7 Years Ago, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Took On Mickey Haller’s Total Antithesis In A Critically Acclaimed 86% RT Drama From The Lincoln Lawyer Creator
Before he was defending clients in court, Garcia-Rulfo stunned audiences with a gritty role that couldn’t be further from the charming defense attorney we know today.

Seven years ago, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo played Mickey Haller’s complete opposite on a critically praised TV show from The Lincoln Lawyer‘s creator. Adapted from Michael Connelly’s book series, The Lincoln Lawyer characters maintain the spirit of their source material counterparts, largely thanks to series creator David E. Kelley. His vision for the show has maintained accuracy, with some occasional changes.

Following the end of The Lincoln Lawyer season 3, Mickey will be in the most trouble he’s ever faced, having been framed for the murder of Sam Scales. The Lincoln Lawyer season 4 will focus on his friends trying to prove his innocence. However, when it comes to playing villains, Garcia-Rulfo is no stranger to it while collaborating with Kelley.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Played A Villainous Drug Lord In David Kelley’s Legal Show Goliath

He Was A Recurring Character In Season 2 Of The Legal Drama

In a completely opposing role from the kind-hearted yet tenacious Mickey Haller, Garcia-Rulfo previously portrayed villainous drug lord Gabriel Ortega in Goliath. The Prime Video series was co-created by Kelley and Jonathan Shapiro. It follows Billy Bob Thornton as Billy McBride, a former lawyer looking for redemption by representing a wrongful death case against his former law firm.

The show ended with season 4, every new season showcasing Billy take on a new case. In season 2, he defended a 16-year-old accused of a double murder he didn’t commit. A larger conspiracy unfolded, soon drawing in Gabriel, a powerful drug lord with childhood connections to Marisol Silva, a prominent Los Angeles mayoral candidate.

Gabriel is a far cry from Mickey: not only does his first appearance feature him cutting up a body, but he does whatever it takes to ensure the safety of his operation. His nefarious goals are a far cry from Mickey’s story in The Lincoln Lawyer, where he represents the innocent. Gabriel is more imposing, killing for his criminal operations.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo’s The Lincoln Lawyer & Goliath Roles Highlight His Great Acting Range

He’s Able To Convincingly Portray Both A Hero & A Villain

Garcia-Rulfo does a great job at playing Gabriel, emphasizing how imposing and antagonistic he can make a villain onscreen. His ability to convincingly play the drug lord is the complete opposite of Mickey’s virtuous nature, showing his range not just in Kelley’s legal dramas, but also in the varied roles he’s able to bring to life.

His ability to portray evil through Gabriel only makes his role as Mickey in The Lincoln Lawyer all the more impressive. Garcia-Rulfo’s talent doesn’t keep him defined to one type of character, something that makes him a perfect lead for the legal drama. With Mickey’s new situation so desperate, he can flex that talent further in season 4.

The Lincoln Lawyer season 4 is currently in production.