In a wonderful development, at least for any who have seen his one-man shows, actor John Leguizamo has landed the sought-after role of Pablo Escobar. Despite other actors, including Benecio Del Toro and Inside Llewyn Davis’Oscar Isaac, seeking the role at various points, Deadline broke the story that Colombian Leguizamo won out the part [Insert Vinne Chase joke here].
Entitled The King of Cocaine, the picture is to be directed by Brad Furman (The Lincoln Laywer, Runner, Runner).
Leguizamo, who according to press releases felt like he was born the part, comes from the country that Escobar ruled from his Medellin drug cartel until he was shot down in a cascade of bullets in 1993.
Apparently, Furman fought long and hard for Leguizamo to get the part, including filming the actor with his own money in a fat suit and prosthetic make-up for a screen test, which he then submitted to studio Relativity Media without revealing who was playing Escobar. The test was reportedly so impressive that it won over skeptical executives.
Leguizamo was previously seen this year in Kick-Ass 2 and next appears in Ridley Scott’s The Counselor.
Disqus - noscript
I don't like this choice at all. I dont think he can hack it
@ 1st thought, I would NEVER believe John could pull this off (he was the FAT CLOWN in Spawn for Christ's sake!) ... but, IF he was able to win the role by being dressed in disguise (therefore it all being based SOLELY on his ability to portray Pablo, then hey MAYBE Johns got a lil' more talent then I 1st believed)
... ... Who knows? ... I'm willingly to give it a chance now.
#AnOpenMind
Watch any of his one-man plays. HBO filmed a few of them, "Freak" and "Sexaholics." He is a fantastic actor, despite what Hollywood casting would lead you to believe.