What you need to know about “Cóyotl, Hero and Beast”: Max’s new mythology series
On February 27 , Max will premiere Cóyotl, Hero and Beast, an original series that fuses action, horror and fantasy in an innovative proposal within Latin American productions. With a different approach within the genre, the story introduces a Mexican hero who will face an epic battle between good and evil.
The production features a cast headed by Alejandro Speitzer, Paulina Gaitán, Horacio García Rojas and Hoze Meléndez . In an interview with EL INFORMADOR , García Rojas and Meléndez , who play the antagonists of the series, shared details about the story, their characters and the filming process.
On how the series came into his hands, Hoze Meléndez recalled: “ Genaro Quiroga , who is the showrunner and co-writer, introduced me to the project. As soon as I read the synopsis and the chapters, I was immediately drawn to it because it seemed like a different, novel story . In addition, the darkness it represents was very clear, but also the light that can emanate from these characters.”
For his part, Horacio García Rojas commented that his first approach was through a call back. "In my case, it was a direct audition for the character. They described him as a cartel leader and, two seconds after closing the computer, I continued reading and said: 'until a mythological hero' that's when he caught me.' As I became involved in the project, I understood that Hoze and I had to represent the dark side of a terrible reality that the country lives, but that can be remedied by the light of the people."
The actor highlighted that the series explores Mexican mythology and traditions from an approach that is not common on television.
“Our mythological hero doesn’t get his strength from another planet or become a victim of an atomic project, but rather emerges from legends and traditions. It’s something that we are as a nation and that is very little explored at the adventure level . That element convinced me to be part of the project.”
Read: Michelle Trachtenberg dies today at the age of 39García Rojas also stressed the importance of a series of this calibre arriving on a platform like Max , home to high-impact productions such as House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones and The Last of Us . “That speaks to the quality of this series.”
For the production of Coyote, Hero and Beast , a high level of production was used, with visual effects ( VFX ), CGI and practical makeup on the set. García Rojas highlighted the importance of having these resources. "It is a project in which you want to be a part. It uses the elements that the modern industry gives us and, hopefully, it serves as an example for more content of this type to be made, with new narratives and points of view."
The filming process took the team to different locations in Mexico, such as Tecajete and Durango . Meléndez recounted the demands of the shoot. "It was hard, but when all the actors give their best and you fully trust the directors, it's enjoyable. We traveled a lot and the weather helped a lot with the look of the series. There were sandstorms and beautiful landscapes. It's tiring, but it's worth it."
Unlike the marathon model, Coyote, Hero and the Beast will premiere one episode per week. García Rojas stressed the importance of returning to this format. "I think it's nice to return to that tradition, to break down each episode and give yourself time to watch the next one. It also appeals to the nostalgia of waiting for the next episode of your favorite series and not watching it all at once. This format allows you to reflect on what you've just seen ."
In the series, Horacio García Rojas plays ' Cimarrón ', a ruthless leader of the La Raya cartel. "He is a calm and calculating psychopath, without vices or friends, except for a certain closeness with his lieutenant, El Armadillo." For his part, Hoze Meléndez gives life to ' El Armadillo ', a violent and mocking character who embodies the stereotype of the drug trafficker with luxury and ostentation.
On how they approached their characters, Melendez reflected. " There is no way to justify the actions of these characters, but the actor's job is to embrace them . As human beings, we have a dark side that can be brought to its fullest expression. I don't justify ' El Armadillo ', but I try to connect with his way of feeling love; from there I humanize him."
García Rojas added: "My character has no justification. He is driven by the ambition for power, absolute control . It is a metaphor for many leaders who make decisions today. Playing him forced me to understand my own darkness and begin to heal them. It was a painful process, but it was also what attracted me most to the project: the villain is really a villain, someone who represents the most atrocious thing that humans can do."
Cóyotl, Hero and Beast is part of MUCHO MÁS MEXA , an initiative by Max that seeks to highlight authentic, high-quality stories that reflect the cultural richness of Mexico .
Under the direction of Batán Silva ( The Boys ) and Julián de Tavira ( Like Water for Chocolate ), and with a script by Genaro Quiroga ( Búnker ), Amaya Muruzábal ( Reina Roja ) and Antonio Garrido ( Cicatriz ), it seeks to become a reference in the fantasy genre with a Mexican identity.
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