Netflix’s Narcos: Mexico has received third season renewal, according to Deadline. The series chronicling the historical drug trade of Mexican cartels will have a new showrunner in co-creator Carlo Bernard (The Uninvited, The Great Wall). Unfortunately, series star Diego Luna (y tu mamá también, The Book of Life) will not be returning.
According to Deadline, the third season will examine the 1990s rise of several new independent cartels, all vying for dominance as the trade expands globally. Along with new blood comes new consequences when violence becomes the only means to victory. Luna’s kingpin Felix Gallardo ended season two headed to prison, leaving speculation on his return. Luna’s departure is now official as he is set to star in a Star Wars prequel series for Disney+ as Rogue One character, Cassian Andor.
The remaining cast is set to return, via Deadline. This includes Scoot McNairy (Killing Them Softly, Halt and Catch Fire), José Maria Yazpik (Polvo, Everybody Loves Somebody), Alberto Ammann (Mars, Apaches), Alfonso Dosal (Do I Like An Hombre, Here on Earth), Mayra Hermosillo (Jesus Christ Superstar, Privacidad), Matt Letscher (The Mask of Zorro, The Flash), Manuel Masalva (Yago), Alejandro Edda (American Made, Fear the Walking Dead), and Gorka Lasaosa (Brain Drain). Deadline also reports Wagner Moura (Sergio, Wasp Network), who portrayed Pablo Escobar in the original series, will return and direct two episodes.
Former showrunner Eric Newman (Bright, Project Power) will transition to more of a background role but will continue to executive produce along with Bernard, according to Deadline. Newman’s overall deal with Netflix has him overseeing the development of projects for both film and TV. He has the Chris Hemsworth and Journee Smollett thriller, Escape From Spiderhead, along with Daniel Kaluuya-led The Upper World. He’ll also assist in developing Painkiller, a drama series centered on the opioid crisis.
“I am grateful for my five years at the helm of Narcos and Narcos: Mexico and am immensely proud of what this spectacular team has achieved with these shows,” said Newman, via Deadline. “Carlo Bernard is the first person I ever spoke to about this project, over ten years ago, and I am extremely pleased to leave the steering of Season 3 of Narcos: Mexico in his very capable hands,” Newman said, via Deadline.