Narcos: Mexico has become of Netflix’s signature shows, and fans want more. The critically acclaimed drama has made quite a bit of noise on the streamer, with many comparing it favorably to its parent show. Based on the way Season 2 ended, many wondered if a potential third season was in the cards. Now, we have confirmation that Narcos: Mexico will indeed be returning for a third season. However, this announcement comes with a bit of bad news.
Although Netflix has officially ordered a third season of Narcos: Mexico, the show’s star – Diego Luna – will not be returning for the new season, per Deadline. The trade also reports that the show will also have a new showrunner when it returns, as series co-creator Carlo Bernard will be taking over day-to-day duties for Eric Newman, who is said to be taking a step back from both Narcos series. Newman will, however, remain with the show as an executive producer. He also released a statement in which he formally announced his departure:
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. 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.
The third season of Narcos: Mexico will also see a familiar face moving behind the camera. Wagner Moura, who portrayed Pablo Escobar on the show, is returning to the series to direct two episodes.
There are a number of things to look forward to with Season 3 of Narcos: Mexico, but Diego Luna’s absence is admittedly disappointing. Luna played drug lord Felix Gallardo, who was sentenced to prison at the end of Season 2. This may have led some to question Luna’s future with the show, and it would seem that it did indeed spell the end for him, at least for right now.
It should also be noted that Diego Luna has another project on the horizon, which may or may not have played into this development. The actor is currently set to work on Disney+’s Cassian Andor series, in which he’ll reprise his role as the titular character from Rogue One. Like many other productions, that show was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic but, according to Deadline, it’s now moving into pre-production.
Luna’s Gallardo may not be physically present, but his absence will definitely be felt. Narcos: Mexico Season 3, which is set in the ‘90s, will explore the aftermath Felix’s arrest, as his drug empire is splintered. And all the while, new kingpins begin to come onto the scene.
Narcos: Mexico is certainly entering a new chapter, and Diego Luna will be missed. But by the sounds of it, Season 3 is shaping up to be another exciting era in this franchise’s history.
The first two seasons of Narcos: Mexico are now streaming on Netflix.
