Jennifer Lopez to Play 'Cocaine Godmother' In New HBO Film

J-Lo will play Griselda Blanco, the ruthless drug lord chronicled in the 'Cocaine Cowboys' documentaries.
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Jennifer Lopez (Photo: Getty)

Jennifer Lopez (Photo: Getty)

In the 1970s and 80s cocaine was king, and inside the white-dusted world of drug cartels, Griselda Blanco—a.k.a. "the Black Widow" and "the Cocaine Godmother"—was a true queenpin. It seems only natural that Jennifer Lopez, who has ruled both cinema and music, might be drawn to this high-powered, ruthless woman's story.

That's probably why J-Lo has said yes to playing Blanco in an HBO film. Variety reports the superstar is the only person cast so far. In a statement quoted by Variety, Lopez explained the roots of her interest in Blanco's tale:

"I've been fascinated by the life of this corrupt and complicated woman for many years," Lopez commented. "The idea of teaming with HBO felt like the perfect fit for finally bringing Griselda's story to life."

Blanco was born in Colombia and her criminal history began in childhood. She moved to the U.S. in the 1970s and established a massive coke ring with husband Alberto Bravo. The murderous drug queen was featured in the documentaries Cocaine Cowboys and Cocaine Cowboys 2: Hustlin' with the Godmother. 

After dodging US authorities for years and fomenting Miami drug wars through the actions of her violent operatives known as the Cocaine Cowboys, Blanco was sent to prison in 1985—where she kept right on running her drug trade. 

Blanco was eventually deported back to Colombia and she died in 2012.  

Lopez is executive producer of the project as well, through her Nuyorican Productions.

We're pretty sure if anyone can capture the fierceness needed to wield the power and influence of a narco like Griselda Blanco, it's J-Lo.

h/t Variety

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