Sky Studios & Cattleya developing ‘Romanzo Criminale’ & ‘Gomorrah’ prequels

Gomorrah

Sky Studios and ITV Studios-owned scripted label Cattleya are in development on prequels to both Romanzo Criminale and Gomorrah, two of their most successful Sky Italia originals.

The prequel to Romanzo Criminale will focus on the years before the rise of the Banda della Magliana criminal organisation, as recounted in the two seasons of the original series, tying in with the stories of the original characters. Also on board for the prequel project is Giancarlo De Cataldo, judge and author of the novel of the same name that inspired the main series, as well as author of the series bible.

Meanwhile, the prequel to Gomorrah will explore the criminal rise of boss Pietro Savastano, from when he was just a child on the streets through to becoming the most important and ruthless boss in Naples. Leonardo Fasoli and Maddalena Ravagli will once again work on the screenplay.

“Romanzo and Gomorrah rewrote the rules for Italian TV series. What’s more, if the classic drama has now become a TV series in Italy, it is thanks to Romanzo, which took a completely new path, and Gomorrah – building upon the strength of this example – taking the same path but going even further,” said Nils Hartmann, EVP of Sky Studios for Italy. “With these two new projects, we will expand upon the worlds of these two beloved stories, going back to our most defining roots but with an eye on the future.”

News of the two new shows comes alongside the announced departures of execs from both companies, with Cattleya co-CEO Marco Chimenz exiting the firm to become co-MD of European production group Federation Studios, while Sky Studios’ director of international scripted programming, Jason Simms, is meanwhile leaving to join Cineflix Media-owned Connect3 Media in early November.