Sofía Vergara's Transformation

Sofía Vergara takes on a dramatically different role in the gripping new series Griselda, showcasing a side of herself rarely seen before. Known primarily for her comedic talents on Modern Family, Vergara transforms into the formidable figure of la jefa, embodying the notorious drug lord Griselda Blanco with intensity and authenticity.

In addition to her compelling performance, Vergara also serves as an executive producer, highlighting her multifaceted involvement in the project. The series is currently available for streaming, allowing viewers to dive into this intense portrayal.

Recently, Vergara's work on Griselda earned her a well-deserved Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, announced on July 17.

For those interested in the real story behind the series, a detailed exploration is available that delves into the life of Griselda Blanco, a ruthless and influential cartel boss whose legacy continues to fascinate. This biographical series offers a raw and revealing look into her world, beginning from November 26.

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Sofía Vergara Transforms for Netflix's Gripping Cartel Drama

The streaming world is buzzing with Netflix's latest crime thriller that sees beloved comedy star Sofía Vergara step into dramatically different territory. Trading her glamorous "Modern Family" persona for the ruthless world of drug trafficking, Vergara's portrayal of real-life cocaine queenpin Griselda Blanco has captivated audiences worldwide.

This six-episode limited series chronicles Blanco's extraordinary rise from desperate immigrant to feared cartel leader in 1970s-80s Miami. With remarkable physical transformation and emotional depth, Vergara delivers a performance that's already generating award season speculation.

Behind the series stands an impressive creative team, including "Narcos" producers who bring their signature gritty authenticity to this female-driven narrative. The supporting cast features a compelling mix of established talent and breakthrough performers who populate Griselda's dangerous world.

What distinguishes this series is its unflinching examination of how a mother of four managed to dominate a notoriously male-controlled criminal enterprise. The show doesn't shy away from Blanco's brutal tactics while still exploring the complex factors that shaped her choices.

Critics have particularly praised the series' production design, which meticulously recreates cocaine-boom era Miami with its distinctive visual palette and pulsing soundtrack. The show's success demonstrates continuing audience fascination with true crime narratives that explore moral complexity rather than simple villains.

For viewers intrigued by America's drug war history or fans curious to see Vergara's dramatic range, this series offers a darkly compelling viewing experience that's as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

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Six-episode limited series Griselda brings Sofía Vergara into the executive producer's chair alongside star billing.

Eric Newman spearheads the project, marking his return to the cocaine underworld after Narcos and its Mexico spin-off.

His fascination with Griselda Blanco ignited early during Narcos research, seeing her as a uniquely compelling figure.

Newman consistently explores the humanity within individuals often branded as purely evil.

He views Griselda as presenting both his toughest test and richest chance for this exploration.

Directing every episode is Andrés Baiz, reuniting with Newman from their Narcos collaboration.

Co-creators and executive producers include Newman, Doug Miro, Ingrid Escajeda, and Carlo Bernard.

Miro and Escajeda jointly manage the series as co-showrunners.

Vergara and Luis Balaguer from Latin World Entertainment complete the executive production team.

The series draws its inspiration from the legendary figure of Griselda Blanco, a remarkable Colombian entrepreneur whose ambition and intelligence propelled her from humble beginnings to become the notorious “godmother” of the underworld.

Centered on a fiercely dedicated mother, the narrative explores her rise to establish one of history’s most lucrative drug cartels. As the story unfolds, it reveals her complex personality—combining deadly ruthlessness with undeniable charm—enabling her to straddle the perilous worlds of illicit enterprise and family life seamlessly.

According to Newman, no woman has ever come close to reaching the levels of power, wealth, and respect that Griselda achieved. She commanded a unique sense of fear within the criminal realm, unmatched by any trafficker, regardless of gender. The series portrays her life as a tumultuous journey of ascent and descent, blending elements of thrill, emotion, humor, horror, and tragedy. Griselda emerges as an antihero—a figure of contradictions, embodying both strength and vulnerability.

Sofia Vergara’s portrayal marks a departure from her previous roles, yet Newman emphasizes her suitability for the part. Vergara, a force of nature, has the talent and determination to embody such a complex character. Newman highlights her background as a single mother who emigrated from Colombia to the United States, building an empire against all odds. Her transformation into Griselda showcases her versatility beyond her well-known comedic persona, surprising audiences with her dramatic depth.

In the series, Vergara undergoes a striking transformation into the formidable La Jefa, fully immersing herself in the character’s ruthless persona. The trailer offers a glimpse of the vibrant ’70s and ’80s Miami setting, vividly brought to life amid the city’s intense drug war led by Griselda herself.

Baiz, the creative mind behind the show’s aesthetic, comments on the nostalgic atmosphere: “Miami in the ’70s and ’80s allowed us to be playful and inventive with the world-building. The music, architecture, wardrobe, and set design helped craft a tone that’s surreal, joyful, sexy, yet also rebellious and unconventional.”

Visual Storytelling and Character Transformation

Elizabeth Morris's Netflix portfolio showcases a stunning visual narrative captured through the lens of an accomplished photographer. The images reveal intricate details and compelling compositions that draw viewers into each frame.

The collection features a series of artistic photographs that demonstrate Morris's distinctive style and technical expertise. Each image stands as its own statement while contributing to the cohesive visual story being told across the Netflix production.

Morris's work brilliantly captures the essence of the 1970s aesthetic featured in the series, highlighting the meticulous attention to period-authentic fashion, set design, and atmospheric lighting that transports viewers to another era.

The photography not only documents the performances but elevates them, creating visual moments that resonate with viewers long after viewing. The business savvy portrayed in these images offers audiences a glimpse into the complex character dynamics that drive the narrative.

These first-look photographs serve as a tantalizing preview, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the world Morris has helped create through her exceptional visual storytelling.

Sofia Vergara undergoes a remarkable transformation for her role as Griselda, thanks to a talented hair and makeup team that makes her nearly unrecognizable. In the behind-the-scenes video titled “Becoming Griselda,” makeup designer Baiz reveals that achieving this look was one of the most challenging parts of production. He emphasizes the importance of creating a distinct appearance for Vergara that sets her apart from her real self, avoiding direct imitation of the notorious drug lord, Griselda Blanco.

Costume and makeup artist Newman echoes this sentiment, noting that Vergara dedicated hours daily to her makeup routine, as she appeared in every scene of the series. To portray the character across different time periods from the 1970s to the 1980s, Vergara donned five different wigs and used prosthetic eyebrow covers with false eyebrows glued on. Her look was further enhanced with a prosthetic nose and dental plates that gave her slightly crooked, yellowed teeth—reflecting her smoking habits throughout the series. Newman explains that by the end of each filming day, Vergara was transformed into Griselda, leaving her no longer recognizable as herself.

The series is a collaborative effort by a team experienced in storytelling and crime drama. Co-created by Newman, who previously worked on the hit series Narcos and Narcos: Mexico, and directed by Baiz, who helmed all six episodes, the show benefits from a deep understanding of the genre. Baiz credits his experience on Narcos for helping him grow as a director and establish strong relationships with his cast and crew, which facilitated smoother production on Griselda.

Newman views Griselda as a natural evolution from Narcos, noting that after six seasons working closely with the same team, they were able to establish a cohesive workflow. This familiarity was especially crucial given that Vergara was taking on a role that involved significant risk and new acting challenges. Both series are bilingual, involving Latin American actors switching seamlessly between Spanish and English, adding authenticity to their storytelling.

Vergara, although not as globally recognized as Pablo Escobar, points out that even he was reportedly intimidated by Griselda Blanco during her reign. As an executive producer, she believed aligning with the Narcos team was the right choice because of their ability to humanize complex figures and craft compelling narratives. She appreciates their deep understanding of the world they depict and the trust audiences place in their storytelling.

The series also explores themes of perseverance and gender barriers, highlighting Griselda’s and Miami police officer June Hawkins’ struggles in male-dominated environments. Newman draws a parallel between law enforcement and drug trafficking worlds, noting that the lines between good and bad are often blurred in both narratives. This thematic connection echoes what viewers have seen in Narcos, where the moral ambiguity adds depth to the stories.

At the 2024 Emmy Awards, Vergara received a nomination for Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, recognizing her compelling performance. The series itself was honored with nominations for Outstanding Cinematography and Outstanding Period Costumes. Additionally, Vergara was nominated at the Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress in a Limited Series, further acknowledging her impactful role in Griselda.

New Colombian Actress Series

Catch a preview of the acclaimed Colombian actress in her groundbreaking new role by viewing the exclusive trailer, behind-the-scenes photographs, and character portraits showcased above.

The highly anticipated series has officially launched and is available exclusively for streaming on the Netflix platform.

Special thanks to contributing editor Drew Tewksbury for supplementary research and reporting on this feature.

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