Netflix is set to launch its highly anticipated series adaptation of "Il Gattopardo" on March 5, 2025. Based on the acclaimed novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, this six-episode series promises to bring to life the rich textures of 1860s Sicily, where the story's pivotal events take place during the tumultuous Italian unification.
A lavish event marking the series' advance screening took place at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, attended by notable figures such as Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli and Giuliano Sangiorgi, the frontman of Negramaro. The atmosphere was infused with historical elements, featuring around 100 Garibaldi soldiers parading through the theater to the chant of 'Viva l'Italia,' echoing the revolutionary spirit of the time.
Prominent cast members like Kim Rossi Stuart, who takes on the central role of Don Fabrizio Corbera, Prince of Salina, were also present, along with Benedetta Porcaroli (Concetta), Deva Cassel (Angelica), and Saul Nanni (Tancredi). The event saw the actors mingle with fans and discuss their experiences portraying these complex characters.
Director Tom Shankland leads the series, with support from Giuseppe Capotondi and Laura Luchetti, who direct select episodes. The script is crafted by Richard Warlow and Benji Walters, aiming to capture the essence of the original novel, which has long captivated audiences both for its narrative and its exploration of societal changes.
The story of "Il Gattopardo" intricately portrays the life of Don Fabrizio, who must make heart-wrenching decisions as he navigates the increasingly precarious position of his aristocratic family, threatened by the forthcoming unification of Italy. Compounded by familial duty, he faces the challenge of arranging his daughter's marriage, risking her happiness to preserve their family's status.
Reflecting on his character, Kim Rossi Stuart shared, "When I accepted this role, my first thought was, ‘How can I do justice to such an iconic figure?’ The Prince is not just a nobleman; he symbolizes resistance to change. Yet, beneath his commanding presence lies extraordinary fragility, something I strived to portray through my performance." He emphasized the preparation process, which included gaining weight and altering his physicality to fit the character's imposing stature.
Benedetta Porcaroli, who portrays Concetta, spoke about the complexity of her character: "Concetta is not merely defined by her father’s shadow but is fiercely independent and aims to assert her voice in the male-dominated society of the time. My goal was to find depth and nuance within her, making her experiences relatable to the modern audience, demonstrating how she is silently ushering her own revolution."
Deva Cassel, taking on the role of Angelica, approaches this iconic character with respect to its past portrayals, particularly Claudia Cardinale's memorable performance. “I chose not to watch the previous film again, wanting to build my own interpretation of Angelica's character. She is deeply layered, grappling with her humble origin and the rigid rules of aristocracy,” Cassel commented. “Behind her beauty lies fierce determination—she must navigate her identity within two conflicting worlds.”
Saul Nanni, reprising the role of Tancredi originally popularized by Alain Delon, expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. “Tancredi embodies vitality and ambition, representing the navigation between tradition and modernity. His romantic engagement with Angelica is both strategic and genuine, which adds depth to their relationship,” he explained.
The creative team, including screenwriter Richard Warlow, underscored the effort made to honor the original text of Lampedusa’s novel. Warlow noted, "The adaptation's challenge was to translate the deeply internalized narrative of the Prince of Salina to something visually dynamic and accessible to contemporary viewers." He emphasizes how the serial format benefits character development, allowing secondary characters to flourish and bringing forth their stories uniquely.
At the press conference, Tinny Andreatta, Netflix's VP of Italian content, proudly remarked, "This is the biggest adventure Netflix has ever undertaken in Italy. We aimed to produce something luxurious and emotionally charged, capturing both the distinct culture and worldwide relevance of this story. The ambition was to make Lampedusa's work resonate with modern sensibilities without compromising its depth.”
"Il Gattopardo" is not merely another adaptation; it's positioned as a revitalization of Sicilian history, shedding light on the struggle between change and tradition. The combination of talented actors, adept direction, and high production value aims to provide viewers with both entertainment and reflection on issues still pertinent today, such as class, identity, and the turbulence of societal shifts.
With its release imminent, the cultural anticipation is palpable, as “Il Gattopardo” aspires to reconnect audiences with this pivotal moment in history through the lens of richly depicted characters and dramatic storytelling.