Netflix is buzzing about Las Muertas, a new series directed by Luis Estrada. This show marks a big moment for both the filmmaker and actor Alfonso “Poncho” Herrera. In an exclusive chat, first reported by the prominent entertainment outlet Us Weekly en Español, both men opened up about the huge scope of the project. They talked about the acting challenges and the artistic ideas behind what many expect to be one of the year’s most talked-about productions.
Luis Estrada, known for his sharp, satirical movies like Herod’s Law and Hell, faced a new challenge with Las Muertas. This is his first time directing a TV series. He tackled it with the same care he gives his films. Yet, Estrada admits this format let him tell the story in a massive way. He explained, "I approached Las Muertas, adapting Jorge Ibargüengoitia’s amazing novel, which has been a project in my mind for over 40 years. I always wanted to make it a movie." He added, "I’m an atheist, but I believe sometimes things happen for a reason."
Estrada went on to say he always dreamed of turning Ibargüengoitia’s novel into a film. But over the years, he realized he needed a format that would let him stretch out every detail. "So, Las Muertas is really a seven-hour movie. It’s split into six parts, and each one has its own mood and style," he shared.
The 62-year-old director confessed that making the series was a long and risky journey. Still, it felt freeing. He compared it to moving from painting on a small canvas to creating an entire mural. This idea linked back to famous Mexican muralists like David Alfaro Siqueiros, Diego Rivera, and José Clemente Orozco. Estrada said they inspired him to give the characters bold, critical, and even cartoon-like qualities.
The Muralism Nod in the Storytelling
Estrada’s link to muralism is no accident. He wanted to show that big Mexican muralists also used humor to make social points, a trick he uses in the series. "No other format was better than a six-episode limited series, almost seven hours long. It let me tell this wonderful story, with all its characters and famous places," he explained.
With this plan, the director made sure each episode had its own special mark. It’s like they are six interconnected movies, but each one stands on its own. This is an experiment rarely seen in productions from his home country.
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Poncho Herrera: A Quirky Pedro Infante
Alfonso “Poncho” Herrera surprised audiences with a character that brings to mind a very classic Mexican image. He plays a modern Pedro Infante, but with a unique twist. The 41-year-old actor explained that his role started with that cultural idea. However, he added details that moved it away from being just a cartoon.
"There was a clear nod to Pedro Infante in how he looked and acted," Herrera said. "But deep down, I wanted to show a man with clumsy, not very responsible, masculinity. That clumsiness starts a chain reaction in the story. It turns into a disaster for all the characters."
Herrera highlighted how much he appreciated getting such a detailed script. It allowed him to build his role on solid ground. "With Luis, you get the material and have everything you need to work with. That’s something you really value," he added.
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The Strong Connection Between Director and Actor
The professional bond between Estrada and Herrera isn’t new. But Las Muertas has made their relationship even stronger. The actor had nothing but praise for the director. "It’s a pleasure to work with one of the best directors in Latin America, and by extension, the world. I hope this is the fourth of many more collaborations," he shared.
Their strong working relationship was key to giving power to a series that Estrada created with the same strictness as a movie. Yet, he used the freedom that streaming platforms offer. "The most important thing isn’t where it premieres, but what story you want to tell. Some we’ll make for cinema, others for TV, others for streaming. But always with the same passion," the filmmaker concluded.
Both the director and actor agree that Las Muertas is built with careful filmmaking. However, it’s designed for streaming. The series, which adapts Ibargüengoitia’s famous novel, looks like a mix of two worlds. It’s a project with the depth of a film and the flexible storytelling of a TV show.
Las Muertas will be available globally on Netflix starting September 10.