‘Shades Of Blue’ Actress Jennifer Lopez Talks About Playing Drug Lord Griselda Blanco In HBO TV Movie

“Shades Of Blue” actress Jennifer Lopez is about to play her most challenging role yet. After portraying the role of Detective Harlee Santos on the NBC drama series, the Latino singer-actress will essay the role of a famous female drug kingpin.

Lopez will play deceased drug lord Griselda Blanco in an untitled TV movie for HBO, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The feature film is currently in production and will depict the rise and fall of Blanco. She was nicknamed “The Cocaine Godmother” since she revolutionized the drug trade in the United States in the 1970s and 1980s. In fact, she was allegedly smuggling about 300 kilos of cocaine per month during the height of her career. This earned Blanco the reputation of being the most powerful female cartel member in history.

Lopez is excited to take on the role. “I’ve been fascinated by the life of this corrupt and complicated woman for many years,” she said in a statement, “The idea of teaming with HBO felt like the perfect fit for finally bringing Griselda’s story to life.”

The biopic has been ordered at a time when stories about female drug lords is gaining popularity. USA Network’s “Queen Of The South” is also loosely based on Blanco’s life. Even Netflix’s “Narcos,” which depicts the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar, has become popular. Looks like stories on infamous and famous drug lords are here to stay.

History tells us that Blanco was arrested in 1985, but was eventually deported to Medellín, Colombia, a famous place for drug kingpins. She was shot during a drive-by on Sept. 3, 2012, Entertainment Weekly reports. During her lifetime, she became a multi-millionaire several times.

Lopez has become actively involved in the TV industry after essaying her role in “Shades Of Blue,” which was picked up for a second season.

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