La Máquina is the latest highly anticipated drama coming to Disney+, starring two of Mexico’s most celebrated actors, Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna. Set in the high-stakes world of boxing, La Máquina follows the gripping journey of a fighter and his coach, delivering powerful performances and emotional depth. With this reunion of Luna and García Bernal, best known for their work in *Y Tu Mamá También, fans are eager to see how their dynamic plays out in this intense new series. Read on for everything you need to know about the plot, cast, and release date of *La Máquina* on Disney+.
Copyright @La Máquina Images from Disney+ UK
Copyright @La Máquina Images from Disney+ UK
The highly anticipated return of Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna, stars of the Mexican classic Y Tu Mamá También, hits Disney+ today with La Máquina, a six-part boxing drama that packs a punch both inside and outside the ring. This gritty, character-driven series blends crime, corruption, and personal redemption in a fresh take on the classic underdog story. Reunited after years apart, Bernal and Luna effortlessly revive their on-screen chemistry, delivering performances that are nuanced, gripping, and at times, heartbreakingly real.
Set against the backdrop of the cutthroat boxing world, the series centres on Esteban “La Máquina” Osuna (Bernal), a former boxing champion nearing the end of his career after a devastating loss. His best friend and manager, Andy Lujan (Luna), is desperate to resurrect Esteban’s career, setting up a high-stakes rematch in Mexico. However, what begins as a hopeful comeback soon spirals into a fight for survival when sinister forces linked to the criminal underworld intervene, threatening not only Esteban’s career but his life.
From the outset, La Máquina hooks viewers with its vibrant mix of tension, humour, and humanity. Esteban’s journey isn’t just about getting back in the ring—it’s about facing his personal demons, his strained relationship with his ex-wife Irasema (played by Eiza González), and the haunting realisation that his biggest battle may not be physical, but existential. Meanwhile, Andy’s reckless pursuit of success leads him down a dark path, one fraught with shady deals and questionable choices. Luna’s portrayal of Andy, a man desperately clinging to his youth and relevance through Botox and bravado, is both tragic and comical. His performance captures the inherent contradictions of a man chasing fame while sinking deeper into despair.
The series doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of ageing, particularly in a profession as physically demanding as boxing. Bernal’s portrayal of Esteban as a worn-out yet determined fighter resonates with anyone who has ever faced the struggle of maintaining relevance in a world that seems to prize youth above all else. Both Luna and Bernal lean into this theme, using their own experiences of middle age to shape their characters’ emotional arcs. Their performances are beautifully understated, with moments of humour deftly interwoven with scenes of profound introspection.
The real strength of La Máquina lies in its layered storytelling. While on the surface it’s a sports drama, beneath the sweat and sparring lies a tale of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. Director Gabriel Ripstein brings a sharp visual style to the series, balancing visceral fight scenes with more intimate, character-driven moments. The boxing scenes themselves are brutal and raw, eschewing Hollywood-style grandeur for a more grounded, authentic portrayal of the sport.
Despite the heavy themes, the series manages to maintain a lightness, particularly through its droll humour. In one standout moment, a romantic scene between Esteban and Irasema quickly cuts to him snoring in bed, highlighting the realities of life beyond the ring. Luna’s Andy provides much of the comic relief, his overly injected face described by one character as resembling a “condom-face,” a line delivered with just the right amount of cheek.
However, La Máquina isn’t without its flaws. The series occasionally skims over boxing’s darker, systemic issues in favour of more personal stakes, which may leave some viewers wanting a deeper exploration of the sport’s corrupt underbelly. Yet, this focus on personal drama is also what gives the show its emotional weight. The tension between Esteban and Andy, fuelled by secrets and lies, keeps the narrative compelling and unpredictable.
Ultimately, La Máquina delivers a knockout performance, reuniting two of Mexico’s most celebrated actors in a series that is both thrilling and deeply reflective. As Esteban fights his way back to the top, viewers are reminded that the real battle is often with oneself—a theme Bernal and Luna explore with remarkable honesty and depth. Their reunion on screen feels like a triumphant return, not just for their characters, but for two actors who have grown in their craft and maturity since their earlier collaborations.
With stunning performances, sharp direction, and a story that hits all the right emotional beats, La Máquina is a must-watch for fans of sports dramas and character-driven narratives alike. Catch it now on Disney+—you won’t want to miss it.
Copyright @La Máquina Images from Disney+ UK
La Máquina is available to stream exclusively on Disney+
