It was surreal: 'Narcos' star on seeing real-life 'El Chapo'
What's the story
Narcos: Mexico aired last November and gave viewers an account of the notorious Guadalajara Cartel and the start of the drug war. Now, as fans are eagerly waiting for Season 2 of Narcos: Mexico, Alejandro Edda, the 34-year-old actor who plays Mexican druglord, Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, in the series, recently went to a US federal court to see the real-life character. Here's more.
Trial
Guzman had pleaded 'not guilty' to 17 counts
On Monday, Guzman was facing a trial in a federal courthouse in Brooklyn, New York, that focused on his alleged criminal enterprise that moved drugs to the US. Guzman refused to testify in his own defense at the trial and said he will follow his attorneys' advice. Guzman had pleaded 'not guilty' to 17 counts, which include drug trafficking and money laundering charges.
Excitement
Edda waited in line since 5:30 am in freezing cold
Meanwhile, Edda arrived at the courthouse at 5:30 am and waited in line in freezing cold, like any other public member, to get inside. "It's a rare opportunity. What else could be better than to see the man in real life, learn his mannerisms," he told media. After he got in, Edda spoke a little to Guzman's attorneys, Eduardo Balarezo and William Purpura.
Meet
Guzman smiled and waved at his reel-life character
After Guzman entered the court and spoke to his attorneys, he made an eye contact with Edda, smiled and waved at him. Edda was star-struck by his face-to-face encounter with the drug kingpin. "He was just right there- that's the man, Señor Guzman," he said. "I was shaking in a way. Inside, I didn't know what to do," the actor added.
Details
Edda revealed he'll resume filming for Season 2 in February
Edda initially didn't realize that he could see Guzman in person but later contacted reporters through Twitter to acquire more information about the trial. He came to the courthouse as he wanted to study the drug kingpin's mannerism because there isn't much footage available. Further, the actor informed that he will resume filming his scenes for Season 2 in February.
Guilty
Edda doesn't believe Guzman is innocent
Interestingly, Edda had described his meeting with Guzman "surreal". However, the meeting didn't change Edda's beliefs that Guzman was guilty. "I think he is guilty. There are many many horrendous things that he did," he said. According to prosecutors, El Chapo's multimillion-dollar drug gang brought more narcotics in the US than anyone in history- over 220 tons of cocaine alone.
Defense
Guzman's lawyers say he was framed by Sinaloa Cartel leader
Over 50 witnesses testified against Guzman since last November. Also, in the trial, a close aide of Guzman revealed that he paid a $100mn (Rs. 711cr) bribe to former Mexican President, Enrique Peña Nieto, which Nieto's former chief of staff termed "false". However, his lawyers are trying to convince the jury that he was framed by the real-leader of Sinaloa Cartel, who is absconding.