It is likely that streaming service Netflix did not see this one coming. Up until last month, the main issue with the American crime drama TV series “Narcos” is what the show shall do in its second season once it comes to the end of the life of Pablo Escobar, played by Brazilian actor Wagner Moura.
It was mentioned by executive producer Eric Newman that there are more stories to tell on “Narcos” beyond the life of Pablo Escobar.
If the reports are true that Pablo’s brother Roberto is claiming $1 billion from Netflix for using the rights of the drug kingpin on “Narcos,” then it is likely that the producers and the streaming service will speed up the demise of Escobar in the TV series. or worst, cancel the show altogether.
Roberto Escobar publicly came out recently claiming that he has the successor-in-interest rights to the Escobar family and demanded a staggering $1 billion from Netflix for using the content rights without their permission.
In a letter to Netflix, Roberto stated that the rights of the Escobar family and Pablo Escobar’s life are registered under the company called Escobar, Inc, reports Yahoo! Finance.
Escobar also insisted on reviewing the second season of “Narcos” as he believes that there were glaring mistakes, lies, and discrepancies from the real story of his brother Pablo during the first season.
Pay to play
Accordingly, if Netflix would decline his offer, he will instruct the family’s lawyers to do the necessary legal actions and take Netflix to court.
Roberto also said that he does not think that there will be a Season 2 of “Narcos” if Netflix does not talk to him. He added that they have to pay to play because Netflix has been playing without paying the family.
It remains to be seen whether Netflix will agree to shell out such a huge amount of money considering the reports that its content acquisition costs are already affecting its profitability.
Reports have it that Netflix had already spent $6 billion on content alone this year and that the company had already incurred a $1 billion debt last year for the development of original programs.
Roberto is the older brother of Pablo of the notorious Medellin cartel. Although he called his letter to Netflix a friendly request, Roberto said that they will take legal recourse if necessary.
In an interview, Roberto also claimed that his role in “Narcos” Season 1 was altered. Olof Gustafsson, who co-founded Escobar, Inc. with Roberto and serves as CEO, said that Roberto worked as his brother’s accountant and doubled as head of his hit men.
Season 1 of “Narcos,” however, featured an accountant who was fired from his post and claimed to be a CIA informant, details Digital Trends.
Roberto is also not impressed with the portrayal of Wagner Moura of his brother, citing that the Brazilian actor does not seem to have any acting experience as well as in dealing with cocaine transactions. He also added that Moura has not had the chance to launder billions of dollars in his life.
Netflix has yet to make an official statement or counter-position to Roberto Escobar’s recent claims.
Evading authorities
It has already been confirmed by the showrunners of “Narcos” that its Season 2 shall see the death of Columbian drug kingpin, Pablo Escobar, some 18 months after his escape from La Catedral Prison.
According to latest reports, the second season shall not immediately zero in on the death of Escobar in Medellin but shall also focus more on how the drug kingpin continuously avoided and evaded Columbian authorities who were out to get him.
Pablo Escobar is a notorious drug dealer not only in Columbia but also in the United States. In fact, during his time, he was the one who supplied 80% of cocaine into the American border.