Colombia’s Caracol Televisión and Madrid-based DLO Productions have officially commenced filming a highly-anticipated biographical series centered around the life of Spain’s iconic singer Raphael. This engaging series is set to be exclusively available for streaming on Netflix in both Spain and Latin America, creating a significant buzz among fans and followers of this legendary artist.
The series, aptly titled “Aquel,” which translates to “That” or “That One,” aligns perfectly with Caracol’s global expansion strategy, as it aims to broaden its presence in the international market. Raphael, renowned as El Monstruo de la Canción or The Giant of Song, is celebrated for his electrifying stage presence and profound impact on Spanish music, making this series a significant endeavor for the production teams involved.
At the helm of this ambitious project is José Manuel Lorenzo from DLO Productions, who has previously worked on successful television series such as “Dime Quién Soy,” “El Inmortal,” and “El Jardinero.” As the showrunner, Lorenzo is committed to crafting an authentic narrative that captures the essence of Raphael’s life and career, ensuring that the series resonates with both fans and newcomers alike.
“Delving into Raphael’s journey has been an extraordinary and enlightening experience for me—one that I approach with the same fervor I dedicate to my most ambitious projects. His unique talent, remarkable voice, and the resilience that propelled him from poverty to becoming one of the greatest artists in Spanish history genuinely fascinate me,” Lorenzo expressed. He emphasizes his intention to steer clear of clichés, aiming instead to present a nuanced portrayal of Raphael’s compelling story on screen.
Lorenzo continued, “I am profoundly grateful to Raphael and to Lisette Osorio along with Caracol Televisión for entrusting me with this project, which fills me with immense joy and excitement.” This collaborative effort aims to bring forth a captivating narrative that will resonate deeply with audiences, showcasing the artist’s multifaceted life.
Known as the Divo of Linares, Raphael is celebrated not only for his remarkable talent but also for his ability to overcome life-altering health challenges with newfound strength and vigor. His story of resilience and triumph is set to inspire many through this biographical series.
“I am incredibly excited about this project, which is the culmination of over three years of hard work. These months have been filled with intense scriptwriting, casting, production design, and close collaboration with the directors, along with three exceptional partners: Caracol, DLO, and Netflix,” Raphael shared. He added, “Filming officially began in June, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the early results. This biopic not only tells my personal story but also reflects a shared history—over six decades of a career characterized by unforgettable moments. Some of these moments are well-known, while others are more intimate; some are bright, others challenging—but all are profoundly significant.”
“I’ve shared my life story candidly, and the screenwriters have interpreted it with complete freedom. This is not a biopic that romanticizes my journey; rather, it presents an honest portrayal—unvarnished and unafraid to confront any facets of my life, no matter how difficult. That’s why I believe ‘Aquel’ holds a unique value. I am eager to see the final product and, most importantly, to share it with all of you,” he added, emphasizing the authenticity of his narrative.
Filming locations for “Aquel” span across major cities such as Madrid, Paris, Moscow, Acapulco, and Las Vegas. The series features a talented cast, including Javier Morgade portraying the young Raphael, Carlos Santos as the artist in his later years, and Álvaro González depicting Raphael during his teenage years. They will be joined by a prestigious ensemble cast that includes Francesco Carril as Paco Gordillo (Raphael’s long-time manager), Natalia Varela as Natalia Figueroa (Raphael’s spouse), and Pepa Aniorte as Rafaela, the singer’s mother.
The executive producers of this ambitious series include Nacho Bolonio, Lisette Osorio, Dago García, and Lorenzo, with direction provided by Tito López Amado, Javier Pulido, and Beatriz Sanchís. The scripts are crafted by Ignacio del Moral, Paloma Rando, and Adrià P. Xancó, with Jacobo Martos joining as an associate producer, contributing to the rich narrative tapestry of Raphael’s life.
“At Caracol Televisión, we strongly believe that great stories transcend borders. Our mission is to build bridges between cultures through narratives that inspire, move, and withstand the test of time. With ‘Aquel,’ we take another step forward in our vision of delivering universal content that is rooted in a strong local identity—particularly that of an irreplaceable icon like Raphael—capable of touching the hearts of audiences around the globe,” stated Gonzalo Córdoba, President of Caracol Televisión.
Osorio, the VP of International Business at Caracol, commented, “At Caracol Televisión, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire and transcend boundaries. Raphael exemplifies the essence of constant reinvention—an artist who has managed to keep his legacy alive across generations, connecting with audiences of all ages. This exciting project reaffirms our commitment to sharing stories with the world that cross borders and celebrate the remarkable icons of our culture.”
