Netflix partners Salma Hayek on latest Mexican original

SVOD platform Netflix has unveiled a new original scripted series from Mexico, Monarca, to be produced in partnership with Salma Hayek’s company, Ventanarosa, Lemon Studios and Stearns Castle.

Monarca will begin production in autumn 2018 and will explore a world of Mexican elites riddled by corruption, scandal and violence. Netflix calls it “a high stakes family saga about a tequila-born Mexican business empire, and the battle that ensues when a member of the family decides to fight the system her family helped create.”

“I’m extremely excited to partner with Netflix, and to be working with amazing Mexican talent in front of and behind the camera,” said Hayek. “We are proud to show Mexico as a vibrant, sophisticated and culturally rich nation, fighting to control its own destiny.”

Diego Gutierrez, showrunner and creator, added “This is a passion project for me. Having been born and raised in Mexico, I’m humbled to have the opportunity to tell this story with Netflix and the talented team of people we’re assembling, both in The US and Mexico.”

“Mexico is a top priority for us in which to develop series,” said Netflix VP of international originals, Erik Barmack (left), “and we look forward to bringing the best originals to the world through partnerships with players such as Ventanarosa and Lemon Studios.” Monarca stars Irene Azuela and Juan Manuel Bernal, and will be written by a team comprising Fernando Rovzar, Julia Denis, Ana Sofia Clerici and Sandra García Velten.