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The house of the spirits: A new Prime Video series brings Isabel Allende’s novel to life
A new chapter in the world of streaming is unfolding as Prime Video embarks on an ambitious project to adapt Isabel Allende’s seminal novel, “The House of the Spirits,” into an eight-part series. This adaptation promises to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Allende’s narrative, capturing the essence of Latin American culture and history.
A star-studded production team
The series is being executive produced by none other than Isabel Allende herself, alongside Eva Longoria. The project has been in development at FilmNation Entertainment, which has brought together a talented Chilean filmmaking team. Francisca Alegria and Fernanda Urrejola, known for their work on “The Cow Who Sang a Song into the Future,” are writing and showrunning the series. They are joined by seasoned director/producer Andres Wood, whose credits include “Machuca” and “News of a Kidnapping.”
Pablo and Juan de Dios Larrain’s Fabula, the production company behind films like “El Conde” and “Spencer,” is providing production services. This collaboration of creative minds promises to bring a fresh and authentic perspective to Allende’s beloved novel.
A novel with a rich history
“The House of the Spirits” has sold over 70 million copies worldwide and is considered one of the most prominent novels of the 20th century. The story was previously adapted into a film in 1993 by Bille August, featuring a star-studded cast including Meryl Streep, Jeremy Irons, Antonio Banderas, and Winona Ryder. This new series aims to stay closer to its Latin American roots, offering a more nuanced and culturally rich portrayal of the story.
A deeper dive into the narrative
Javiera Balmaceda, head of Local Originals for Latin America, Canada, and Australia at Amazon Studios, emphasized the importance of showcasing regional talent. “What’s been so exciting about this opportunity is being able to showcase the talent that the region has to offer,” she said. The series format allows for a deeper exploration of Allende’s tale, following the multi-generational Trueba family in post-colonial Chile. The story blends magical realism with political and personal struggles, centering on Clara’s psychic abilities and Esteban’s authoritarian rule. Themes of love, power, and resilience amid societal and political turmoil are intricately woven into the narrative.
A talented cast
The series boasts a mostly Latin American cast, including Alfonso Herrera (“Sense 8,” “Ozark”), Dolores Fonzi (“Blondi”), Nicole Wallace (“Culpa Mía”), Juan Pablo Raba (“Narcos”), and Fernanda Castillo (“El Señor de los Cielos”). This diverse and talented ensemble is expected to bring depth and authenticity to the characters, making the story resonate with audiences worldwide.
Isabel Allende’s reflections
“My first novel, ‘The House of the Spirits,’ has been in print out in the world for 40 years, and now it will be a wonderful series on Amazon with Eva Longoria leading a dream creative team. I hope everyone enjoys it,” said Allende. Although scheduling conflicts prevented Longoria from taking on a role she was originally slated for, she has been actively involved in the project. “Eva’s such a prolific actor and producer, but our schedules didn’t line up. However, she’s been with us every step of the way, advising and helping; she’s been a fabulous partner,” added Balmaceda.
A shared passion for storytelling
FilmNation CEO Glen Basner and SVP Television and Executive Producer Courtney Saladino expressed their excitement about the project. “Isabel Allende is an exceptional storyteller who has touched lives across the globe with her writing. We couldn’t be prouder to be a part of such an ambitious adaptation of her seminal novel ‘The House of the Spirits’ and to be working alongside an international team of award-winning artists coming together with a shared passion and deep connection to the novel,” they said in a joint statement.
Prime Video’s commitment to Latino projects
“The House of the Spirits” is among the latest high-profile Latino projects at Prime Video. Other notable projects include the Mexico-based action thriller “A Billion to One,” Brazilian filmmaker Fernando Meirelles’ “Animal Race,” and “Betty la Fea, the Story Continues,” a sequel to the wildly popular Colombian series. In Chile alone, Prime Video has backed hit series like “El Presidente” and “La Jauria,” as well as the action thriller franchise “Sayen,” directed by Alexander Witt.
Looking ahead
As Balmaceda noted, “I think all the groundwork we laid during the pandemic is now coming up. So it might feel like we’re not taking as many pitches, but we greenlit so much and are now getting those projects off the ground; we’re charging full steam ahead.”
The anticipation for “The House of the Spirits” series is palpable, and it promises to be a captivating addition to Prime Video’s growing library of original content. With a talented cast and crew, and a story that resonates with audiences worldwide, this adaptation is set to make a significant impact. For those eager to dive into the world of the Trueba family, the wait is almost over.
