Kate del Castillo on the Triumphant Return of ‘La Reina del Sur’ for Season 2: A Deep Dive into Teresa Mendoza’s Evolution

The highly anticipated return of La Reina del Sur for its second season has ignited immense excitement among fans worldwide. After an almost eight-year hiatus following its groundbreaking first season finale, the iconic Spanish-language series is back, promising more drama, suspense, and the unforgettable journey of Teresa Mendoza. HollywoodLife had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with the star herself, Kate del Castillo, during the Television Critics Association winter press tour. In this candid interview, Kate shared invaluable insights into reprising her career-defining role, the evolution of Teresa Mendoza, and the monumental return of a series that has captivated millions.

The Long-Awaited Comeback: Navigating an 8-Year Hiatus

The decision to bring back a show after nearly a decade is no small feat, especially when the first season achieved such colossal success. Kate del Castillo revealed that while the idea for a second season had been a recurring thought for eight years, her initial reaction was one of hesitation. “No, we’ve been thinking about it for 8 years,” Kate began, explaining her initial reservations. “I didn’t want to do a second part in the beginning. It was such a success, and it was so big everywhere that I was like, ‘Why do a second part? There’s no reason why.’ It’s based on the novel and there’s not a second novel.”

This sentiment is understandable, as creators often grapple with the pressure of living up to or surpassing initial triumphs, particularly when the original source material has been exhausted. However, the relentless enthusiasm from executives and, crucially, the involvement of the original author, Arturo Pérez-Reverte, proved to be the turning point for Kate. The constant conversations and the persistent belief in the story’s potential eventually swayed her. “But then, we kept going around the idea with the executives. After 8 years, they say, ‘I think it’s time. Let’s do it.'”

The author’s participation was paramount for Kate. Pérez-Reverte, whose novel forms the foundation of Teresa Mendoza’s saga, was committed to crafting the narrative structure for the new season. Kate emphasized the importance of his creative leadership: “Arturo Pérez-Reverte, the author, was going to be doing the whole structure because I wasn’t going to do it if Arturo wasn’t going to be there to do at least the whole structure of the thing.” A trip to Spain to meet with the author solidified her decision. “They took me to Spain to talk to him, and Arturo pitched me the whole story. His passion, his generosity, and everything was there. So I couldn’t be happier.” This collaborative spirit and the compelling vision for Teresa’s next chapter ultimately convinced Kate to step back into the high-stakes world of *La Reina del Sur*.

Stepping Back into Teresa Mendoza’s Formidable Shoes

Returning to a character as complex and beloved as Teresa Mendoza after almost a decade brought with it a unique blend of excitement and trepidation. Kate del Castillo candidly admitted to the significant pressure she felt. “I was so scared,” Kate confessed. “I still am. It’s a lot of pressure, to be honest, especially for me.” This feeling is palpable, given the monumental expectations from fans who have championed Teresa’s journey from a naive young woman to a powerful and revered drug lord.

The first day back on set, Kate faced the ultimate test: reconnecting with the essence of Teresa. “But the first day, I didn’t know if Teresa was going to be there in me,” she shared, highlighting the personal challenge of embodying such a deeply ingrained role after an extensive break. It’s a testament to her dedication and talent that she found her way back to the character’s core. Kate understands the weight of fan expectations and assures them that Season 2 delivers. “I know there are huge expectations but, on the other hand, I know what I shot. Everything that the fans expect, we give to them in this second season.” This promise hints at a season that not only honors the legacy of the first but also pushes the boundaries, offering fresh narrative arcs while staying true to the character’s spirit.

Teresa Mendoza: An Enduring Icon and Personal Transformation

For Kate del Castillo, Teresa Mendoza is more than just a character; she’s a force that profoundly impacted her life. “It’s an amazing role. It’s an amazing character that I love, and that I keep in my heart, and one that changed me in many ways,” Kate expressed, underscoring the deep personal connection she shares with Teresa. “Not only my career, but even in my personal life. It’s been huge for me. I was like, ‘Okay, let’s do this.'” This revelation speaks volumes about the transformative power of storytelling and the unique bond between an actor and her most iconic role.

Teresa Mendoza’s journey from a humble Sinaloan woman to the formidable “Queen of the South” is a narrative of survival, resilience, and unwavering strength. Her character resonates because she is a woman who, despite being thrust into extraordinary circumstances, navigates a dangerous world with intelligence and an unyielding will to protect those she cares about. She embodies a fierce independence and a complex morality that challenges traditional hero archetypes, making her incredibly compelling. The series delves into themes of power, loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, all seen through Teresa’s eyes, offering a gritty yet glamorous look at the underworld. Her global appeal is further evidenced by the series’ success, including its English-language adaptation, Queen of the South, proving the universal draw of her story.

A Mother’s New Chapter: Teresa and Sofia

Season 2 introduces a significant new dimension to Teresa’s life: motherhood. She now has a 9-year-old daughter named Sofia, a character that promises to bring both vulnerability and a new source of strength to Teresa. Kate del Castillo offered an intriguing glimpse into this mother-daughter dynamic. “I love it because she [Teresa] never talks to her [Sofia] like she’s a kid,” Kate revealed. “She’s very personal with her, but she never treats her like she’s a 9-year-old. She’s as mature as Teresa.”

This approach suggests a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding, rather than a typical parent-child dynamic. It highlights Teresa’s unconventional nature and perhaps her recognition of Sofia’s inherent resilience, nurtured by a life lived in the shadows. The presence of Sofia will undoubtedly add a profound layer of emotional depth to Teresa’s character, forcing her to confront new challenges and make choices with even higher stakes. Protecting Sofia becomes Teresa’s ultimate motivation, intertwining her personal life with the dangerous world she inhabits, and potentially revealing a softer, more protective side of the Queen that viewers haven’t seen before. This dynamic is set to explore how motherhood shapes a woman who has always been defined by her fight for survival and power.

Love, Life, and Unapologetic Authenticity

Despite the constant danger and high-stakes maneuvering that defines Teresa’s existence, there’s always room for personal connections, including romance. HollywoodLife inquired about a potential love interest for Teresa in the new season, to which Kate responded with a knowing smile. “Well, you know, the leading ladies, they always have time to have sex,” Kate noted with a touch of humor. “I don’t know how they do it. Even if they’re running, they always have time. Teresa gets to know this amazing, beautiful guy, and it happens.” This lighthearted comment underscores the genre’s tendency to weave romance into even the most perilous narratives, adding a human element to characters often larger than life.

Beyond romance, Kate lauded Teresa’s unapologetically authentic approach to life, a characteristic that has endeared her to millions. “She drinks, she sleeps with whoever she wants, and she doesn’t care,” Kate continued, praising Teresa’s honesty and independence. “She doesn’t lie about that, and she doesn’t hide it, which I love about her. That’s why people love her because she’s just straightforward.” This straight-shooting attitude, combined with her fierce loyalty and unwavering determination, makes Teresa a truly compelling protagonist. She is a woman who operates on her own terms, defying societal expectations and embracing her desires without apology. This raw honesty is a refreshing contrast to many fictional characters, making her relatable despite her extraordinary circumstances.

The Enduring Legacy and What to Expect

La Reina del Sur has left an indelible mark on Spanish-language television and beyond, paving the way for a new era of high-quality, globally resonant productions. Its return for a second season is a testament to its enduring popularity and the powerful narrative it tells. Fans can expect a season packed with the same intensity, intricate plotting, and emotional depth that made the first season a phenomenon, now elevated by Teresa’s evolution as a mother and her continued battle for survival in a world that constantly tests her limits.

With Kate del Castillo back at the helm, embodying Teresa Mendoza with unparalleled conviction, Season 2 promises to be a thrilling continuation of one of television’s most iconic sagas. The stakes are higher, the personal challenges are deeper, and the journey of the Queen of the South is set to captivate audiences once more. Be sure to tune in as La Reina del Sur airs Mondays at 10 p.m. on Telemundo, marking a triumphant return that is poised to dominate screens and conversations.