Principal photography has concluded on “Drama King” (“El Rey del Drama”), a new Mexican drama directed by Nicolas Celis and produced by Pimienta Films (“Roma,” “Emilia Perez”) in its first partnership with Amazon MGM Studios.
The film stars Diego Calva, who recently starred in Season 2 of the Colombian-set thriller series The Night Manager, co-stars Jose María Yazpik of Narcos: Mexico and Esmeralda Pimentel (Cassi al Paraiso), and is directed by Carlos Lenin (The Vigrie, The Pigeon and the Wolf).
Calva plays Rodrigo Rojas, a telenovela actor who is desperate to break away from melodramatic roles. When a famous film director arrives in Mexico, he jumps at the chance to star in a film, even though his pride is humiliated and bruised.
“Drama King” is produced by Celis and Samara Ibrahim, who co-wrote the screenplay with Monica Herrera, who co-wrote the International Emmy Award-winning “Dive,” directed by Lucia Puenzo and starring Carla Souza.
This story asks a simple question: how far will a person go to realize his dreams? The answer unfolds as a sharp, self-aware satire on fame, ambition, and identity in the Mexican entertainment industry. However, it can be done in any industry.
The cast also includes Irene Azuela (Bajo La Sal), Vadir Derbez (El Mecero), Aimé Marafe (The Huntress), Vanessa Bauche (Amores Perros), Gustavo Sánchez Parra (Amores Perros), Alfonso Borbora (Sr. Avila), and Andrés Almeida. (“Y tu mama también”).
“Mexico is a country of powerful stories and extraordinary talent, both in front of and behind the camera. At Amazon MGM Studios, we believe in that talent and are betting on local content to share it with the world. Championing Mexico’s voices is more than just a strategy; it’s the essence of creating authentic stories that move audiences at home and abroad,” said Javiera Balmaseda, head of international originals for Latin America, Canada and Australia at Amazon MGM Studios.
He added: “‘Drama King’ is the embodiment of that vision, produced in Mexico with a top-class crew and cast, and reaffirms the strength of our industry. We are excited to begin this journey and collaborate for the first time with Pimienta Films, whose story has left its mark nationally and internationally.”
The new project is part of Amazon MGM Studios’ global expansion plan, which includes premium original series, local remakes and theatrical releases in Mexico. Other major projects include the Mexican remake of Ricky Gervais’ hit mockumentary series “The Office,” which was released on March 13th. Amazon’s first original movies, the thriller “Vengeance” and the legal thriller “El Jucio.”
“For Pimienta Films, it is an honor to collaborate with Amazon MGM Studios on such an innovative project as Drama King. The film is a hilarious and profound human satire about the search for legitimacy in the world of entertainment. Under the direction of Carlos Lenin, one of Mexico’s most vibrant voices, and a stellar cast, we are constructing a story that not only entertains but also provokes reflection,” said Celis.
