Netflix expands Mexican originals with 1970s detective show

Belascoarán

Netflix has started production on a Mexican drama set in the 1970s that is based on the novels by Paco Ignacio Taibo II.

Belascoarán is set in Mexico City and tracks the life of Héctor Belascoarán Shayne, the lead character in Taibo’s 10-part novel series, as he attempts to fight crime and corruption.

The show’s cast includes Andrés Parra, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Irene Azuela and Paulina Gaitán.

Rodrigo Santos is attached to produce, with Ernesto Contreras (El Chapo), Hiromi Kamata and Gonzalo Amat (Fargo) attached to direct.

Netflix has been rapidly expanding its Mexican originals slate over the past 12 months and earlier this year revealed details of the 50 original productions to be made in the country, following its previously announced $300m investment in shows.