Gomorrah returns with a gripping origin story
A new chapter in the saga begins
The acclaimed Neapolitan mob series, Gomorrah, is set to make a comeback, but this time, it will delve into the past. Filming for “Gomorrah – The Series. The Origins” is scheduled to commence in early 2025 in Naples. This highly anticipated prequel will be directed by Marco D’Amore, who famously portrayed the ruthless Ciro Di Marzio in the original series.
Marco D’Amore takes the helm
D’Amore, who has previously directed several episodes of Gomorrah and the prequel film “The Immortal,” will lead this new project. His directorial experience also includes the Naples-set films “Napoli Magica” and “Caracas.” In a recent video announcement, D’Amore expressed his excitement about exploring the origins of the saga, emphasizing that the prequel will maintain the hyper-realistic tone of the original series.
A journey to the past
The prequel will chronicle the rise of mobster Pietro Savastano in the 1970s. During this era, the Neapolitan criminal underworld was less violent and more focused on contraband cigarettes than drugs. Riccardo Tozzi, chief of ITV-owned Cattleya and lead producer of the show, revealed that the idea for the prequel emerged from the creative team behind the original series.
The mythological profile of Gomorrah
Tozzi acknowledged the challenges of revisiting such an iconic subject but was convinced by the strength and simplicity of the new concept. He described the prequel as a story set in a bygone Naples, where a young Pietro Savastano embarks on his criminal journey, unaware of the notorious figure he will become.
A reunion of talent
Nils Hartmann, EVP of Sky Studios Italy, expressed his enthusiasm for D’Amore’s return to the Gomorrah family. He praised D’Amore’s dual talents as an actor and director and anticipated that his vision would bring fresh energy to this new chapter. Hartmann highlighted the ambitious challenge of depicting Pietro Savastano’s adolescence and looked forward to the start of filming.
A collaborative effort
The script for the prequel is being crafted by Leonardo Fasoli and Maddalena Ravagli, who were among the original writers of the Gomorrah saga. D’Amore is also contributing as an artistic supervisor, alongside Roberto Saviano, the author of the bestselling book that inspired the series. Francesco Ghiaccio, a frequent collaborator of D’Amore, will direct some episodes.
Casting and production
While the casting for the prequel has not yet been announced, it is expected to feature young, rising local talents, potentially including non-professional actors. The original Gomorrah series, which premiered on Sky in 2014, was renowned for its authentic portrayal of the Neapolitan criminal underworld, filmed in the actual locations it depicted. The series achieved massive success in Italy and was broadcast in 190 countries, including on HBO Max in the U.S.
International reach
“Gomorrah – The Series. The Origins” will be produced by Sky Studios and Cattleya, part of ITV Studios, and will be distributed internationally by Beta Film. The prequel promises to captivate audiences with its deep dive into the early days of one of television’s most compelling crime sagas.
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