In Gringo Hunters, Yazpik plays a fictional entrepreneur in Tijuana whose ambition to transform the city clashes with a covert police unit tracking down American fugitives hiding in Mexico.

“He wants to do good for society,” Yazpik explains. “But he’s not doing it correctly. He’s serving political and economic interests instead of focusing on social issues… and that generally leads to corruption.”

Yazpik’s role sits in the gray area between savior and saboteur — a theme he clearly enjoys exploring. “I usually get offered villain roles. This character is different. He’s complex. He means well, but the way he goes about it creates a lot of conflict — and that’s what drew me to him.”

Real-Life Inspiration, Personal Ties 

The series is based on a true story first reported by The Washington Post — about a special task force in Tijuana that hunts down American fugitives. That reversal of the usual border narrative was part of what made the project feel urgent and timely.

“It’s amazing because we’re used to hearing these stories the other way around,” Yazpik says. “It’s usually about Mexicans crossing the border. But this time, it’s about Americans fleeing into Mexico.”

Adding to the personal connection, Yazpik grew up in Tijuana and studied in San Diego. “I didn’t need to do much research. I just looked back into my own life — into people I knew — and picked out little details to bring my character to life.”

Familiar Faces, New Stories 

The show also offered Yazpik a chance to reunite with past collaborators, including producers and co-stars from Narcos. “It was like a very nice reunion,” he says. “Working with Netflix, Imagine, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard — it’s a first-class team.”

That combination of global scale and local authenticity is something Yazpik values. “In Mexico, we don’t get many productions like this — with this level of resources and reach. Everyone had to be on their A-game.”

Without revealing too much, Yazpik teases a dark evolution for his character.

“He starts out convinced he’s doing the right thing,” he says. “But as the season goes on, he realizes the consequences of his actions. He becomes vengeful. Probably violent. He’s not the same man by the end.”

Why Gringo Hunters Matters 

More than just a crime thriller, Gringo Hunters offers a lens into U.S.-Mexico relations, challenging perceptions and starting difficult conversations.

“I hope it sparks dialogue about how connected our two countries really are,” Yazpik says. “We’re neighbors. We’re very similar. We both want to live in peace.”

Catch the full interview with Jose Maria below, and don’t miss José María Yazpik in Gringo Hunters, streaming now on Netflix.