The Lincoln Lawyer is a Netflix series adapted from Michael Connelly’s novel The Brass Verdict; not to be mistaken with the 2011 movie of the same name that starred Matthew McConaughey and was adapted from a different novel by the same author. After the most extended wait, the crime-thriller starring Manuel Garcia Rulfo is finally here and is proving to be a surprise for the critics.

People weren’t as excited to see this one because the actors aren’t known; and McConaughey, as always, stole the show in the last one, so it’s understandable if people don’t want to give the newcomer, Manuel Garcia Rulfo, a chance to replicate him.

Manuel, the new Mickey Haller, is sure to have done a little dance when reviews started flowing in immediately after the release. They were all in his favor and spoke about how his ethnicity really enhanced his character. An American actor was less likely to ace it even though Spanish wasn’t a prerequisite for the casting.

Manuel Garcia Rulfo shares the details of his casting in Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer

In a recent LA Times interview, Michael was asked a few things related to the show and his role. The questions circled around his views on films portraying Latinos negatively, his journey as a non-native, the worst audition he has ever given, and his experience shooting The Lincoln Lawyer. The following tweet was his answer to what made the producers choose him as the lead.

https://twitter.com/contodonetflix/status/1525164533848764416?t=-_dM_wlwpO-NFssIRpvm3g&s=08

The actor also shared his experience auditioning on a zoom call during the peak pandemic. He said, “They sent me the scenes. I read them, and the character’s words just made me want to say them out loud.” 

Manuel and his journey into the film world

Manuel was born in Jalisco, Mexico. Graduating with a communications degree helped him realize his dream of filmmaking. And soon, like his grandfather, he started pursuing the latter as a career. His most prized possession is an old editing machine from his grandfather. Following several rejections in Hollywood, Garcia returned to Mexico. His acting skills found recognition as he got a few local Spanish projects under his belt. His work tells us there’s so much more to Manuel than just his accent.

Known previously for his roles in ‘6 Underground’ and ‘Murder on the Orient Express’, The Lincoln Lawyer marked Garcia’s debut as the first lead role for an American production. In the show, Garcia plays Mickey Haller, a sidelined lawyer. He tries restarting his career and practices out of his Lincoln town car. As he’s taking cases across LA, he comes across a murder case that thickens the plot.

The show is surely not the best that has come out of Netflix, but it’s not a complete throwaway either. It’s the needed binge-worthy crime-thriller that’s not as intense and can be watched without too much thought. As you watch it, let us know how you found it in the comments.