The latest addition to the Latin narco-world series collection is here: "Cocaine Hotel," a gripping new production by Chris Brancato, the mastermind behind "Narcos" and one of today's leading creators of narco-gangster stories.
Unlike the three seasons chronicling Pablo Escobar's saga, Brancato surrounded himself with collaborators who intimately understood the story's context. "For me, it was crucial to have people who deeply understood the history and could ensure its authenticity," Brancato told The Latin Times. "That's why Guillermo (Navarro, the director) was essential, not just for his talent behind the camera but also for his expertise."
Navarro, recognized for his work as Guillermo del Toro's preferred cinematographer ("Pan's Labyrinth," "Cabinet of Curiosities") and Brancato's collaborator on "Godfathers of Harlem," emphasized the importance of cultural nuances. "I've been fighting all my life about the differences in culture, accents, and origins, which are often overlooked just because we all speak Spanish," Navarro expressed.
The world of "Hotel Cocaine"
Set in late 1970s Miami, "Hotel Cocaine" draws significant insight from its stars, Danny Pino and Yul Vazquez. The series is named after the Mutiny Hotel, a notorious hotspot for the city's drug trafficking activity and also featured prominently in Sofia Vergara's acclaimed series "Griselda."
"The club and hotel are famous not only in Miami but worldwide. The 1970s era was a pivotal time that greatly transformed our city," Pino told The Latin Times. As a Cuban-American who was a child during that period, Pino admitted he doesn't remember the criminal details but was aware of the significant events shaping his city.
Law and Order SUV's alumn Pino portrays the lead character, Román Compte, who is coerced by the DEA into the drug trade to spy on his brother, one of Miami's top drug lords.
"Obviously, most Cuban exiles were not involved in drugs, but the influence of that economy transformed our city. There's no debate about that; it happened," Pino remarked. "It's a violent and complex story, but it's also specifically a Miami story with influences from Colombia, Mexico, Europe, and the Caribbean."
For both Pino and Vazquez, who plays Román's drug lord brother, "Hotel Cocaine" is also a Cuban exile story.
Vazquez, who came to Miami from Cuba as a young boy with his mother, shared his personal connection to the era. "When all this was happening, I had just arrived from Cuba. My uncle was involved in the Bay of Pigs invasion with Brigade 2506. This story is part of what happened in the city, and it's important to tell it."
About the Series
"Hotel Cocaine" offers a gritty and authentic look into the drug-fueled transformation of Miami in the late 70s. Created by Chris Brancato and directed by Guillermo Navarro, this series delves into the lives entwined with the city's notorious drug trade, featuring compelling performances by Danny Pino and Yul Vazquez.
Where to Watch
Catch "Hotel Cocaine" on MGM +
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