Title: Gomorrah — The Origins: A Prequel to One of Television’s Most Engaging Crime Series
A handful of crime dramas have truly encapsulated the raw, unfiltered reality of organized crime like Gomorrah. First debuting on Sky Italia, the series swiftly became a worldwide phenomenon, attracting comparisons to The Wire, Breaking Bad, and Game of Thrones due to its gritty authenticity, multifaceted characters, and high-stakes narratives. Now, enthusiasts of the franchise have a reason to rejoice: filming has officially concluded on Gomorrah — The Origins, an eagerly awaited prequel that aims to enhance the lore of this legendary series.
A Journey to the Foundations of Naples’ Criminal Landscape
Gomorrah — The Origins intends to transport audiences back to the formative years of Naples’ criminal landscape, well before the storyline of the original series. At the heart of the tale is a younger iteration of Pietro Savastano, the merciless mob leader who dominated the Secondigliano area during the earlier seasons of Gomorrah. This prequel seeks to delve into Savastano’s ascent to power — not via the cocaine empire that characterized the original narrative, but through the trafficking of cigarettes and street-level illegal goods that once sustained the city’s criminal economy.
This shift in narrative provides a new perspective to view the Gomorrah universe. Although the stakes may appear to be lower than the violent drug conflicts of the original, the emotional and psychological implications of power, loyalty, and betrayal are equally intense. The prequel promises to examine themes of lost innocence, the gradual moral degradation of its characters, and the human toll of establishing a name that resonates throughout the streets of Naples.
Marco D’Amore Steps Back In — Both In Front of and Behind the Camera
The news of production wrapping was shared by none other than Marco D’Amore, the actor who brought to life the beloved character Ciro Di Marzio. In a heartfelt Instagram update, D’Amore expressed gratitude to the cast and crew for their commitment and support during the filming. However, his role extends significantly beyond acting this time.
D’Amore is also taking on directorial responsibilities, helping to shape the storyline of the prequel. He’s joined by an impressive creative team that includes series head writers Leonardo Fasoli and Maddalena Ravagli, along with journalist and author Roberto Saviano, whose 2006 book Gomorrah laid the groundwork for the entire franchise. Together, they’re developing a three-season narrative arc, although only the initial season has been officially announced.
A Fresh Ensemble of Recognizable Faces
Shot in and around Naples, Gomorrah — The Origins will present younger renditions of various pivotal characters from the original series. This not only brings a deeper understanding of their motives and connections but also adds emotional resonance to the harsh decisions they face later in life. For devoted fans, witnessing these characters in their early years will evoke both nostalgia and newfound insights.
The Legacy of Gomorrah
Even four years after its concluding episode aired, Gomorrah endures as a cultural landmark. Its unyielding depiction of organized crime, coupled with lyrical storytelling and morally nuanced characters, has secured its place among the most significant crime dramas in history. The show’s impact extends well beyond Italy, with all five seasons — along with the spinoff film The Immortal — now available for streaming in the U.S. on Max.
Gomorrah — The Origins is not merely a prequel; it represents a return to a world that continues to enthrall viewers with its stark authenticity and emotional complexity. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or a newcomer to the franchise, this new chapter is set to be an exciting addition to the Gomorrah saga.
Stay tuned for further updates as the release date draws near — and get ready to be immersed once more in the shadows of Naples.
