The entertainment world eagerly awaits Gael García Bernal’s portrayal of the illustrious “Liberace of Lucha Libre” in Cassandro, set to premiere in a mere month. This biographical film dives deep into the transformative journey of the Mexican wrestler, Saúl Armendáriz, as he challenges both personal and societal norms to emerge as a global wrestling sensation.
Cassandro: The Man, The Myth, The Legend
Total Film recently released a captivating image of the iconic “exótico” – Cassandro, bathing in the limelight, adorned in a mesmerizing gold leotard accentuated with a red and gold jacket. His radiant smile, captured as he acknowledges his passionate fans, speaks volumes about the wrestler’s overwhelming popularity.
This emergence into stardom marks a stark contrast from his initial wrestling days. Before the world knew him as Cassandro, Armendáriz crossed borders to wrestle in Mexico under the alias, El Topo. Sadly, he was often overshadowed by more celebrated counterparts. However, with sheer determination and guidance from his intense trainer Sabrina (portrayed by Roberta Colindrez), Armendáriz transitioned into the unforgettable persona of Cassandro. This new identity not only turned the tables in the world of Lucha Libre but also charted a tumultuous personal journey, reshaping his ties with close family and a concealed romantic partner.
Behind the Scenes of Cassandro’s Tale
This inspiring tale is brought to the big screen under the expert direction of Academy Award and Emmy winner, Roger Ross Williams. The story, penned by David Teague, boasts a star-studded cast. Apart from the phenomenal Bernal, the film features Roberta Colindrez, Perla De La Rosa, Joaquín Cosío, Raúl Castillo, and music sensation Bad Bunny. Notably, Lucha Libre’s very own El Hijo Del Santo also makes a notable appearance.
Cassandro received its initial acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival. Critics have particularly praised Bernal’s nuanced portrayal of the wrestling sensation. Ross Bonaime, in his review, applauded the movie for beautifully navigating themes of self-discovery and acceptance. Bernal’s preparation for the role was rigorous; in a candid chat with Perri Nemiroff, he shared insights into the intensive Lucha Libre training he underwent, aiming to encapsulate Cassandro’s vibrant spirit and wrestling expertise.
Mark Your Calendars!
For all those eager to witness this enthralling tale, Cassandro is set to hit select theaters on September 15. For those preferring the comfort of their homes, it will be available exclusively on Prime Video starting September 22.
Conclusion
Cassandro promises to be a cinematic journey, portraying the life of a man who dared to challenge the status quo, in and out of the wrestling ring. With Gael García Bernal at the helm, audiences can expect a compelling blend of emotion, drama, and high-octane wrestling action. This is not just a tale of a wrestler, but of a man’s quest to embrace his true self against all odds.
