The Mule, a 2018 crime drama film directed by Clint Eastwood, follows the story of Earl Stone who becomes a drug mule for a Mexican cartel. He does this to help his family financially after his horticulture business fails and he loses everything he owns. The film was well-received by audiences and critics alike, but many have questioned whether or not it is based on actual events. Is the Mule Based on a True Story?
Is the Mule Based on a True Story?
Yes, The Mule is indeed based on a true story. The life of Leo Sharp, an American World War II veteran, and a professional horticulturist inspires the movie. In 2011, at 87, he was arrested for transporting cocaine worth $3 million for the Sinaloa Cartel.
Sharp had been working as a drug courier for the cartel since 2009 and had made several trips from Mexico to Michigan with large quantities of drugs hidden in his truck. He was eventually caught by law enforcement after being under surveillance for months.
The movie adaptation stars Clint Eastwood as Earl Stone, a character based on Sharp’s real-life persona. The film follows Stone as he becomes a drug mule for a Mexican cartel to make ends meet after his business fails. While some fictional elements are added to the plot, it stays true to Sharp’s story and highlights how far people can be pushed when faced with financial hardship.
What is the Movie The Mule about?
The story follows Earl Stone, a man in his eighties, broke, alone, faced financial troubles, and was offered an opportunity to earn money by driving drugs across state lines. An older mann older man becomes a drug mule for a Mexican cartel to make ends meet after his business goes bankrupt. As he smuggles drugs across the country, he faces challenges and danger from law enforcement and the cartel.
While the plot of “The Mule” is fictionalized, it is inspired by actual. Law enforcement eventually caught Sharp and sentenced to three years in prison. Despite some differences between the film’s plot and Sharp’s real-life story, many aspects of the character of Earl Stone are drawn from Sharp’s experience as a drug mule. Overall, while not wholly factual or accurate to actual events, “The Mule” does have roots in reality and explores themes that reflect real-world issues surrounding drugs and crime.
How Did ‘The Mule’ Get Caught?
Earl becomes involved in drug trafficking for a Mexican cartel to make ends meet. However, he eventually gets caught by DEA agents after making several trips with drugs. Sharp made over 1,000 trips from Michigan to Arizona with hundreds of kilos of cocaine hidden in his truck. Earl’s downfall begins when Illinois State Police pull him over for erratic driving and discovers that his car contains several bags of cocaine. The police inform the DEA, who begins to track him down. Earl tries to get out of it by saying that he does not know the contents of his vehicle, but he is arrested anyway.
Did The Mule Go To Jail?
Earl Stone, the main character in the movie The Mule, is brought to justice for his involvement in drug trafficking. Despite his age and lack of criminal history, he is sentenced to prison for several years. This outcome was inevitable, given the severity of his crimes and the evidence against him. While it may be difficult to sympathize with Earl, given the harm his actions caused, it’s essential to recognize that he ultimately faced the consequences of his choices. The movie highlights how even those who have lived long lives can still fall prey to greed and desperation.
Where was The Mule Filmed at?
The filming of The Mule took place primarily in Georgia, with some additional scenes shot in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Atlanta served as the central location for the production and featured prominently throughout the film, including scenes filmed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Krog Street Tunnel. The production team also utilized locations around Rome and Augusta to create different settings for different story parts.
How Old was Clint Eastwood when He Filmed The Mule?
The answer is that Clint Eastwood was 88 years old when he started filming The Mule in June 2018. He turned 89 in May that year, just a few weeks before production began. Despite his advanced age, Eastwood still managed to direct and star in this movie, proving once again that age is just a number.
The Mule Cast
- Clint Eastwood: Earl Stone
- Bradley Cooper: Agent Colin Bates
- Laurence Fishburne: Special Agent in Charge
- Michael Peña : Agent Treviño
- Dianne Wiest: Mary
- Andy García : Latón
- Ignacio Serricchio : Julio
- Taissa Farmiga: Ginny
- Alison Eastwood: Iris
- Richard Herd: Tim Kennedy
- Lobo Sebastian : Bug
- Manny Montana: Axl
- Noel Gugliemi: Bald Rob
- Gustavo Muñoz : Farmhand #2
- Patrick L. Reyes: Farmhand #3
- Cesar de León : José
- Jackie Prucha : Helen
- Adam Drescher: Computer Daylily Guy
- Christi McClintock: Daylily Fan
- Keith Flippen: MC
- Kinsley Isla Dillon: Younger Ginny
- Joe Knezevich : Dave
- Megan Leahy: Bartender
- Austin Freeman: Mike
- Victor Rasuk : Rico
- Ro bert LaSardo : Emilio
- Saul Huezo : Andrés
- Lee Coc: Assault Rifle Guy
- Eugene Cordero : Luis Rocha
- Felicia Dee: Biker #1
- Jessica B. Wellington: Biker #2
- Michael H. Cole: Banker
- Charles Lawlor: Phil
- Alan Heckner: Texas State Trooper
- Mollie Busta : Mollie-B
- James DeForest Parker: Old Vet
- Clifton Collins Jr.: Gustavo
- Daniel Moncada : Eduardo
- Paul Alayo: Sal
- Travina Springer: Young Wife
- Kareem J. Grimes: Nerdy Husband
- Caroline Avery Granger:Hot 45-Year-Old
- Diego Cataño : Weasel
- Kiana N. Paz: Cartel Girl #1
- Ashley V. Yanez : Cartel Girl #2
- Nicole M. Gomez: Cartel Girl #3
- Dylan Kussman : Sheriff
- Grant Roberts: DEA Agent
- Pete Burris: DEA Regional Manager
- Loren Dean: Agent Brown
- Kenny Barr: SWAT Captain
- Jan Hartsell : Beauty School Admin
- Javier Vazquez Jr. : Driver Pulled Over
- Derek Russo: Big Dude
- Megan Mieduch:24-Hour Waitress
- Leonard Hennessy: Pastor
- Dayna Beilenson : Judge
- Tess Malis Kincaid: Attorney
- Antwan Mills: Translator
Director: Clint Eastwood
Writers : Nick Schenk, Sam Dolnick
What Happens at The End of The Mule?
In the film’s climax, Earl is arrested and charged with drug trafficking. However, before his trial, he meets with his estranged daughter (played by Alison Eastwood) and granddaughter (Taissa Farmiga). They express their love for him despite his mistakes. In a touching scene, Earl pleads guilty to all charges in court and accepts his punishment.
As Iris (Alison Eastwood) says goodbye to her father in prison, she tells him that at least they’ll know where to find him. This line highlights the pain of losing touch with loved ones due to past mistakes and the importance of accepting responsibility for one’s actions. While “The Mule” may take creative liberties with its source material, it ultimately delivers an emotional message about redemption and family bonds that resonates with viewers.
The True Meaning Of The Mule Ending
The film explores themes such as redemption and purpose in life through Earl’s journey as a drug mule. While some may argue that Earl never finds redemption due to his involvement with criminal activities, others may say that he ultimately finds purpose in helping those around him before his eventual arrest. Overall, The Mule offers an insightful exploration of complex human emotions and motivations by depicting an emotionally-burdened man seeking purpose in life.
Does Netflix have the movie The Mule?
The Mule is available now on Netflix.