Interview: M.I.A. Star Alberto Guerra Teases Violence, Miami Heat, and a Much Darker Villain Than Expected

Peacock’s is arriving with blood on its hands and humidity in the air, and according to star Alerto Guerra, viewers may want to prepare themselves accordingly. During a recent interview with The TV Cave, Guerra opened up about filming in Miami, stepping into the role of Elias Perez, and why audiences may find themselves strangely sympathetic toward a man capable of doing some deeply awful things.

Naturally, that’s where things get interesting. The actor, known for memorable turns in Griselda and Narcos: Mexico, described M.I.A. as “thrilling, exciting and violent,” which honestly feels like the most accurate three-word summary imaginable after watching the series unfold. Although Guerra joked that fans should fear his character, he quickly made it clear that Elias Perez is far more layered than the standard intimidating enforcer audiences may expect at first glance.

“This is a guy that’s an enforcer for this very powerful family,” Guerra explained. “At the beginning of the show, he sees his entire life torn up by this event that changes everything.”

And yes, Elias does terrifying things. Repeatedly. But Guerra emphasized that the series takes time to peel back those layers instead of settling for a one-note villain who exists solely to glower in dimly lit rooms while threatening people. Television has enough of those already.

“We wanted to create empathy for a guy viewers are going to watch do really horrible things,” Guerra shared. “He did this, but he’s also that little kid who lived and went through that in life.”

That emotional complexity becomes one of M.I.A.’s strongest qualities. The series leans heavily into Miami’s cultural identity, vibrant atmosphere, and simmering tension, using the city as more than just a flashy backdrop for cartel drama and violent confrontations. Guerra, who is Cuban and has spent years living in Mexico City, admitted filming in Miami felt surprisingly personal.

“I absolutely loved it,” he said. “What more could you possibly ask in life than being able to go to work in sandals?”

Honestly, fair. The actor also hinted that Elias may not even be the most dangerous person viewers encounter this season, teasing, “I’m not even the most violent guy in the show.” Considering Elias already leaves a trail of destruction behind him, that statement feels less like promotion and more like a warning.

Peacock’s M.I.A. thrives when it embraces its morally messy characters and lets the emotional motivations underneath all the bloodshed breathe. Guerra clearly understands that balance, delivering insight into a character who could have easily become another forgettable TV tough guy. Instead, Elias Perez feels unpredictable, damaged, and very human, which somehow makes him even more unsettling.

And if Guerra’s teasing is accurate, audiences have not seen anything yet.

Check out our full interview below:

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