Is The Leopard based on a novel? Details explored

The Netflix series, The Leopard, will debut on March 5, 2025. This historical drama is adapted from the 1958 novel, Il Gattopardo, by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. The novel is a part of modern Italian literature and focuses on the decline of the Sicilian aristocracy during Italy's unification.

The show will have six episodes and will present this classic in a way that appeals to today's viewers. The cast includes Kim Rossi Stuart as Don Fabrizio Corbera, the Prince of Salina. The plot centers around the prince's effort to safeguard his family's future by setting up a marriage between his nephew, Tancredi (played by Saul Nanni), and Angelica (Deva Cassel). However, this impacts his daughter, Concetta (Benedetta Porcaroli), who loves Tancredi.

The storyline of The Leopard is about the clash between tradition and progress. With a top-notch cast and breathtaking Sicilian backdrops, the series aims to convey the original novel's grandeur and emotions.

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The Leopard is based on the Italian novel Il Gattopardo

Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's Il Gattopardo is considered a top Italian literary work. The book came out in 1958, a year after the writer passed away. At first, several publishers said no to it. But Feltrinelli decided to take a risk, and it paid off. Il Gattopardo earned the Strega Prize in 1959.

This story happens in 1860 when Italy was going through the Risorgimento. The book is about the Prince of Salina dealing with historical shifts. Garibaldi's actions shook up Sicily's strict social classes. The aristocrats had to change or could lose everything. Through the prince's experiences, we see the old ways ending and a new social order starting. This is by the growing power of the middle class.

The novel’s most famous line encapsulates its central theme—how the ruling class must compromise to survive:

“If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change.”

This book holds the title of the best-selling novel in Italian history. It's also a mainstay in literature studies.

In 1963, Luchino Visconti made a movie based on it. This film had Burt Lancaster, Alain Delon, and Claudia Cardinale and won the Palme d'Or at Cannes.

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Bringing The Leopard to life on screen again

The Leopard is made by Indiana Production and Moonage Pictures. Richard Worlow and Benji Walters wrote the story. Tom Shankland is the main director, working with Giuseppe Capotondi and Laura Luchetti. They filmed in 2023 in places like Palermo, Catania, and Syracuse. The show goes into the book's themes and gives us new ways to see things.

Tinny Andreatta, Netflix's Vice President for Italian content, talks about The Leopard adaptation in these terms:

“An intimate affair that binds the great patriarch of this family and his beloved daughter.”

She says the story is relevant today, even though it takes place in the past:

“It’s a current story, despite being written almost 70 years ago. In the soul of this work, there is an extraordinary humanity and universality.”

The Leopard features up-and-coming actors like Deva Cassel and Saul Nanni, and experienced performers such as Kim Rossi Stuart. This talent has, with top-notch production quality, built up excitement for the series.

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The Leopard will be available exclusively on Netflix.

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