Robert Rodriguez's 'El Mariachi' Being Adapted For Television

Film director Robert Rodriguez is poised to adapt another one of his big screen features to the small screen.

Back in May, TV Rage reported that the director had partnered with Univision to provide content for new English language cable channel El Rey Network, including an adaptation of the vampire thriller 'From Dusk Till Dawn.' Now Sony Pictures Television wants in on the action, enticing Rodriguez to give his first film, 'El Mariachi,' the series treatment.

The 1992 film told the story of mariachi Martin Aguirre, who becomes embroiled in a war with the Mexican cartels after being mistaken for a legendary fugitive. Carlos Gallardo portrayed the titular role in the original film, while Antonio Banderas took up the role of Martin Aguirre in 'Desperado' and 'Once Upon a Time in Mexico.'

"Much like the film, 'El Mariachi' offers audiences a unique blend of high-stakes action and romance," said Angélica Guerra, SPT SVP and managing director, production, Latin America and U.S. Hispanic. "Staying true to the story, we are producing the series in Mexico shooting in magnificent locations and utilizing some of the country's best talent."

The series will center on Aguirre as he attempts to "seek revenge against those who wronged him, regain his honor and fight for the woman he loves" after he is wrongly imprisoned. The drama will star Iván Arana as Martín Aguirre, Marta Higareda as Celeste Sandoval and Julio Bracho as Fernando Sandoval, with 70 hour-long episodes set to be produced.

The central character definitely has series potential, with his backstory and many conflicts ripe for expansion. Hopefully the Spanish-language series will make its way stateside soon enough.