Key Points

Dutch director Roel Reine is set to helm the action-packed drama 'American Smuggler,' starring Dennis Haysbert as a CIA agent. The film follows the hunt for notorious drug trafficker Craig Petties and his cartel ties. It also sheds light on the dark reality of child labor in El Chapo’s tunnels. Production kicks off in New Mexico this summer.

Key Points: Roel Reine Directs Dennis Haysbert in 'American Smuggler' Action Drama

  • Roel Reine to direct Dennis Haysbert in crime thriller
  • Based on hunt for drug trafficker Craig Petties
  • Explores El Chapo's child labor tragedies
  • Filming begins in New Mexico this summer
2 min read

Roel Reine to direct Dennis Haysbert's action drama 'American Smuggler'

Dutch filmmaker Roel Reine to helm 'American Smuggler,' starring Dennis Haysbert as a CIA agent hunting drug kingpin Craig Petties.

"The film will hone in on the efforts of SEAL Team Six, Delta Force, and Mexican Marines dismantling an international drug network. – Deadline"

Washington DC, April 26

Dutch filmmaker Roel Reine is set to direct the upcoming action drama 'American Smuggler', which stars Dennis Haysbert in the lead role, reported Deadline.

As per the outlet, the film will chart the relentless hunt for Craig Petties, an American drug trafficker best known for the criminal empire he led in Memphis while operating in collaboration with Mexico's infamous drug cartels.

Haysbert will play a prominent CIA agent in the film. Filming is due to get underway this summer in New Mexico, reported Deadline.

The project is expected to hone in on the efforts of SEAL Team Six, Delta Force and the Mexican Marines, who dismantled an international drug network that plagued communities across North America for decades, reported Deadline.

The story also brings to light the lesser-known tragedy of children forced to labour in El Chapo's infamous tunnels, often losing their lives in collapses, reported Deadline.

The film will chart the relentless hunt for Craig Petties, an American drug trafficker best known for the criminal empire he led in Memphis while operating in collaboration with Mexico's infamous drug cartels, reported Deadline.

Koji Steven Sakai (Skeletons in the Closet), Sam Wildhorse Bass of EuroAmerica Films, and Tracy Matthews of Lion of Judah Productions are writing the film.

The screenplay will be based on Matthews' experience as a civilian team leader during the operation, reported Deadline.

The actor Haysbert, who is set to lead the cast of 'American Smuggler,' is best known for his role as President David Palmer in the hit series 24.

He also played the role of a baseball player, Pedro Cerran,o in the Major League film trilogy.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

J
Jamie R.
Dennis Haysbert is perfect for this role! His commanding presence always brings such gravitas to serious roles. Can't wait to see him as a CIA agent 🔥
M
Marcus T.
Interesting choice with Roel Reine directing. I loved his work on "The Delivery" but this seems like a different genre for him. Hope he brings that same intensity to this project.
S
Sarah K.
While I'm excited about the cast, I hope they handle the child labor aspect sensitively. These stories need to be told, but not in a way that feels exploitative.
T
Trevor L.
Haysbert going from President Palmer to hunting drug lords? That's a transition I can get behind! His voice alone could probably take down a cartel 😂
A
Aisha B.
I appreciate that they're basing this on real experiences, but I hope they don't glorify the violence too much. These stories should educate, not just entertain.
D
Derek P.
New Mexico as a filming location is perfect - that landscape can really add to the tension. Hope they make good use of it!

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