Money Heist

Money Heist, known as “La Casa de Papel” in Spanish. Stands as a captivating Spanish heist crime drama series crafted by Álex Pina. It delves into two meticulously planned heists orchestrated by the enigmatic Professor (Álvaro Morte). Targeting the Royal Mint of Spain and later the Bank of Spain. Narrated through the eyes of one of the robbers, Tokyo (Úrsula Corberó). The story unfolds with intricate layers of real-time events. Interspersed with flashbacks, time shifts, and concealed character motivations, adding depth to its complexity.

Originally conceived as a limited series in two parts. It premiered on Spanish network Antena 3 from May 2, 2017, to November 23, 2017, totaling 15 episodes. Netflix secured global streaming rights in late 2017. Reformatting the series into 22 shorter episodes. The first part debuted on December 20, 2017, followed by the second part on April 6, 2018. With Netflix’s renewed interest. The series received a substantial budget increase for 16 additional episodes. Part 3, comprising eight episodes, premiered on July 19, 2019, followed by Part 4 on April 3, 2020. A documentary titled “Money Heist: The Phenomenon” premiered on Netflix alongside Part 4. In July 2020, Netflix confirmed a fifth and final part. Split into two volumes released on September 3 and December 3, 2021, respectively.

In a parallel vein, Netflix released a two-part documentary titled “Money Heist. From Tokyo to Berlin,” featuring insights from producers and cast members. Filming primarily took place in Madrid, Spain, with significant scenes shot in Panama, Thailand, Italy (Florence), Denmark, and Portugal (Lisbon). Notably, a South Korean remake titled “Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area” debuted on June 24, 2022, and a direct spin-off, “Berlin,” featuring Pedro Alonso, Itziar Ituño, and Najwa Nimri reprising their roles. Premiered on December 29, 2023, contributing to an expanding shared universe.

The series garnered numerous accolades, including the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series at the 46th International Emmy Awards. While also earning praise for its intricate plot, character dynamics, direction, and efforts to redefine Spanish television. The inclusion of the Italian anti-fascist anthem “Bella ciao” throughout the series added a cultural resonance. Becoming a summer sensation across Europe in 2018. By that same year, it had become the most-watched non-English-language series and one of Netflix’s top-viewed shows. Resonating particularly with audiences from Mediterranean Europe and Latin America.

Premise

In the heart of Madrid, a shadowy figure known only as the “Professor” assembles a team of eight individuals. Each adopting city monikers, to execute an audacious scheme: infiltrating the Royal Mint of Spain to abscond with €984 million. Holding 67 hostages within the Mint’s walls, the team orchestrates an intricate plan to print the money while navigating the relentless pursuit of law enforcement.

In the aftermath of their daring escapade, the team regroups and expands their ranks for a daring sequel. A heist targeting the Bank of Spain, this time with the goal of liberating a cache of gold. Amidst the chaos of hostage situations and confrontations with the authorities. The group plots their daring escape, facing off against elite police units with steely resolve and unwavering determination.

Cast & Characters

Production

The genesis of the series occurred through the collaborative efforts of screenwriter Álex Pina and director Jesús Colmenar, cultivated over years of partnership since 2008. Following their collaboration on the Spanish prison drama “Locked Up” (Vis a vis), the duo departed from Globomedia to establish their independent production company, Vancouver Media, in 2016. At the outset, they contemplated venturing into either comedy or pioneering a heist narrative for television, the latter being uncharted territory in Spanish television.

Teaming up with former colleagues from “Locked Up,” they embarked on the creation of “Money Heist” as a labor of love, free from external constraints. Pina was resolute in his vision to craft it as a limited series, driven by a desire to maintain narrative integrity and guard against dilution, a challenge he had encountered in previous projects.

Casting: Casting for the series commenced in late February 2016 and extended over a span of more than two months. At the outset, the characters were not fully form, evolving gradually through the audition process as they were influence the actors’ portrayals. Casting directors Eva Leira and Yolanda Serrano sought individuals capable of embodying empathetic robbers with authentic connections to love and family.

The ensemble cast was unveiled by Antena 3 in March 2017, accompanied by the release of audition snippets featuring most of the cast members. These excerpts were showcased on the series’ aftershow, Tercer Grado, as well as on the network’s website, offering audiences a glimpse into the casting process and the performers’ talents.

Filming: Parts 1 and 2 underwent concurrent filming in the broader Madrid area from January to August 2017. The pilot episode was captured within a 26-day timeframe, while subsequent episodes typically required around 14 days of filming. To optimize efficiency, production employed two units, with one dedicated to scenes featuring the Professor and law enforcement, while the other focused on the robbers’ sequences.

While the primary narrative unfolds within the Royal Mint of Spain in Madrid, exterior shots were filmed at the headquarters of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), chosen for its architectural resemblance to the Mint. Additionally, scenes were filmed atop the roof of the Higher Technical School of Aeronautical Engineers, a segment of the Technical University of Madrid. The pivotal hunting estate where the robbers strategize their heist was situated at the Finca El Gasco farm estate in Torrelodones.

Interior filming transpired at former sets from “Locked Up” in Colmenar Viejo. Alongside segments shot at the premises of the Spanish national daily newspaper ABC in Torrejón de Ardoz. Facilitating scenes involving printing presses. In alignment with the series’ design as a limited venture, all sets were dismantled following the completion of Part 2 production.

Season 1

Part 1: In a nutshell, Part 1 kicks off with the aftermath of a botched bank robbery, where a woman known as “Tokyo” is rescued by a man known as the “Professor” just in time to evade the police. The Professor pitches a grand heist proposal to Tokyo. Setting the stage for a multi-day siege on the Royal Mint of Spain in Madrid. The team of eight robbers, each code-named after cities, including Tokyo, Moscow, Berlin, Nairobi, Rio, Denver, Helsinki, and Oslo, execute their plan dressed in red jumpsuits and Salvador Dalí masks, seizing 67 hostages. Their objective: print €2.4 billion and escape through a meticulously constructed tunnel.

Meanwhile, the Professor orchestrates the operation from a remote location. Interspersed with the main storyline are flashbacks revealing the five-month preparation period at an abandoned hunting estate in the Toledo countryside. Where strict rules are enforced: no personal information sharing, no personal relationships, and a stark warning of inevitable casualties.

Part 2: Throughout Parts 1 and 2, the robbers encounter challenges maintaining their roles within the Mint. Contending with obstinate hostages, violence, isolation, and internal discord. Tokyo provides narrative commentary through voice-overs. Meanwhile, Denver embarks on a romantic entanglement with hostage Mónica Gaztambide. While Inspector Raquel Murillo of the National Police Corps negotiates with the Professor externally and develops an intimate connection with his alter ego, “Salva.”

The Professor’s identity teeters on the brink of exposure multiple times, and Raquel eventually realizes Salva’s true identity but finds herself emotionally conflicted about turning him over to authorities. As Part 2 draws to a close. After 128 tense hours, the robbers successfully abscond from the Mint with €984 million, albeit at the cost of Oslo, Moscow, and Berlin’s lives.

One year post-heist, Raquel discovers a series of postcards left by the Professor, containing coordinates for a location in Palawan, Philippines. There, she reunites with him, bringing the story to a poignant conclusion.

Season 2

Part 3: Part 3 picks up three years post the Royal Mint heist, with the robbers leading separate lives. When Rio’s capture by Europol threatens his safety, the Professor resurrects Berlin’s scheme to storm the Bank of Spain. Joined by Raquel (now “Lisbon”), they reunite the gang and recruit new members Palermo, Bogotá, and Marseille. Flashbacks delve into the Professor and Berlin’s differing views on love as they plan the heist. Disguised, the team infiltrates the bank, facing off against police led by Colonel Luis Tamayo and Inspector Alicia Sierra. Amidst chaos, Nairobi is wounded, and the Professor coordinates from afar, believing Lisbon is dead. As tensions escalate, the robbers take drastic measures, escalating the conflict. Part 3 ends with Lisbon alive but captured, Tokyo warning of impending warfare due to the Professor’s missteps.

Part 4: In Part 4, the robbers race to save Nairobi’s life while Tokyo seizes command from Palermo. The Professor and Marseille suspect Lisbon’s survival and collaborate with Tamayo’s assistant to negotiate a truce. Amidst chaos, Palermo colludes with Gandía, the Bank of Spain’s chief of security, leading to Nairobi’s tragic demise. The gang recaptures Gandía, but tensions escalate as the police prepare for another assault. The Professor exposes police misconduct, prompting Sierra’s dismissal and pursuit of the Professor. With external aid, the Professor orchestrates Lisbon’s rescue, culminating in her reunion with the gang. However, Sierra closes in on the Professor, setting the stage for a gripping finale.

Season 3

Part 5 (Volume 1): Part 5 Volume 1 unfolds with Sierra capturing the Professor, leading to a showdown. Meanwhile, Lisbon infiltrates the bank as the gang braces for an onslaught by the Spanish army. Amidst the chaos, Gandia, a former captive, seeks vengeance, aligning with the soldiers. Lisbon refuses to surrender, rallying the gang. Amidst the turmoil, Sierra unexpectedly goes into labor, prompting an unexpected alliance with her captives. Stockholm’s past with a hostage sparks conflict, culminating in a tragic act of violence. Flashbacks shed light on Berlin’s past exploits. In the present, the gang battles the soldiers, resulting in casualties. Stockholm’s guilt and Helsinki’s injury strain their defenses. The volume concludes with Tokyo’s heroic sacrifice to vanquish Gandia and the soldiers, marking a poignant turning point.

Part 6 (Volume 2): In Part 5 Volume 2, Sierra escapes, prompting the Professor and Marseille to pursue her. Despite their initial enmity, the Professor and Sierra form an alliance against their mutual enemy – the police. Returning to the stormwater tank, they discover the gold has already been delivered by the gang. However, the police intervene, resulting in the arrest of the Professor, Sierra, Benjamin, and Marseille. Escaping custody, they find the gold missing, stolen by Rafael and Tatiana, who have a history with Berlin. As Tatiana and Rafael bury the gold, Palermo and the Professor realize their involvement.

Meanwhile, the army captures the gang. The Professor entrusts Sierra with a message for Rafael, urging her to retrieve the gold while he heads to the bank. Inside, Tamayo interrogates each gang member, but the Professor’s plan ensures their survival. The gang reveals the gold’s removal, sparking public panic and economic turmoil. Sierra locates the stolen gold just as trucks arrive at the bank, only to discover it’s gold-coated brass. Tamayo’s order to kill the gang members shocks Denver, but they emerge alive, stabilizing the country’s economy. 24 hours post-heist, the gang regroups at an air base. Receiving new passports and the returned gold from Rafael and Tatiana. With their mission accomplished, they depart, having successfully rob the Bank of Spain.

Release

Part 1 debuted on Netflix Spain on July 1, 2017, in line with other series under Antena 3’s parent media group, Atresmedia. In December 2017, Netflix secured exclusive global streaming rights for the show. Netflix restructured the series into 22 episodes, each around 50 minutes long, necessitating the rearrangement of cliffhangers and scenes. Though the impact was mitigated by the series’ penchant for twists. For English-speaking audiences, Netflix rebranded the series from “La casa de papel” to “Money Heist” and released the first part on December 20, 2017, with minimal promotion. The second part followed on April 6, 2018. While acknowledging differences in viewer experience between Antena 3 and Netflix, creator Álex Pina noted that the series’ essence remained consistent.