Alberto Guerra Talks M.I.A., Elias, Loyalty, Violence, and Inner Conflict

Pop Culture Unplugged with Elias spoke with Alberto Guerra during press day for M.I.A., where he opened up about playing Elias, a cartel enforcer and protector with much more going on beneath the surface.

In M.I.A., Elias is a dangerous but deeply complicated character. Guerra described him as someone who believes he is part of the family he serves, even though his life may have been chosen for him rather than by him.

Guerra explained that Elias is not just another crime drama enforcer. He carries loyalty, emotion, and conflict, which makes him unpredictable. The audience may see him commit violent acts, but the challenge is understanding what drives him and why viewers might still feel pulled toward him.

The actor also discussed the physical side of the role. Elias has a strong, controlled presence, and Guerra worked closely with the stunt team to bring authenticity to the action scenes. He trained for months to make sure the fight sequences felt believable, intense, and grounded.

Guerra shared that he and his stunt double worked closely together, trading moments during action scenes and building a rhythm that helped shape the physical language of Elias. That preparation helped create a character who feels calm, sharp, and dangerous all at once.

Beyond the action, Guerra said the series begins at a turning point for Elias. He is starting to question the life he has been living and the reasons behind his choices. That inner conflict adds another layer to the character and gives audiences a reason to watch closely as his journey unfolds.

What Makes Elias Stand Out

For Guerra, Elias is different because he does not fit neatly into one box. He can be brutal, emotional, loyal, dangerous, and conflicted all at the same time. That complexity is what made the role exciting to play.

• Elias is both an enforcer and a protector
• He believes he belongs to the family he serves
• His loyalty is tied to grief, obligation, and survival
• Guerra trained extensively for the show’s fight scenes
• The character’s internal conflict makes him unpredictable

When asked to describe M.I.A. in three words, Guerra called it thrilling, exciting, and bloody. That energy comes through in both the action and the emotional stakes of the series.

Watch the full interview above with Alberto Guerra on Pop Culture Unplugged with Elias.