Deva Cassel and Saul Nanni have captivated audiences with their on-screen chemistry, but it is their off-screen romance blossoming on the set of Gattopardo that's stirring excitement among fans and critics alike. Featured in the latest issue of Vanity Fair, the young couple recount their experiences both as actors and partners, shedding light on their personal and professional lives.
Deva Cassel, the 19-year-old daughter of renowned actors Vincent Cassel and Monica Bellucci, plays the role of Angelica, the passionate love interest to Nanni's character Tancredi. Their relationship, it turns out, sprouted during the filming of this much-anticipated Netflix series, where they shared not only scenes but also intimate moments.
"When I first got the role, I didn’t know what to expect," Nanni, 26, remarked, recalling his audition process and surprise at working alongside someone with such artistic lineage. "But meeting Deva changed everything." Their chemistry quickly became evident, marked by shared meals and heartfelt conversations.
During one video chat, Deva chuckled, sharing the moment she first made contact with Nanni: "I sent him a message saying, ‘Let’s grab dinner, we should get to know each other!’ It was then I realized we were both going to be living and working closely together for months." This honesty illuminates their relationship, built upon both friendship and professional collaboration.
Reflecting on her character, Deva described Angelica as both fragile and powerful, calling her "curious and clever." She acknowledged the depth of the character, emphasizing how playing such roles allowed her to confront personal challenges and expectations placed upon her due to her upbringing. "It’s about staying true to yourself, mingling vulnerability with strength," she said.
Both stars acknowledged the inevitable comparisons to the iconic original film adaptation of Gattopardo by Luchino Visconti. Yet, they come to this project with gratitude and excitement. "The story is timeless, rich with themes of ambition and love. It resonates even today," said Deva, tying her character’s struggles back to their real-life dynamics.
Meanwhile, Nanni expressed delight at taking on the role of Tancredi, acknowledging the historical significance. Referencing the novel and prior film, he stated, "Tancredi is at once charming and complex. He knows how to navigate the changing world around him, much like I try to do every day."
The couple’s affection goes beyond acting; it is particularly evident as they live together between Paris and Rome, enjoying simple pleasures such as discovering new restaurants and cuisines. Deva remarked, "We both love to travel and try different foods. It’s about experiencing life outside our busy schedules." Such sentiments underline their commitment—both personally and professionally—as they navigate not just the challenges of their respective careers, but the demands of public life together.
Their public image doesn't phase them; they focus on each other and their growing careers. "When it becomes overwhelming, we take spontaneous trips," Nanni notes, referring to one of their recent trips to Los Angeles. "It reminds us to live for the moment and the beauty around us," he added, emphasizing the importance of enjoying their youth and the excitement of being together.
While Deva continues to carve her path as more than just 'the daughter of', she and Nanni both conveyed their ambition not only to succeed but to explore more personal narratives within their art. Deva hinted at future work, saying, "I’m writing something inspired by my experiences filming in Morocco; it’s been quite transformative for me."
Through both poolside chats and moments shared during filming, it becomes clear: Deva Cassel and Saul Nanni are more than just their roles; they are two young stars shining through the glamorous yet challenging world of performance art. Together, they are crafting not only their careers but their unique and heartfelt connection, lovingly showcased against the backdrop of Italy's vibrant cinematic heritage.