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Is Queen of the South a true story?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 12, 2026

While Pérez-Reverte's novel is a work of fiction, it's inspired by real-life female drug lord Marllory Chacón, a Guatemalan-born woman who ran cocaine from there to the United States through Colombian and Mexican drug cartels, building an empire so successful she earned the moniker of (you guessed it) “Queen of the ...

What is Queen of the South based off?

Two shows based on the novel La reina del sur by Arturo Pérez-Reverte based on Ávila's life exist: La Reina del Sur and Queen of the South.

Is there a real Teresa Mendoza?

Teresa Mendoza herself is not based on a real person, as she is simply the character of a book, but she was inspired by Beltrán and there are many similarities. Other reports suggest her involvement with drug cartels was inspired by the real-life Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Mexico.

What happened to the Queen of the South in real-life?

"First, she faced 26 years in prison for drug trafficking and money laundering charges, but she managed to get her sentence reduced to 12 years, then got her to leave her in five and is now free on bail," the network said.

Who does Teresa marry in Queen of the South?

So far in Queen of the South, Teresa hasn't been married to anyone. Not too much is known about her past prior to becoming a money changer but there has never been a mention of a husband. Guero was the closest she had got to walking down the aisle but even their relationship only lasted one year.

24 related questions found

What city is Teresa Mendoza from?

Teresa was born in Culiacán and grew up in the Siete Gotas neighborhood, which she would later name her brand of tequila after.

Where is El Chapo?

He has been serving a life sentence at Colorado's Supermax, the most secure federal prison, and was also ordered to forfeit $12.7 billion.

Who is the biggest drug lord 2021?

As of 2021, the Sinaloa Cartel remains Mexico's most dominant drug cartel. After the arrest of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, the cartel is now headed by Ismael Zambada García (aka El Mayo) and Guzmán's sons, Alfredo Guzmán Salazar, Ovidio Guzmán López and Ivan Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar.

Why did Queen of the South End?

So why did they cancel it? Because the network is moving away from making original dramas. At the time that the show came to an end, the channel had just three original dramas left: Queen of the South, The Sinner and Dirty John.

Is Queen based on a true story?

In preparation for the premiere of Queens on October 19, ABC has released a new trailer for the show that dives into the true story behind the fictional hip-hop group's rise and fall from fame.

Who is the biggest female drug lord?

Known as “La Madrina,” Colombian drug lord Griselda Blanco entered the cocaine trade in the early 1970s — when a young Pablo Escobar was still boosting cars. While Escobar would go on to become the biggest kingpin of the 1980s, Blanco was perhaps the biggest “queenpin.”

Is Queen of the South worth watching?

Queen of the South is an incredible action and suspense thriller about the rise of a Cartel Queen. It's not a true story so they can do anything they go anywhere they want with the story and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you captivated.

Is Teresa Mendoza still alive?

The series finale reveals that Teresa is alive — though her old life is dead. Throughout the series finale, it certainly seemed that Teresa was dead. We even watch her get cremated and her ashes spread. It isn't until the end of the episode, when we fast forward three years, that we learn the truth.

Is Netflix going to pick up Queen of the South?

WHEN IS THE QUEEN OF THE SOUTH SEASON 5 NETFLIX RELEASE DATE

Queen of the South Season 5 premieres Thursday, April 7, 2021 on Netflix.

Is there a Queen of the South season 6?

Queen of the South Season 6 Trailer

Following the series authorities' announcement, the sixth season has been canceled; hence, there will be no sixth season.

Who is the richest drug dealer ever?

1. Pablo Escobar: $30 Billion – Topping the list of the richest drug lords. The notorious narcoterrorist and drug lord from Colombia was born Pablo Emilion Escobar Gaviria. He was the leader of a cartel known to have smuggled 80% of the cocaine in the United States.

Is El Chapo alive today?

He is currently serving a life sentence. El Chapo was the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. Under his leadership, the Sinaloa Cartel imported more than a million kilograms of cocaine and hundreds of kilograms of heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine into the United States.

How much is Chapo worth?

Guzmán, the infamous former leader of the Sinaloa cartel, is serving a life sentence in a US prison. He was one of the biggest traffickers of drugs to the US and, in 2009, entered Forbes' list of the world's richest men at number 701, with an estimated worth of $1bn.

Who kills Teresa Mendoza?

In the episode, the cartel queen's business partner-turned-nemesis, Devon Finch (Jamie Hector), orders James to kill his lover to save her from a much more menacing death, and later, he makes good on his promise. While at her mansion in Belize, James shoots Teresa in her stomach and she falls to the ground.

How did Pote and Teresa become friends?

Pote began working for Camila in season two but as time went on, he slowly developed a bond with Teresa. When she decided to start her own cartel, Pote was the first to go with her and he has proved his loyalty time and time again ever since.

Is Queen of the South a remake?

An English language remake, Queen of the South, premiered in June 2016 on USA Network, starring Alice Braga. The series has been renewed for a second season that premiered on 22 April 2019.

Is Teresa Mendoza deas?

“That Teresa did die, but she wasn't murdered by an enemy or a rival,” she reflects. “She was killed by me, a money-changer from Culiacán who defied all odds to survive. And if either prison or death were my own options, what do you know, I chose life.”