Roberto Sosa: ‘Dinastía Casillas’ General Cifuentes Mirrors Real-Life Cienfuegos

Few characters in Mexican television spark as much fascination as General Cifuentes, the military figure portrayed by Roberto Sosa in Telemundo’s new superserie, Dinastía Casillas. His commanding presence, aura of control, and the suspicions surrounding him inevitably draw comparisons to one of recent history’s most controversial names: General Salvador Cienfuegos. This deliberate parallel forms the core of Sosa’s nuanced performance, pushing the boundaries between fiction and stark reality.

In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly en Español, Sosa made it clear that his character was not conceived as a simple villain. He found it unfair to categorize Cifuentes so narrowly. Sosa described the character as possessing the full complexity of a human being. Cifuentes is not merely corrupt or solely a purveyor of justice. He is a man who loves his family, has served his country, and will do whatever is necessary to achieve his objectives.

The 55-year-old Mexican actor, recognized for his work in Rosario Tijeras, Crónica de un desayuno, El Patrullero, and Pedro Páramo, delves into the nuanced border between institutional loyalty and personal ambition through Cifuentes. Sosa explained that it is difficult to abstract oneself from reality when playing a character with the authority of the military. It is unavoidable to consider the power that represents, for better or worse.

The striking parallel to General Salvador Cienfuegos emerges almost naturally. Cienfuegos, the former Secretary of National Defense, was detained in October 2020 by United States authorities on charges of drug trafficking and money laundering. This incident sparked unprecedented diplomatic tension between Mexico and the United States. Following intense negotiations, the Mexican government successfully persuaded Washington to withdraw the charges and return the case to Mexican jurisdiction. In January 2021, the Mexican Attorney General’s Office concluded there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Cienfuegos, subsequently closing the case, as reported by the political weekly Proceso.

Far from retirement, Cienfuegos continues to appear at official events, a situation that has reignited public debate. President Claudia Sheinbaum justified his presence at military gatherings by stating that there was insufficient evidence to maintain his accusation. She even urged the media in a press conference to present complete investigations before exhibiting unsubstantiated accusations, according to Mexican news outlets like *El Imparcial*.

Sosa acknowledges the symbolic connection. He admitted that if the name evokes such a reaction, it is not accidental. Through fiction, he believes, it is possible to discuss power, ambition, and control, exploring those internal battles that are not always black or white.

In *Dinastía Casillas*, General Cifuentes has built an impeccable career within the Mexican army, fostering both national and international connections. Although suspicions of links to drug trafficking exist, his intelligence and discretion keep him out of immediate danger. He is pragmatic and calculating, personifying the duality between military discipline and the desire for power. Sosa confirmed the intense work behind the scenes matched the story on screen. He revealed that he was present for 95% of the filming, and no expense was spared. Viewers do not see a general with just three soldiers; they see a complete army. Even in his fictional office, every detail speaks to his high rank: photographs with presidents, the Pope, and high-ranking military commanders. Sosa noted that the production aimed for every space to feel truly inhabited, not merely decorated. The actor also highlighted the cast’s commitment. Despite being enemies in the storyline, they function as a family off-camera, remaining in contact and supporting one another. This strong bond, he believes, is palpable on screen.

Set after the disappearance of Aurelio Casillas, the series follows Ismael (Iván Arana) and Diana (Isabella Castillo) as they fight to recover their father and confront El Gancho’s cartel. In this complex web of alliances, General Cifuentes emerges as a new player with the potential to alter everything. The show’s impact is already reflected in its numbers. *Dinastía Casillas* is Telemundo’s most-watched scripted series since season nine of *El Señor de los Cielos*. It also ranks as the number one drama in digital interactions, boasting over 690,000 video reproductions and 50,000 social media interactions, according to figures released by the broadcasting network. With Cifuentes, Roberto Sosa delivers one of the year’s most enigmatic characters. His interpretation invites audiences to confront the inherent ambiguity of power directly.

*Dinastía Casillas* airs Monday through Friday at 9pm/8c on Telemundo.