Interview: Chris Brancato and Guillermo Navarro discuss bringing the infamous Mutiny nightclub to life in MGM+’s ‘Hotel Cocaine’

MGM+’s new original series, Hotel Cocaine, made its debut on June 16. The show’s star-studded cast includes Danny Pino (Roman Compte), Yul Vazquez (Nestor Cabal), Emmy-winner Michael Chiklis (Agent Zulio), Mark Feuerstein (Burton Greenberg), Corina Bradley (Valeria), Laura Gordon (Janice Nichols) and Tania Watson (Marisol). It’s helmed by Chris Brancato (Narcos, Godfather of Harlem) and Guillermo Navarro, who also directed the pilot. 

Hotel Cocaine is based on the real-life story of Roman Compte (Danny Pino) – Cuban exile and general manager of the Mutiny Hotel. Described as “Casablanca on cocaine,” the series gives viewers a glimpse into life during the late ’70s at the infamous Florida nightclub frequented by businessmen and politicians, international narcos, CIA and FBI agents, models, sports stars, and musicians. 

At the center of it all is the Miami drug scene of the time and how the worlds of these characters intersect. Hotel Cocaine walks the line between drama and comedy, bringing to life a wild world that fuels the imagination, leaving you in shock with every twist and turn.

Awards Buzz spoke with the cast and creators about the first season. Watch Sari Cohen speak with Chris Brancato and Guillermo Navarro to discuss what it took to bring this show to life.