Roger Ross Williams takes us back to the 80s-90s era of lucha libre in Cassandro. With the story of Saúl Armendáriz and how he became a favorite Exótico in the Lucha Libre world. Portrayed by the prominent Mexican actor, Gael García Bernal. 

The Synopsis

When Saúl Armendáriz (Gael García Bernal, “Mozart in the Jungle”) starts competing in the macho world of Mexican Lucha Libre wrestling, he’s always cast as the runt. After he meets Sabrina (Roberta Colindrez), Saúl gains not only a professional trainer but also a friend who helps him create a new character in the ring. Together they debut ‘Cassandro,’ a radical subversion of Lucha Libre’s stereotypical role known as the Exótico. Flamboyant and powerful, Cassandro turns lucha on its head. But Cassandro also upends Saúl’s own life, throwing into tumult his  relationships with his mother Yocasta (Perla De La Rosa, “Mil Nubes de Paz Cercan el Cielo, Amor, Jamás de Ser Amor”), his secret lover Gerardo (Raúl Castillo, “Vida”), and his absent father Eduardo.

The native Roger Ross Williams, from Easton, Pennsylvania attended New York University. Williams produced political satire for Comedy Central and TV Nation before filmmaking. His resume includes working with NBC News, BBC, CNN as a producer and director. And has also branched in other networks like the Food Network, TLC and VH1. Williams is known for his documentaries. A few of his popular known projects are God Loves Uganda, Life, Animated, The Apollo and Love to Love You, Donna Summer for MAX. One Story Up is his production company that created the food series High On The Hog seen on Netflix. 

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I was connected with Roger Ross Williams for a brief moment during the press day for Cassandro. Williams shared his joy about making his first fictional film with the story of the lucha libre icon, Saúl Armendáriz and what he looked forward to seeing on the screen upon completion.

Roger Ross Williams on Instagram

Cassandro will be available in select theaters September 15th and can be streamed globally on Prime Video September 22, 2023

It’s no doubt that Saúl Armendáriz has lived the life of the underdog. It’s a joy to know Roger Ross Williams understands it and felt the need to bring it to screen. Bringing in Gael García Bernal was a on point move! Bernal does a phenomenal job in entering a whole new world not only physically but very noticeable that he did the same mentally. I hope Bernal wins a nomination for his performance in Cassandro. He helped the film in those flat moments.

Source: LRMExclusive, Prime Video