Today, Netflix has handed out a 10-episode series order to drama Narcos starring Brazilian film star Wagner Moura and to be directed Jose Padilha. Production on the series will begin later this year in Colombia for an early 2015 debut.
Narcos tells the story of the Medellin Cartel which was once the world's most ambitious and violent trafficking organization and focuses on the life of charismatic trafficker and politician Pablo Escobar (Moura).
Padilha, Eric Newman, Doug Miro, Carlos Bernard and Chris Brancato will executive produce. Gaumont International Television will produce.
"Jose and Wagner together created one of the most sophisticated and chilling portraits of criminality and official corruption ever in their Elite Squad movies," said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer, Netflix. "Their version of the Escobar saga will be like nothing ever seen before."
"Our idea is to tell the true story of how cocaine became such a huge problem in the U.S. and Europe and how it all started here in Medellin," said Padilha.
"We are so thrilled to be working with Jose and Eric on this gripping and timeless story," said Katie O'Connell, Chief Executive Officer, Gaumont International Television. "Netflix is the perfect partner to launch this series and we are happy to be working once again with the amazing team there."
