There's a new TV show about infamous Mexican drug lord El Chapo - here's who's playing him

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el chapo Marco de la O univision

Story House Entertainment/Netflix/Univision

Marco de la O will play the title role on Univision's "El Chapo."

Univision just revealed its El Chapo.

Stage and television actor Marco de la O will play Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmán on the new Univision series set to debut on Sunday, April 23, at 8 p.m.

From Mexico City, de La O has starred in numerous Spanish-language TV shows, including Mexico's "Tanto Amor" and "Un Día Cualquiera."

"We are thrilled to have Marco take on the role of 'El Chapo' as we begin to unfold the story of the most notorious drug lord of our times, revealing the man behind the myth," General Manager of Story House Entertainment Christian Gabela said in a statement.

"We think viewers will be truly captivated by both Marco's performance and this story of power, ambition, corruption, secrecy, and deception," he continued.

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"El Chapo," which is being coproduced by Netflix and Story House Entertainment, will chronicle Guzmán's life story over three decades - from 1985 when he was a low-level member of the Guadalajara Cartel to his rise to power and his ultimate downfall. Netflix had previously seen success with its original series "Narcos," which revolved around another drug kingpin, Colombia's Pablo Escobar.

The "El Chapo" cast also includes Humberto Busto ("Amores Perros"), Juan Carlos Olivas ("180°"), Alejandro Aguilar ("Rosario Tijeras"), Tete Espinoza ("Wenses y Lala"), Rodrigo Abed ("Reevolución"), Luis Rábago ("Principio y Fin"), Cristina Michaus ("El Tigre de Santa Julia"), Valentina Acosta ("Señora Acero"), and Juliette Pardau  ("De Todas Maneras Rosa").

Guzmán became legendary after having long evaded authorities. After being captured by Mexican authorities in February 2014, Guzman escaped from a maximum-security Mexican prison in July 2015. He was recaptured nearly six months later, which authorities said was aided by information collected while tracking Sean Penn's controversial meeting with the kingpin. Guzman was extradited to the US earlier this year. His next scheduled court appearance is on May 5, 2017.

Watch the first "El Chapo" teaser below:

NOW WATCH: Here's footage of 'El Chapo' arriving to the US