Wagner Moura
Wagner Moura is a Brazilian actor and filmmaker. Born and raised in Salvador, Bahia, Moura embarked on a successful career that has spanned over two decades. Moura’s breakout role came in 2002 when he portrayed the complex character of Buscapé in the critically acclaimed Brazilian crime film “City of God.” Directed by Fernando Meirelles, the movie garnered widespread praise for its realistic depiction of life in the slums of Rio de Janeiro. Moura’s portrayal of Buscapé showcased his ability to capture the nuances of his character and earned him international recognition.
Throughout his career, Wagner Moura has tackled a diverse range of roles, showcasing his exceptional acting prowess. In the 2007 biographical drama “Elite Squad,” directed by José Padilha, he portrayed Captain Nascimento, a tough and conflicted police officer fighting against drug lords in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. The film became a massive success in Brazil and its sequel, “Elite Squad: The Enemy Within,” released in 2010, became the highest-grossing film in Brazilian history at the time.
One of the most significant milestones in Moura’s career came with his portrayal of Pablo Escobar in the hit Netflix series “Narcos.” The show, created by Chris Brancato, Eric Newman, and Carlo Bernard, chronicles the rise and fall of the notorious Colombian drug lord. Moura’s portrayal of Escobar was nothing short of extraordinary, earning him critical acclaim and international fame.
Moura’s collaboration with acclaimed director José Padilha continued in the 2014 thriller “RoboCop,” where he played the role of Antoine Vallon, a corrupt businessman. He also worked alongside Matt Damon and Jodie Foster in the 2013 science fiction film “Elysium,” directed by Neill Blomkamp.