After broadcasting on Mexican TV during the month of March, the controversial bioseries El Último Rey: El Hijo del Pueblo on late singer Vicente Fernández is making its way to small screens in the U.S.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Univision has confirmed that the show, which boasted an audience of 33 million in Mexico, will premiere in the United States on May 17, 2022.
El Último Rey is based on the book of the same name by Argentine writer Olga Wornat. In it, Wornat links Fernández and his family to alleged drug trafficking and other criminal behavior.
“It is a privilege and honor to bring the life and legacy of Vicente Fernández to the screen with a fascinating story and in a way that only TelevisaUnivisión can narrate,” said executive producer Juan Osorio. “This inspiring story has exclusive content and moments that will evoke feelings of nostalgia and admiration for the man behind the idol that captivated Mexico and the world.”
Since debuting in Mexico in March, the Fernández family, including Fernández’s widow María del Refugio Abarca Villaseñor, better known as “Doña Cuquita,” have spoken against the release of the unauthorized bioseries calling the production equal to “theft.”
“Neither I nor my children want a penny from Televisa,” Doña Cuquita said in a statement last month. “With all due respect, do not come to me with your story that [El Último Rey] is a tribute for Vicente. Stealing his image is for money.”
Osorio received a letter from Fernández family lawyers asking TelevisaUnivision not to broadcast the series, but the producer doubled down and said they are moving forward with a second season.
Before he died, Vicente Fernández signed a contract with Caracol and Netflix to produce and distribute a TV series on his life and career. That project, The Idol of the People, stars actor Jaime Camil (Jane the Virgin) as “El Charro de Huentitán.”