You probably recognize Diego Luna from the gritty, rebel-filled world of Star Wars or the intense, high-stakes drug trade in Narcos: Mexico. But in his latest project, he’s basically unrecognizable. I’m talking about Diego Luna La Máquina, the Spanish-language series that dropped on Hulu (and Disney+ globally) in late 2024. It’s a project that reunites him with his lifelong best friend, Gael García Bernal, for the first time in sixteen years. Honestly, the buzz isn't just about the boxing—it’s about the sheer, bizarre audacity of Luna’s character.
Let’s talk about the face. Or the "new" face.
Luna plays Andy Lujan, a flamboyant, high-strung boxing manager who is deeply, pathologically obsessed with staying young. To pull this off, Luna spent hours in the makeup chair every single day. We’re talking prosthetics, a fake nose, fake lips, and—famously—a fake butt. He told Drew Barrymore it was actually quite comfortable, but the visual effect is jarring. He looks like a man who has had one too many fillers and is desperately trying to outrun his own reflection. It’s a massive departure from the rugged Cassian Andor we've grown used to.
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What is La Máquina Actually About?
The show follows Esteban “La Máquina” Osuna (Gael García Bernal), a champion boxer whose career is on the ropes after a brutal loss. Andy, his manager and childhood friend, is determined to get him back on top. But this isn't Rocky. It’s much darker.
Basically, as Esteban tries to mount a comeback, he realizes his past wins might have been rigged. A shadowy, nameless organization starts leaning on Andy, threatening their lives if Esteban doesn't throw the big fight. It’s a claustrophobic thriller that feels more like Uncut Gems than a sports movie. The boxing happens, sure, but the real fight is happening inside the characters' heads and in the back of tinted-window SUVs.
The Chemistry You Can't Fake
The magic of Diego Luna La Máquina isn’t just the prosthetics. It’s the history. Luna and García Bernal have been friends since they were kids. They grew up in the theater together in Mexico. Their last big outing was Rudo y Cursi back in 2008, and before that, the legendary Y Tu Mamá También.
- They actually conceived the idea for this show over a decade ago.
- It started with a conversation in the snow in Berlin.
- They wanted to explore what happens when an athlete’s body starts to fail them.
Because they are real-life best friends, the shorthand between them on screen is incredible. You believe they’ve known each other forever because they actually have. Andy and Esteban have this co-dependent, messy, loving relationship that feels lived-in. When Andy is panicking about a shadowy syndicate, and Esteban is dealing with the early signs of CTE (dementia pugilistica), you feel the weight of their shared history.
Why the Critics are Divided
If you’re looking for a straight-up sports drama, you might be a bit confused. Some reviewers felt the show tries to do too much. It’s part crime thriller, part character study, and part surrealist drama.
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There's a lot of focus on the "villains," but here's a kicker: you never really find out who they are. The showrunner, Marco Ramirez, has said that’s intentional. The point isn't to unmask a "big bad." The point is to show that corruption in the boxing world is systemic. It’s everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Some fans found that frustrating, while others thought it made the world feel more dangerous.
Key Players in the Ring
Aside from the dynamic duo, Eiza González turns in a solid performance as Irasema, Esteban’s ex-wife and a tenacious journalist. She’s often the only one with her head on straight, trying to uncover the corruption while the men are lost in their own egos and fears.
The series was produced by Luna and Bernal’s own production company, La Corriente del Golfo. This was a "labor of love" project for them, which is why it feels so specifically Mexican and authentic. They insisted on filming in Mexico and keeping the dialogue in Spanish. It wasn't about making a "Hollywood" version of Mexico; it was about telling a story from the inside out.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Watchlist
If you're still on the fence about diving into Diego Luna La Máquina, here is the reality:
- Don't expect a typical boxing story. If you want Creed, this isn't it. This is a psychological thriller that uses boxing as a backdrop.
- Pay attention to the makeup. Luna’s transformation is a character in itself. It represents Andy’s insecurity and the "fake" world of sports promotion.
- Watch it in the original Spanish. Even if you need subtitles, the rhythm and chemistry between Luna and Bernal are best captured in their native tongue.
- Binge the first three episodes. Critics generally agree the show starts a bit slow to build the world, but once the "nefarious organization" starts making moves in episode three, the tension ramps up significantly.
The ending of the series is bold. It doesn't wrap everything up in a neat little bow, which is why people are still talking about it. It forces you to think about what "winning" actually means when your soul is already sold.
If you want to see Diego Luna give one of the most eccentric and daring performances of his career, you need to check this one out. It’s a weird, beautiful, and tense ride through the underbelly of a sport that, as the show suggests, is "full of clowns and ghouls."
Next Step: Head over to Hulu or Disney+ to catch all six episodes. If you've already seen it, go back and watch Y Tu Mamá También to see how far these two have come since their breakout roles.