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

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

“He needs to do good for society,” Yazpik explains. “However he’s not doing it accurately. He’s serving political and financial pursuits as an alternative of specializing in social points… and that usually results in corruption.”

Yazpik’s function sits within the grey space between savior and saboteur — a theme he clearly enjoys exploring. “I often get provided villain roles. This character is completely different. He’s advanced. He means effectively, however the best way he goes about it creates loads of battle — and that’s what drew me to him.”

Actual-Life Inspiration, Private Ties 

The sequence relies on a real story first reported by The Washington Submit — a couple of particular job power in Tijuana that hunts down American fugitives. That reversal of the standard border narrative was a part of what made the mission really feel pressing and well timed.

“It’s superb as a result of we’re used to listening to these tales the opposite approach round,” Yazpik says. “It’s often about Mexicans crossing the border. However this time, it’s about People fleeing into Mexico.”

Including to the private connection, Yazpik grew up in Tijuana and studied in San Diego. “I didn’t must do a lot analysis. I simply regarded again into my very own life — into folks I knew — and picked out little particulars to convey my character to life.”

Acquainted Faces, New Tales 

The present additionally provided Yazpik an opportunity to reunite with previous collaborators, together with producers and co-stars from Narcos. “It was like a really good reunion,” he says. “Working with Netflix, Think about, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard — it’s a first-class crew.”

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 stage of assets and attain. Everybody needed to be on their A-game.”

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

“He begins out satisfied he’s doing the appropriate factor,” he says. “However because the season goes on, he realizes the implications of his actions. He turns into vengeful. Most likely violent. He’s not the identical man by the tip.”

Why Gringo Hunters Issues 

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

“I hope it sparks dialogue about how linked our two nations actually are,” Yazpik says. “We’re neighbors. We’re very comparable. We each wish to stay in peace.”

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