Netflix has released first-look images from The Leopard, a new limited series based on the classic novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa that marks "the streamer's most ambitious Italian original to date," Variety reported, adding: "Production on the lavish historical tapestry with elements comparable to Downton Abbey or The Crown--and potential to make a global mark--is currently underway in the Sicilian cities of Palermo, Syracuse and Catania."
The six-episode epic series stars Deva Cassel (The Beautiful Summer), Kim Rossi Stewart (Romanzo Criminale), Saul Nanni (Love & Gelato), and Benedetta Porcaroli (Baby). The Leopard, originally published in 1958, was previously adapted by Luchino Visconti into a film starring Claudia Cardinale, Alain Delon, and Burt Lancaster. It won the 1963 Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
Eleonora Andreatta, Netflix's v-p of Italian originals, said the series "represents the great artistic and productive ambition of Netflix in Italy," and added that the project "aims to turn into a sumptuous and exciting series the vitality and contemporary relevance of Tomasi di Lampedusa's masterpiece.... Just as in the novel, even today we are faced with a society caught in the uncertainty of a transition, in which old traditions collide with new emerging ideas and values."
British director Tom Shankland (The Serpent) is the lead director on The Leopard series. Richard Worlow, who previously worked with Shankland on The Serpent, is writing the script alongside Benji Walters. Italian directors Giuseppe Capotondi and Laura Luchetti are helming Episodes 4 and 5, respectively.
"Freedom of thought, equality and the desire for change in the face of stagnation are among the fundamental themes that writers Warlow and Walters have cleverly woven into the scripts throughout the six episodes of the season," said producer Fabrizio Donvito of Italy's Indiana Production, which is producing The Leopard in tandem with Moonage Pictures.