Max Sets Marco Bellocchio-Directed ‘Portobello’ as First Italian Original Series

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Max has chosen Marco Bellocchio’s acclaimed Italian TV series “Portobello” as its initial original scripted from Italy. The show narrates the tale of Enzo Tortora, an Italian TV host who was a victim of one of Italy’s most sensational miscarriages of justice, and is scheduled to premiere on the platform in 2026.

Max, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, is currently accessible in approximately 25 European countries. This includes nations such as Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg (Benelux), Scandinavia, the Northern regions, and Central and Eastern Europe. It has been announced that Italy will join this list of operating countries by the year 2026.

Back in 1985, I found myself embroiled in a scandal that left me questioning the integrity of my profession and the justice system. Accused by self-proclaimed former mobsters turned informants and state witnesses of being involved with a Neapolitan crime syndicate, I was alleged to have been dealing in drug trafficking.

After a grueling trial, I was sentenced to 10 years in prison, a verdict that left me feeling disheartened and frustrated. However, my conviction was eventually overturned by Italy’s Supreme Court in 1987, a decision that resonated with many who believed I had been unfairly targeted by corrupt judges and prosecutors. The experience was nothing short of harrowing, but it served as a stark reminder of the complexities and imperfections within our justice system.

Filming for the movie titled “Portobello” began in Rome last September and will continue in various regions of Italy, including Sardinia, Campania, and Lombardy. The main cast for this film includes Fabrizio Gifuni as Enzo Tortora, alongside Lino Musella, Romana Maggiora Vergano, Barbora Bobulova, Alessandro Preziosi, and Fausto Russo Alesi, many of whom have worked with director Bellocchio before.

Previously, Gifuni played the role of the late Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro in Bellocchio’s mini-TV series titled “Exterior Night”, a dramatization based on the 1978 kidnapping and murder of Italy’s leader by the Red Brigades extremist group.

The highly regarded “Prestige” TV show is jointly produced by Our Films (based in Rome, owned by Mediawan), Kavac Film, ARTE France, and Fremantle’s The Apartment Pictures. Lorenzo Mieli, Mario Gianani from Our Films, and Simone Gattoni from Kavac are responsible for its production.

The film “Portobello” was directed by Bellocchio, known for his work on “Gomorrah,” Stefano Bises, famous for “My Love,” Giordana Mari from “The King,” and Peppe Fiore. The cinematography is handled by Francesco Di Giacomo, set design is the responsibility of Andrea Castorina, costume designs are created by Daria Calvelli, editing is carried out by Francesca Calvelli, and music is composed by Teho Teardo.

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2025-02-24 15:16