It’s hard to imagine that back in the late-80s and early-90s, there existed a gay lucha libre star who became a sensation amongst the fans and would eventually go on to be one of the most popular stars of that era. And yet, it happened. That’s exactly the story of “Cassandro.”
READ MORE: ‘Cassandro’ Sundance Review: Gael Garcia Bernal Gives The Gay Lucha Libre Icon His Due
As seen in the new trailer for the film, “Cassandro” tells the incredible true story of Saúl Armendáriz, a gay man from El Paso who dreamed of becoming a huge lucha libre star. After faltering for a while, he finds his way into professional wrestling stardom as an exotico, as he begins to embrace his sexuality and become a massive name in the macho scene.
The cast includes Gael García Bernal, Roberta Colindrez, Perla De La Rosa, Joaquín Cosío, Raúl Castillo, El Hijo del Santo, and Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio. “Cassandro” is directed by Roger Ross Williams, who co-wrote the script alongside David Teague.
We were able to watch the film at this year’s Sundance, and in our review, we said, “‘Cassandro’ isn’t here to cover every moment of Armendáriz’s life. And there are storylines, especially with his father, that neither Williams or his co-screenwriter, David Teague, can bring to a satisfying conclusion. But as a portrait of a man finding himself in his profession? Of celebrating his true self? It’s extraordinary.”
Here’s the synopsis:
Saúl Armendáriz, a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso, rises to international stardom after he creates the character ‘Cassandro,’ the “Liberace of Lucha Libre.” In the process, he upends not just the macho wrestling world, but also his own life. Based on a true story.
