Manuel García-Rulfo’s career ascended to new heights in 2024, marked by a trifecta of high-profile projects that showcased his versatility and cemented his status as a rising star. This year saw him navigate between the familiar terrain of a hit English-language series, the challenging landscape of a Spanish-language film adaptation of a literary classic, and the potentially explosive realm of a Hollywood blockbuster franchise. His diverse roles spanned genres from legal drama to supernatural thriller to action-adventure, demonstrating a range that promises a long and varied career. This year served as a powerful testament to García-Rulfo’s acting prowess and his ability to resonate with audiences across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
The third season of Netflix’s “The Lincoln Lawyer,” where García-Rulfo reprises his role as the charismatic defense attorney Mickey Haller, solidified the series’ popularity, dominating the streamer’s global top 10 charts for six weeks. This success underscores the actor’s ability to embody a complex and engaging character, drawing viewers into the intricate world of courtroom drama. Concurrently, the film adaptation of Juan Rulfo’s iconic novel “Pedro Páramo,” also released on Netflix, offered a stark contrast in tone and subject matter. The film’s exploration of love, betrayal, and the supernatural within a haunted Mexican village resonated deeply with audiences, particularly in Spanish-speaking markets, highlighting García-Rulfo’s capacity to navigate the nuances of culturally significant material.
The duality of these projects, one a continuation of an established success and the other a venture into challenging literary territory, allowed García-Rulfo to display his acting range. “The Lincoln Lawyer,” with its established rhythm and familiarity, provided a comfortable yet demanding space for him to further develop his portrayal of Mickey Haller. “Pedro Páramo,” on the other hand, demanded a different approach, requiring him to delve into the complexities of a beloved literary character and navigate the expectations that come with adapting such a significant work. The actor embraced the challenge, recognizing the importance of the novel within Mexican literature and striving to honor its legacy.
Adding a layer of personal significance to the “Pedro Páramo” project was García-Rulfo’s familial connection to the author. Juan Rulfo, his father’s great-uncle, was a prominent figure in his family’s history, and the actor grew up immersed in stories about the literary giant. This connection imbued his involvement with a profound sense of responsibility, not only to the legacy of the novel but also to his family. The weight of this responsibility, while daunting, undoubtedly added a layer of depth and authenticity to his performance, further demonstrating his commitment to the project.
García-Rulfo’s career trajectory has been marked by a consistent pursuit of diverse roles across both English and Spanish-language productions. His filmography includes appearances alongside established Hollywood figures like Tom Hanks in “A Man Called Otto” and collaborations with acclaimed Mexican director Manolo Caro in “Perfectos Desconocidos.” While these roles contributed to his growing prominence, it was “The Lincoln Lawyer” that catapulted him to international recognition. The series’ global reach transformed him into a recognizable face, illustrating the power of streaming platforms to elevate actors to worldwide fame. The experience of being recognized by fans across the globe, often as his character Mickey Haller, solidified the impact of the series on his career.
Looking ahead, 2025 holds the promise of an even greater leap forward for García-Rulfo with the release of “Jurassic World Rebirth.” This highly anticipated installment in the blockbuster franchise positions him alongside a stellar cast, including Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey. His role as the head of a family caught in a terrifying encounter with aquatic dinosaurs promises to showcase his ability to navigate the demands of a large-scale action film. The experience of filming in various international locations alongside established Hollywood stars undoubtedly provided invaluable learning and networking opportunities, further enriching his professional journey. The potential for “Jurassic World Rebirth” to become a global box-office sensation adds another layer of anticipation to García-Rulfo’s already impressive trajectory. With a mix of familiar territory and exciting new ventures on the horizon, his future in the entertainment industry looks remarkably bright, poised for continued success and growth. The possible renewal of “The Lincoln Lawyer” for a fourth season further suggests that his momentum will continue, providing him with a stable platform to showcase his talent while exploring new opportunities in film. Garcia-Rulfo’s career exemplifies a strategic blend of established success and calculated risk-taking, allowing him to cultivate a diverse and compelling body of work, garnering him international recognition and positioning him as a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment.
