High for this: Diva and the drugs

Jennifer Lopez to play The Cocaine Godmother in film on Columbian cartels

American television giant HBO is currently developing a film about the late Columbian drug lord Griselda Blanco, with Jennifer Lopez set to play the female lead, reported Variety.

The film focuses on the rise and fall of the notorious Blanco, who had become known as ‘The Cocaine Godmother’ and ‘The Black Widow’ during her time. Blanco revolutionised American drug trade during the 1970s and 1980s and went on to become the most powerful female cartel member of all time. She was assassinated in September, 2012.

In addition to acting, Lopez will also be serving as the executive producer for the film, under the banner of her company Nuyorican Productions. No other casting decisions have been announced at this point. “I’ve been fascinated by the life of this corrupt and complicated woman for many years,” said Lopez, in a recent interview. “The idea of teaming with HBO felt like the perfect fit for finally bringing Blanco’s story to life.”

The project will add to Lopez’s growing on-screen slate. She currently stars on the NBC drama Shades of Blue, which is heading into its second season. She has also served as a judge on American Idol, which wrapped up its final season last spring.

As for Nuyorican Productions, the film will be the latest in a long list of upcoming projects. NBC recently announced a new reality dance competition entitled World of Dance which Lopez will produce. The company also produced Lopez’s indie hit from last year, The Boy Next Door and Freeform’s The Fosters.

For HBO, this is the second recent project announced with a high-profile star, after Oprah Winfrey was roped in for the television adaptation of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 12^th, 2016.

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