Almost a decade after the world said goodbye to El Divo de Juárez, Netflix is opening a window into the heart and soul of Juan Gabriel with an intimate four-part documentary series, "Juan Gabriel: I Must, I Can, I Will." Set to premiere on October 30, the series promises not just to celebrate his music but to reveal the man behind the legend.
This isn’t just another retrospective of a superstar’s career. Through never-before-seen footage, personal recordings, and stories captured by Juan Gabriel himself, the documentary builds a portrait of Alberto Aguilera Valadez, the creative genius whose voice and words became anthems for millions.
© WireImageA Rare Look Behind the Curtain
What makes this project stand out is its unparalleled access to Juan Gabriel’s personal archives. Viewers will discover videos he filmed himself, private moments he chose to record, and intimate reflections that had been locked away until now.
Across four episodes, the series retraces his journey, including his humble beginnings, through the meteoric rise that turned him into Mexico’s most beloved music icon, to his final years. It’s a story that doesn’t just highlight his career but also digs into his vulnerability, his pain, and his relentless drive to transform those emotions into art.
© CourtesyThe Creative Team Behind the Tribute
The series is directed by María José Cuevas, known for her sensitive and visually powerful style, and produced by Laura Woldenberg and Ivonne Gutiérrez. The trio previously worked together on "The Lady of Silence: The Mataviejitas Murders," a project praised for its depth and storytelling.
© WireImageWith "Juan Gabriel: I Must, I Can, I Will," they shift gears to pay homage to an artist whose universe was as dazzling as it was fragile. The result is both a celebration and a raw portrait of the man who broke cultural stigmas, defied expectations, and turned his struggles into timeless music.
Juan Gabriel’s Legacy Lives On
Few artists have left as permanent a mark on Latin American music as Juan Gabriel. With hundreds of songs to his name, from heartbreak ballads to joyous rancheras, his work continues to cross borders and generations.
This documentary underscores his influence not just as a singer and songwriter, but as a cultural force who challenged norms and gave voice to emotions often left unspoken. Even years after his passing, his lyrics remain woven into the collective memory of Mexico and beyond.
© Getty ImagesFor longtime admirers, "I Must, I Can, I Will" is a chance to rediscover Juan Gabriel through a lens that feels personal, almost like stepping into his private world. For new generations, it’s an introduction to the spirit of an artist who lived unapologetically and whose music still resonates with universal truths about love, loss, and resilience.
© Courtesy"Juan Gabriel: I Must, I Can, I Will" arrives on Netflix worldwide on October 30. Prepare to be moved, to sing along, and to see a side of El Divo de Juárez that the world has never seen before.
