Hawkins (Juliana Aidén Martinez), one of the first female homicide detectives in Miami, determined to bring her down.
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This narrowed focus differentiates “Griselda” from previous portrayals of Blanco’s life, emphasizing specific aspects of her journey. The series aims to present a nuanced perspective, exploring the challenges faced by both Griselda Blanco and June Hawkins – two single mothers of Latin descent navigating male-dominated fields.
Juliana Aidén Martinez, who plays June Hawkins, expressed her gratification at being part of a project that prioritizes female characters. The inclusion of characters like Carla, a sex worker portrayed by Colombian pop star Karol G, in her acting debut, adds depth to the narrative. The series seeks to connect with its audience on a personal level, acknowledging the impact of the drug trade on Colombian families.
For many in the cast and creative team, the depiction of Griselda Blanco carries personal significance. Vergara shared the heartbreaking experiences within her own family – her older brother fatally shot in Bogotá in the 1990s, and her younger brother battling drug addiction. Baiz, recalling friends kidnapped during his childhood in Cali, Colombia, emphasized the show’s challenge of balancing Blanco’s business acumen with the brutality of the drug trade.
Newman stressed the importance of avoiding a one-dimensional portrayal of Blanco as a villain. He rejected the notion of “monsters” born from the womb, highlighting the impact of environments and circumstances. “Griselda” aims to showcase Blanco’s humanity alongside her amoral and corrupt side, offering a holistic view of her life.
The physical transformation undergone by Sofía Vergara for the role adds another layer to the narrative. To embody the five-foot-tall Blanco, Vergara spent three hours in the makeup chair daily. Prosthetic nose, fake teeth, and body padding were essential elements of her transformation, alongside adopting a masculine slouch to alter her posture. The actress shared the challenges of shaking off the character after shooting, noting the toll it took on her both physically and emotionally.
Vergara wanted to depict Blanco not just as a ruthless drug lord but as a survivor of domestic abuse with limited options. The series explores the complexity of Blanco’s choices, questioning whether they were driven by necessity or by a darker intention. The actress hopes viewers will understand Griselda rather than cheer for her, drawing parallels to characters like Tony Soprano, who, despite being morally questionable, evoke a certain sympathy.
As “Griselda” premieres on Netflix, the creators invite the audience to embark on a six-episode journey that goes beyond the surface, exploring the humanity, empowerment, revulsion, and horror within the tale. Baiz emphasizes the importance of sticking with the series until the end to fully appreciate Blanco’s story.
In conclusion, Sofía Vergara’s transformation into Griselda Blanco symbolizes a convergence of talent, passion, and a commitment to presenting a multifaceted narrative. “Griselda” not only explores the notorious life of a Colombian drug lord but also becomes a testament to the power of representation, emphasizing the stories of women and Latinos in a genre often dominated by a different narrative. As audiences delve into this captivating series, they will witness the metamorphosis of Sofía Vergara, transcending the boundaries of comedy to deliver a compelling portrayal of one of the most enigmatic figures in the world of organized crime.
