The Intriguing World of Berlin: Unlocking the Money Heist Spinoff
Berlin, the highly anticipated Money Heist prequel, is set to debut on Netflix Discover the intriguing storyline, the talented cast involved, and whether it's a must-watch Prepare for a thrilling journey into the world of Money Heist with Berlin
A new prequel and spinoff of Money Heist called Berlin is set to be released on Netflix. Find out what it's about, who's in the cast, and if it's worth watching. Although Netflix is known for flagship shows like Stranger Things, Squid Game, and Wednesday, Money Heist has still attracted a significant viewership.
Álex Pina conceived the original series for Spain’s Antena 3 in 2017 before Netflix acquired the rights. It chronicled two major heists from the country’s Royal Mint and national bank in real-time (ish), becoming an international phenomenon with over 900 million hours viewed during its five-season run. Now, a major character from the series is set to return: Andrés de Fonollosa, also known as Berlin. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Berlin about? Money Heist prequel explained
Berlin unfolds in a mysterious era before the events of Money Heist, chronicling the exploits of the infamous thief at the peak of his criminal prowess as he embarks on his most ambitious heist yet.
Watch the trailer below:
According to the official synopsis: "Love and a multimillion-dollar payday are the only things guaranteed to turn a bad day into a great one for Berlin. They are what keep him going in his later years, when he is unaware of his illness and has not yet become trapped like a rat in the Spanish Mint."
Here is where he begins planning his most incredible heist yet: making 44 million worth of jewels disappear like a magic trick. He will recruit the assistance of one of the three gangs he has previously worked with. This eight-episode series, created by Pina and Esther Martínez Lobato, will be available in its entirety on the platform on December 29, 2023.
Pina said, "It's a journey back to the golden age of the character, when he gallivanted around Europe madly in love... and the most unexpected part is the comedy. It's going to have people laughing a lot."
Berlin cast: Who’s in it?
The Berlin cast includes:
Pedro Alonso as Berlin
Michelle Jenner as Keila
Tristán Ulloa as Damián
Begoña Vargas as Cameron
Julio Peña as Roi
Joel Sánchez will play the role of Bruce, a character described as "fluent in gadgets and weaponry." Money Heist fans will need to get to know the new characters, including Damián, an academic and close friend of Berlin; Cameron, a loose cannon who lives life on the edge; and Roi, a locksmith and faithful sidekick to Berlin.
Although Alonso’s character died in Season 2, his influence continued to be strongly present in the series through flashbacks. In an interview with CNN, the star expressed, “We pay tribute to what Money Heist has brought us and then we release it. The new tone is more humorous, more romantic; there is a lighter quality in its essence.”
"When I first met Berlin, I was really surprised. People told me he was cold, but I soon realized he was more like a volcano, especially when it came to romantic love.
I was in the first two seasons of Money Heist and received great reviews, but my character didn't make it. Seven years later, I'm here with you, and that's the magic of Netflix. It has the power to bring people back from the dead."
Is Berlin worth watching?
While Money Heist was a hit with critics, Berlin has received mixed reviews so far. It doesn’t have a Rotten Tomatoes score yet.
According to The Daily Beast, the plot of the show Berlin is lacking and the characters are not as interesting as the creators seem to think. On the other hand, The Hollywood Handle praised the spin-off as intriguing and captivating, with a talented cast and thrilling moments that successfully capture the essence of its predecessor.
Berlin will be available on Netflix starting December 29th. Be sure to explore our other hubs:
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Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan of Money Heist, I am eagerly anticipating the release of the prequel series, Berlin. The original show captivated me with its intricate heists, complex characters, and high-stakes drama. Berlin promises to take us deeper into the world of one of the most iconic characters from the original series, Andrés de Fonollosa, also known as Berlin.
The trailer hints at a thrilling adventure filled with love, ambition, and unexpected humor. I am excited to see Pedro Alonso reprise his role as Berlin and explore his character's backstory and motivations. The addition of new characters, such as Keila, Damián, Cameron, and Roi, adds an element of intrigue and unpredictability to the story. I am confident that the talented cast and the creative team behind Berlin will deliver a captivating and entertaining series that lives up to the high standards set by Money Heist.
