Michael Pena Joins ‘The Gangster Squad’

Written by: Stoic Taco

According to THR, The Gangster Squad has enlisted the services of Michael Pena, who will be playing a police officer of Mexican heritage who is eager to prove himself to the squad.

I remember Michael Pena cast as the “everyday dad stuck in an incredible situation and who would do anything for his son” role in Battle: LA. It was a bad role. It was a bad character. He was stuck playing a cliche. At the time though I couldn’t tell if it was Mr Pena’s acting ability or the film that he was in.

My question was answered when I watched the The Lincoln Lawyer where Mr Pena played a relatively small but important role as Jesus Martinez. I thought he was great, played a character who needed intensity, and he delivered. More importantly he managed to play opposite Matthew McConaughey and didn’t fade into the background.

Can Mr Pena keep this upward momentum going by holding his own in The Gangster Squad against Sean Penn, Josh Brolin and Ryan Gosling?

Only time will tell.