Hollywood Newcomer Maria Timonina Channels a Young Jodie Foster in Netflix’s Upcoming Thriller The Gringo Hunters

Strong, smart, and undeniably human, Maria Timonina enters the spotlight in Ron Howard’s new streaming series.

Actress Maria Timonina is set to make a striking impact in her guest-starring role in the pilot of The Gringo Hunters, Netflix’s highly anticipated bilingual crime series produced by Ron Howard’s Imagine Entertainment, Redrum, and The Washington Post. Inspired by true events, the show follows Mexico’s elite International Liaison Unit as they pursue the FBI’s most elusive fugitives.

Timonina plays Alice Wells, a strong-willed and empathetic young woman, who launches a viral online campaign in support of sexual abuse victims after her teenage sister is exploited and their mother disappears. “Alice is strong, loyal, and driven by an intrinsic sense of justice,” Timonina says. “She’s the kind of person who stays grounded in the middle of chaos. Someone who feels deeply yet acts with purpose.”

“Not only did I get to share in telling this incredible true story but I also found myself enveloped by the immense love Alice has for both her family and the community of women most affected by these issues,” Timonina shared, “that was something I connected with the most.”

Filming in Mexico City with showrunner and director Adrián Grunberg was an unforgettable experience. “It was a dream come true,” Timonina shares. “Adrián gave me the guidance and space to truly honor my telling of this story. He and the rest of the cast and crew made me feel overwhelmingly welcomed. It has already been one of the best experiences of my career so far and I’m eternally grateful.”

The role has earned early praise from those closest to Timonina. “When I taped the audition, my acting coach said the performance reminded him of a young Jodie Foster,” she recalls.

“It meant the world to hear that. But in my gut, I already knew I was Alice. That scene spoke straight from my soul. It didn’t feel like acting–it felt like remembering.”

The Gringo Hunters is set to premiere on Netflix in 2025. For more information, visit MariaTimonina.com or follow her on Instagram @maria_timonina