Che star Benicio Del Toro is set to play another controversial Latin figure after signing on to play Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar in a new romantic thriller.

Variety reports Paradise Lost is inspired by true events and follows the story of a surfer who falls for Escobar's niece during a vacation in Colombia.

Italian actor Andrea di Stefano will make his directorial debut behind the lens for the project, which will be shot in Panama.