New Mexican Original for Netflix from Salma Hayek

Netflix has ordered an original series from Mexico, Monarca, produced by Salma Hayek’s company, Ventanarosa.

Monarca is a high-stakes, multigenerational family saga about a tequila-born Mexican business empire and the battle that ensues when a member of the family decides to fight the dirty system her family helped create. Lemon Studios and Stearns Castle are also attached to the project, which will launch globally in 2019.

The new series stars Irene Azuela (Quemar las Naves, El hotel de los secretos, Las oscuras primaveras) and Juan Manuel Bernal (Perfect Obedience, Capadocia, The Blue Room).

Hayek commented: “I’m extremely excited to partner with Netflix, and to be working with amazing Mexican talent in front of and behind the camera. We are proud to show Mexico as a vibrant, sophisticated and culturally rich nation, fighting to control its own destiny.”

Diego Gutierrez, showrunner and creator, added: “This is the definition of a passion project for me. Having been born and raised in Mexico, I’m humbled to have the opportunity to tell this story with Netflix and the incredibly talented team of people we’re assembling, both in the U.S. and Mexico.”

“Mexico is a top priority for us in which to continue to develop series,” added Erik Barmack, VP of international series for Netflix. “We look forward to bringing the best originals to the world through partnerships with key players such as Ventanarosa and Lemon Studios.”