As one of the most popular crime-drama TV series, the Queen of the South has been captivating audiences since its premiere in 2016. Based on the novel “La Reina del Sur” by Arturo Pérez-Reverte, the show follows the story of a woman named Teresa Mendoza, who rises to power in the drug cartel world. The series has gained a massive following in recent years, with fans eagerly waiting for each new episode. In this article, we will delve into some fascinating facts about Queen of the South that every fan should know.
Introduction to Queen of the South
Queen of the South is a TV adaptation of the novel “La Reina del Sur” written by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. It premiered on June 23, 2016, on the USA Network. The show follows the story of Teresa Mendoza, a Mexican woman who becomes a drug lord after her boyfriend is murdered by a drug cartel. The series has been praised for its strong female lead and its portrayal of the drug cartel world.
Behind the scenes: Production trivia
The show is filmed in various locations, including Mexico, Colombia, and the United States. The production team has done an excellent job of bringing the show’s world to life, from the gritty streets of Mexico to the opulent mansions of the drug lords. The show’s creator, M.A. Fortin, has mentioned in interviews that they wanted to create a show that would appeal to both English and Spanish-speaking audiences.
One interesting fact about the show’s production is that they used real-life drug dealers as consultants to make the show’s depiction of the drug cartel world as authentic as possible. The show’s cast and crew have also worked tirelessly to ensure that the show’s action scenes are realistic and exciting.
The story behind the characters
One of the most compelling aspects of Queen of the South is its characters. Teresa Mendoza, played by Alice Braga, is a complex and intriguing character who is both strong and vulnerable. Other notable characters include Camila Vargas, played by Veronica Falcon, who is the queen of the drug cartel in Dallas, and James Valdez, played by Peter Gadiot, who is Teresa’s loyal right-hand man.
The show’s creator, M.A. Fortin, has mentioned in interviews that they wanted to create a show that would have strong female characters. They also wanted to create characters that were not one-dimensional but had layers and complexity. The show’s characters have gone through significant transformations throughout the show’s five seasons, making them all the more interesting to watch.
Queen of the South’s filming locations
The show is filmed in various locations, including Mexico, Colombia, and the United States. The show’s production team has done an excellent job of bringing the show’s world to life, from the gritty streets of Mexico to the opulent mansions of the drug lords. The show’s creator, M.A. Fortin, has mentioned in interviews that they wanted to create a show that would appeal to both English and Spanish-speaking audiences.
One of the show’s most iconic locations is the mansion of Camila Vargas, the queen of the drug cartel in Dallas. The mansion was actually filmed in a mansion in Mexico City, which was renovated to look like a mansion in Dallas. The show’s production team has also used various locations in Colombia to film the show’s action scenes.
The evolution of Queen of the South: From book to TV series
Queen of the South is based on the novel “La Reina del Sur” by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. The novel was first published in 2002 and became a best-seller in Spain and Latin America. The novel’s success led to a telenovela adaptation in 2011, which also became a huge success.
The TV adaptation of the novel has been praised for its strong female lead and its portrayal of the drug cartel world. The show’s creator, M.A. Fortin, has mentioned in interviews that they wanted to create a show that would appeal to both English and Spanish-speaking audiences.
Queen of the South’s impact on pop culture
Since its premiere in 2016, Queen of the South has gained a massive following, with fans eagerly waiting for each new episode. The show’s strong female lead and its portrayal of the drug cartel world have resonated with audiences around the world. The show has also had an impact on pop culture, with various references to the show appearing in music and other TV shows.
One example of Queen of the South’s impact on pop culture is the song “La Reina del Sur” by Los Tigres del Norte. The song was written specifically for the show and has become a fan favorite. The show has also been referenced in other TV shows, including “Ozark” and “Narcos.”
Fun facts about the cast
The show’s cast is made up of talented actors who have brought the show’s characters to life. Here are some fun facts about the cast:
- Alice Braga, who plays Teresa Mendoza, is the niece of actress Sonia Braga.
- Veronica Falcon, who plays Camila Vargas, is a Mexican actress who has appeared in various telenovelas.
- Peter Gadiot, who plays James Valdez, is a British actor who has appeared in various TV shows and movies.
- Hemky Madera, who plays Pote Galvez, is a Dominican actor who has appeared in various TV shows and movies.
Memorable moments from Queen of the South
Queen of the South has had many memorable moments throughout its five seasons. From Teresa’s rise to power to the various action scenes, the show has kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Here are some of the show’s most memorable moments:
- Teresa’s escape from Mexico in the first season.
- Teresa’s rise to power in the drug cartel world.
- The showdown between Camila Vargas and Epifanio Varga.
- The various action scenes, including the shootouts and car chases.
Queen of the South fan theories and speculation
As with any popular TV show, Queen of the South has its fair share of fan theories and speculation. From speculation about Teresa’s ultimate fate to theories about the show’s various plot twists, fans have been speculating about what will happen next. Here are some of the most popular fan theories:
- Teresa will ultimately take down the drug cartel.
- James Valdez will ultimately betray Teresa.
- Teresa will die in the final season.
- Teresa Mendoza’s Journey: The series primarily focuses on the journey of Teresa Mendoza, played by Alice Braga, who starts as a poor woman in Mexico and eventually becomes one of the most powerful drug lords in the world.
- Inspired by Real Events: The character of Teresa Mendoza is loosely based on the life of Sandra Ávila Beltrán, a real-life Mexican drug lord known as “La Reina del Pacífico” or “The Queen of the Pacific.”
- Multiple Adaptations: “Queen of the South” is an adaptation of the novel, which has also been adapted into other television series in different countries. The novel’s story has had multiple adaptations worldwide.
- Texas Setting: While the novel is primarily set in Mexico, the TV series is set in the United States, primarily in Texas. The change in setting allowed the show to explore different aspects of the drug trade and the challenges Teresa faces in the U.S.
- Strong Female Lead: The series is celebrated for its strong and complex female lead, Teresa Mendoza, who navigates a dangerous world dominated by men. This portrayal of a powerful woman in the drug trade sets it apart from many other crime dramas.
- Global Reach: The story takes Teresa from Mexico to Spain and various other locations, showcasing the global reach of the drug trade and the challenges she faces in different settings.
- Strong Supporting Cast: “Queen of the South” features a strong ensemble cast, including Peter Gadiot, Hemky Madera, Veronica Falcón, and many others. These characters play significant roles in Teresa’s journey and the drug trade world.
- English and Spanish: The show is bilingual, featuring dialogue in both English and Spanish, which adds authenticity to the story and represents the cultural diversity within the drug trade.
- High-Stakes Drama: The series is known for its high-stakes drama, intense action sequences, and intricate plotlines. It keeps viewers engaged with its suspense and unpredictability.
