Is ‘Facing El Chapo’ Based On A True Story?

By Alex Vena Published Aug. 24, 2026, 4:27 p.m. ET Netflix‘s new crime thriller, Facing El Chapo, hones in on an infamous drug lord and his ultimate demise. The new crime thriller, which hit the streamer on Friday (Aug. 21), follows two Mexican officers, including Arturo Carmona (Alfonso Herrera), who “must survive the final hours of their shift after crossing a ruthless cartel boss in this crime drama based on true events.” The title of the new film references El Chapo, or more formally, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera, a former Mexican drug lord who helped found the Sinaloa Cartel. Curious as to whether Facing El Chapo is based on a true story? Where is El Chapo now? Here is what we know. Is Facing El Chapo Based On A True Story? Yes. The streamer describes Facing El Chapo as a “crime dr