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Sunday, July 27, 2025

José María Yazpik Talks Gringo Hunters, Border Politics & Enjoying a Man Caught Between Progress and Corruption



Netflix’s new thriller Gringo Hunters is already turning heads with its daring title, real-world inspiration, and high-stakes premise. We sat down with star José María Yazpik for an unique interview to speak about his character, the story’s stunning roots, and why this mission felt private.

“A Man Who Needs to Do Good… However Isn’t Doing It Proper” 

In Gringo Hunters, Yazpik performs a fictional entrepreneur in Tijuana whose ambition to rework the town clashes with a covert police unit monitoring down American fugitives hiding in Mexico.

“He needs to do good for society,” Yazpik explains. “However he’s not doing it accurately. He’s serving political and financial pursuits as a substitute of specializing in social points… and that usually results in corruption.”

Yazpik’s function sits within the grey space between savior and saboteur — a theme he clearly enjoys exploring. “I normally get supplied villain roles. This character is completely different. He’s advanced. He means effectively, however the way in which he goes about it creates a number of battle — and that’s what drew me to him.”

Actual-Life Inspiration, Private Ties 

The collection is predicated on a real story first reported by The Washington Put up — a few particular process drive in Tijuana that hunts down American fugitives. That reversal of the standard border narrative was a part of what made the mission really feel pressing and well timed.

“It’s wonderful as a result of we’re used to listening to these tales the opposite method round,” Yazpik says. “It’s normally about Mexicans crossing the border. However this time, it’s about People fleeing into Mexico.”

Including to the private connection, Yazpik grew up in Tijuana and studied in San Diego. “I didn’t have to do a lot analysis. I simply appeared again into my very own life — into individuals I knew — and picked out little particulars to convey my character to life.”

Acquainted Faces, New Tales 

The present additionally supplied Yazpik an opportunity to reunite with previous collaborators, together with producers and co-stars from Narcos. “It was like a really good reunion,” he says. “Working with Netflix, Think about, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard — it’s a first-class staff.”

That mixture of worldwide scale and native authenticity is one thing Yazpik values. “In Mexico, we don’t get many productions like this — with this stage of sources and attain. Everybody needed to be on their A-game.”

On the Journey Forward 

With out revealing an excessive amount of, Yazpik teases a darkish evolution for his character.

“He begins out satisfied he’s doing the appropriate factor,” he says. “However because the season goes on, he realizes the implications of his actions. He turns into vengeful. Most likely violent. He’s not the identical man by the tip.”

Why Gringo Hunters Issues 

Greater than only a crime thriller, Gringo Hunters provides a lens into U.S.-Mexico relations, difficult perceptions and beginning troublesome conversations.

“I hope it sparks dialogue about how linked our two international locations actually are,” Yazpik says. “We’re neighbors. We’re very comparable. We each need to dwell in peace.”

Catch the total interview with Jose Maria beneath, and don’t miss José María Yazpik in Gringo Hunters, streaming now on Netflix.

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