EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: José María Yazpik Talks Gringo Hunters, Border Politics & Taking part in a Man Caught Between Progress and Corruption

In Gringo Hunters, Yazpik performs a fictional entrepreneur in Tijuana whose ambition to remodel the town clashes with a covert police unit monitoring down American fugitives hiding in Mexico.

“He wants to do good for society,” Yazpik explains. “But he’s not doing it correctly. He’s serving political and economic interests instead of focusing on social issues… and that generally leads to corruption.”

Yazpik’s position sits within the grey space between savior and saboteur — a theme he clearly enjoys exploring. “I usually get offered villain roles. This character is different. He’s complex. He means well, but the way he goes about it creates a lot of conflict — and that’s what drew me to him.”

Actual-Life Inspiration, Private Ties 

The collection is predicated on a real story first reported by The Washington Submit — a couple of particular activity drive in Tijuana that hunts down American fugitives. That reversal of the standard border narrative was a part of what made the venture really feel pressing and well timed.

“It’s amazing because we’re used to hearing these stories the other way around,” Yazpik says. “It’s usually about Mexicans crossing the border. But this time, it’s about Americans fleeing into Mexico.”

Including to the private connection, Yazpik grew up in Tijuana and studied in San Diego. “I didn’t need to do much research. I just looked back into my own life — into people I knew — and picked out little details to bring my character to life.”

Acquainted Faces, New Tales 

The present additionally supplied Yazpik an opportunity to reunite with previous collaborators, together with producers and co-stars from Narcos. “It was like a very nice reunion,” he says. “Working with Netflix, Imagine, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard — it’s a first-class team.”

That mixture of worldwide scale and native authenticity is one thing Yazpik values. “In Mexico, we don’t get many productions like this — with this level of resources and reach. Everyone had to be on their A-game.”

With out revealing an excessive amount of, Yazpik teases a darkish evolution for his character.

“He starts out convinced he’s doing the right thing,” he says. “But as the season goes on, he realizes the consequences of his actions. He becomes vengeful. Probably violent. He’s not the same man by the end.”

Why Gringo Hunters Issues 

Greater than only a crime thriller, Gringo Hunters gives a lens into U.S.-Mexico relations, difficult perceptions and beginning tough conversations.

“I hope it sparks dialogue about how connected our two countries really are,” Yazpik says. “We’re neighbors. We’re very similar. We both want to live in peace.”

Catch the total interview with Jose Maria beneath, and don’t miss José María Yazpik in Gringo Hunters, streaming now on Netflix.