El Chapo TV series in the making

Los Angeles  — The History Channel says it's developing a drama series focusing on the drug lord known as "El Chapo."

The series will explore global drug wars through Joaquin Guzman's story, the channel said. The drama's title is Cartel, preceded by a hashtag.

A pilot script was ordered from writer-producer Chris Brancato, whose credits include Netflix's Narcos, the History Channel said Tuesday.

Last year, Guzman had broken out of prison and was on the run when he had a secret meeting with Mexican actress Kate del Castillo and Sean Penn.

Penn wrote about it for Rolling Stone magazine.

Accounts have varied as to whether Guzman wanted to discuss a film based on his life or was intent on meeting del Castillo.

Mexican officials said the unlikely meeting helped lead to Guzman's capture in January.