Benicio Del Toro is in final talks to portray Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar in the true story drama Paradise Lost. This project is not to be confused with the Paradise Lost set up at Legendary Pictures, which is an adaptation of the John Milton poem.

This project is based on the true story of Nick, a young surfer who is visiting his brother in Colombia. He falls head over heels for a local girl named Maria, with all the elements in place for a classic romance. The plot takes a dangerous turn when he finds out that Maria is the niece of notorious drug kingpin Pablo Escobar (Benicio Del Toro).

Italian actor Andrea Di Stefano (Life of Pi) wrote the screenplay and will make his directorial debut, with Dimitri Rassam set to produce. Studio 37 and Pathe will co-produce and co-finance the drama.

Production will begin this coming March in Panama.