If you’ve been remotely tuned in to the world of TV and entertainment, you can’t have missed the blockbuster success of Money Heist, the Spanish crime drama that shook the world to its core. It burst onto Spanish television screens in 2017 before catching the eye of Netflix, and from there, the rest is history. With its unmistakable red jumpsuits, iconic Dali masks, and a heart-stopping plot, Money Heist stole the hearts of millions, breaking viewership records and snatching an Emmy for Best Drama in 2018. Now, its creators are back with a prequel spin-off, Berlin, and the million-dollar question is – can it live up to the hype of its predecessor?
Executive producer Esther Martínez Lobato never saw Money Heist coming, not in a million years. She recounts the struggles of pitching the show to networks, with one daring to question how a single heist could carry a series for five whole seasons. But, against all odds, the nail-biting tale of a gang of thieves pulling off a heist at the Royal Mint of Spain became one of the most-watched non-English language series on Netflix, coming in just beneath the likes of Squid Game and Stranger Things.
Now, all eyes are on Berlin, the prequel that dives into the backstory of one of Money Heist’s most adored characters. Set in the romantic streets of Paris, the eight-part series follows the suave and crafty Berlin as he gathers a motley crew for an elaborate heist at a Paris auction house. And, naturally, no spin-off would be complete without a healthy dose of romance and laughs thrown into the mix. With its Parisian allure and hair-raising plot, Berlin promises to capture the same vibe and style that made Money Heist such a smash hit.
Álex Pina, the mastermind behind Money Heist and co-creator of Berlin, is confident that staying true to the soul and characters of the original series is the golden ticket to success. He believes that by cooking up a yarn with universal appeal, rooted in the personal journeys of the characters, the show has the potential to captivate audiences once more.
A challenge in creating Berlin was steering clear of the heart-pounding intensity of Money Heist while still keeping the essence of a gripping heist. Pina paints Berlin as a more lighthearted and playful series, exploring the romantic side of the main character in the midst of an elaborate robbery. The aim is to strike a fine balance between action, comedy, and romance, crafting a seamless cocktail of emotions that will keep viewers glued to their screens.
Tristán Ulloa, the actor who takes on the role of Berlin’s right-hand man Damián, underscores the significance of character development and emotions in European productions. He believes that a focus on the human element and relatable characters adds depth and impact to the storyline, making it resonate more than just a flurry of action. The careful molding of characters and storylines, alongside a sprinkle of trial and error, has been pivotal in shaping Berlin into the mesmerizing series it promises to be.
As the excitement mounts for the release of Berlin on Netflix, fans are itching to see if it can replicate the triumph of its forerunner. With a gripping plot, a dash of romance, and a setting as enchanting as Paris, all the stars are aligned for Berlin to take the world by storm once again. So, etch the date on your calendar and gear up for another pulse-quickening journey with the prequel that pledges to match – or even outpace – the whirlwind of Money Heist.
