Mexican Wrestling and Culture Shine in Upcoming Fantasy Film
The new film “Muerte Negra y la Joya del Mobad” promises to blend action, mystery, visual effects, and dark humor against the backdrop of Mexican wrestling. Set to begin filming in November in Guadalajara, this movie aims to create a unique cinematic universe.
Mexican wrestling and cultural identity will take center stage in the upcoming film “Muerte Negra y la Joya del Mobad,” an action-packed, mysterious, and visually stunning movie infused with dark humor. Scheduled to begin filming in November in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, Mexico, the film aims to elevate the mystique and significance of Mexican wrestling within a dark fantasy genre.
Director Víctor Mayorga shared with EFE that this movie is envisioned to create a universe akin to Marvel or DC Comics but rooted in the rich traditions of Mexican wrestling. “It’s a dark fantasy genre, like ‘Ghost Rider’ or ‘Hellboy.’ I draw heavily from how the American industry works—they have a formula that succeeds. There’s a fear here in Mexico because we lack a ‘know-how,’ but we must dare to try,” Mayorga expressed.
The film tells the story of Rafael, a wrestler known as ‘Muerte Negra,’ who loses his wife and is chosen by ‘La Catrina,’ the Mexican symbol of death, to be her emissary while caring for his son and continuing to fight in the ring. Years later, his son discovers his father’s double life and must take his place to face the leader of a mysterious sect.
Blending Tradition with Modern Fantasy
“The audience will see a spectacular story, not just in visual effects, but also because it’s a deeply human plot that connects with the loss of loved ones. In the West, it seems there’s a fear of death, something we laugh about, and part of the film is to reflect on that,” Mayorga stated.
Mayorga revealed that Rafael will be portrayed by Mexican actor Cristo Fernández, known for his roles in action films such as Transformers, Spiderman: No Way Home, and Venom: Let There Be Carnage. This casting decision aims to bring a familiar face to a novel storyline deeply rooted in Mexican culture.
Chadi Abo, director and producer of visual effects for films like ‘Matrix Reloaded’ and ‘300,’ will join the production through his company Hecat Studio, based in Paris, France, collaborating with Estudios Churubusco in Mexico. Abo will also produce the music video for the film’s main song, which will feature rappers like Dani Flow, Neto Peña, Zxmyr, Yoss Bones, Ckovi, and Alpha Crew. Universal Music will distribute the song, with lyrics penned by a Tibetan monk, Mayorga assured.
Cultural Icons Reimagined
Associate producer and actor Luis Alberto Estrada highlighted that wrestlers are deeply embedded in Mexican culture and social imagination, often seen as heroes in movies such as ‘El Santo’ and ‘Blue Demon.’ “The beautiful part of wrestling is this reunion with our wrestlers from back in the day. With this new concept, I think the audience will receive it very well,” Estrada noted, who will also participate in the film’s production.
Estrada emphasized the cultural significance of wrestling in Mexico, which serves as entertainment and a form of storytelling that resonates with many. This film aims to bridge the nostalgic elements of traditional wrestling heroes with a fresh and modern take, appealing to both long-time fans and new audiences.
The film’s narrative will explore themes of legacy, honor, and the supernatural, weaving in elements of Mexican folklore and mythology. By doing so, it hopes to not only entertain but also educate viewers about Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, leaving them both entertained and enlightened.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Despite the creative ambitions, the production team faces financial hurdles. The producers are actively seeking sponsors to cover the film’s total cost, estimated to be around 40 million pesos. This challenge highlights the broader issue of funding in the Mexican film industry, where innovative projects often need help finding the necessary support.
However, the team remains optimistic. With a strong vision and a compelling story, they believe the film will attract the attention it deserves. The involvement of high-profile actors and industry veterans adds credibility and excitement to the project, increasing its potential for success.
The film’s production is not just a creative endeavor, but also a significant economic boost for Guadalajara. By creating jobs and promoting the city as a filmmaking hub in Mexico, it aligns with broader efforts to decentralize the film industry and support regional talent and infrastructure, thereby benefiting the local community.
In a broader Latin American context, “Muerte Negra y la Joya del Mobad” represents a significant step forward for regional genre films. By combining elements of local culture with universally appealing themes and high production values, it has the potential to reach audiences beyond Mexico and make a mark on the global stage.
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The film’s unique blend of action, fantasy, and cultural heritage offers a fresh perspective on Mexican storytelling. It challenges conventional narratives and presents a new way of looking at traditional icons and myths. As the production gears up, anticipation is building among fans and industry insiders alike, eager to see how this ambitious project will unfold.
