Hailing from Spain and premiering on Netflix, La Casa De Papel has absolutely taken the world by storm. Maybe we were all unconsciously craving a good heist show, and Casa has delivered!
Even the subtitles are no obstacle, because — let’s face it:
It's Just That Good
It’s time to take a look at some of the facts behind the scenes and off the screens. Be honest, do you really know who plays your favorite thieves? And just who is the mastermind behind the series?
Schemes and themes deserve a closer look, and we invite you to brush up on essential trivia. Vamonos, amigos!
Who Is The Creator Of La Casa De Papel?
After endless Oceans 11 repeats, something fresh was needed in the heist genre. Luckily, somewhere in Spain, one man had the vision to satisfy the need we were all denying.
Alex Pina dreamed up a television storyline about a meticulously prepared, multi-day raid on the Royal Mint of Spain. Now on the fourth season, we can’t get enough! But just who is Mr. Pina?
Few people know that Alex actually started out his career as a traditional journalist, which is not a guaranteed career track if you want to get into fiction writing!
He worked for Diario Vasco, Diario de Mallorca, and the Europa Press until 1996. Then, he got a gig as a scriptwriter and editor for Spanish TV, writing and producing shows in the local industry.
Alex was starting to prove himself, but so far no one in the English sphere knew about his talents.
Chopping It Up
Many may not realize the series was originally intended as a limited release in two parts.
The plan was nine episodes at 70 minutes each, but Netflix had a better idea to maximize the suspense and enjoyment for viewers all season long.
The show was instead divided into 13 different segments with a runtime of 41–55 minutes, and viewers didn’t seem to mind.
After discovering that La Casa De Papel was the most-watched series in all non-English languages, they decided to renew the project! For Casa Fans, this stat should be no surprise at all.
Conquering TV Land
Pina observed that there was no outstanding TV writing with a heist theme, and he felt this concept shouldn’t be restricted to film.
Knowing that viewers had probably seen thieves in action before, he believed he needed a twist.
It seems that most heist scenarios were full of male characters, and he thought a woman leading the plot might be welcome in an era with a lot of focus on female empowerment.
The four female characters are an essential part of the team: Tokio (that's how it's spelled in the show), Raquel - the police inspector, Monica, and Nairobi. Have you noticed the narrator is female? Totally intentional!
Shaky Beginnings
Over four million people watched the original broadcast of La Casa de Papel on Spanish television channel Antena 3.
It did do well at first, but then other shows brought on strong competition. It was only when the series was developed into an internet streaming option by Netflix that things really took off!
A marketing campaign and a name change in English — Money Heist — was a game-changer. In only four months, it was the most-watched series in a foreign language or English on the platform.
In 2019, part three was viewed by 34 million accounts within the first week!
History And Mystery
Some may wonder if this ultra-realistic show actually has some real events woven in.
The truth is, the story really is fictional, but there is one aspect of the show that does have direct inspiration from a pretty famous guy.
The robbers use a very particular disguise that might look familiar to modern art enthusiasts.
The masks were designed to resemble the face of quirky Spanish legend Salvador Dalí, who always had a very prominent and exaggerated mustache.
Why Dali?
The Dada movement of the early 20th century had major themes of rejecting capitalist norms and society, and the show definitely touches on these ideas! Subliminal messaging, or creative exploration? We report, you decide!
That Music Though
One of our favorite cinematography tricks has got to be the inclusion of contrasting music to toy with our emotions. In this series, the Italian song “Bella Ciao” plays throughout key scenes in the series.
Do you know the history behind this song?
Manu Pila does this version of the tune, but it is actually an old folk song used as part of the anti-fascist resistance many decades ago in Italy.
Creator Álex Pina told an interviewer a bit about this intentional soundtrack choice:
“The song that reminds me of childhood and that the whole world knows, a hymn of resistance as the same series is, as long as there is resistance there is hope even if they do not have the faintest idea if they manage to get out of there."
Where Was Casa Really Filmed?
That set really did seem high budget, didn’t it? Must have taken a while to create such a realistic setting! Or maybe not:
Casa was actually filmed at the Spanish National Research Council headquarters, which apparently looked a lot like the real mint in Madrid.
Other scenes in the series took place all over the world: Thailand, Panama, and Florence, Italy were the sites of many of the scenes so far.
The Spanish newspaper ABC in Torrejón de Ardoz also played a role in the printing press scenes.
Finally, the hunting estate where all those devious plans were hatched was actually the Finca El Gasco farm estate in Torrelodones, Spain. Realistic choices, Alex!
Rating Realities
While Netflix and all of your friends seem excited to promote this show at every turn, does everyone agree out there? It’s time to take a look at the mass feedback for La Casa De Papel on the biggest internet opinion databases!
IMDB actually has a current viewer rating of 8.6/10, and 87% gave the show a big thumbs up on Rotten Tomatoes.
The BBC has written that Casa is “setting the bar for global television”! No surprises here — we all knew this series was absolutely top-notch.
The Merch Has Arrived
Fans undoubtedly wanted a piece of the show in real life, but it seemed like there were no Casa memorabilia going on at all. Not until now, that is.
True to the next-level status of the show, high-end brand Diesel has volunteered to create truly exciting streetwear for viewers and fashionistas alike.
The brand actually designed the jumpsuits on the show. Bet you had no idea! Anyone with bold style can log on to Diesel’s site and see what they have to offer at the moment.
Some of it is already sold out, in fact. A coach jacket by Diesel x La Casa de Papel runs for 230 euros, and t-shirts sell for 45 euros. Do you dare? It’s time to decide before all stock runs out!
Copycat Madness
La Casa de Papel actually made two negative headlines in the past two years.
Amazingly, a few real criminals donned the show's red costumes and masks in a hotel in Nantes in 2018. A commentator on Turkish TV said that the show seems to be encouraging terrorism!
A second attempt at robbery in Casa gear happened at the Happy Cash de Gétigné, near the city of Clisson. Three thieves escaped with cash and jewels worth 13,000 euros!
Do you think this show is having a negative impact? Only time will tell, we suppose.
Life Imitates Art
Puerto Rico is currently in the middle of real social upheaval, and crowds demanding the governor resign have rocked the island for months.
The people are angry about allegations of corruption, as billions of dollars of post-hurricane aid are nowhere to be found. A few cheeky protesters were media-savvy enough to realize Casa robber masks would get the attention they wanted internationally!
NPR anchor and executive producer Maria Hinojosa posted this snapshot on Instagram with a sign that said "We are the f****** resistance" in Spanish. You’ve certainly gotten our attention, gentlemen!
New Day, New Markets
The high dollar acquisition of La Casa De Papel through Netflix had some great news for the cast and crew. The online media giant offered an increased budget, and it wasn’t only a record-breaking spend for Casa.
This deal actually made history as the highest budget for a series per episode on Spanish TV!
Netflix is now actively striving to improve the quality and reach of its English-adapted foreign shows, and it has invested in subtitles and dubbing to increase accessibility and appeal.
Thank you, Netflix!
Who Plays Nairobi?
Alba González Villa is the real name of Alba Flores, the Spanish actress we’ve all come to know on Casa.
Fun fact: Flores was the only cast member to receive a direct offer for a role on the show. Pretty impressive! What did she do before to merit skipping the audition?
The actress gained recognition for her portrayal of Saray Vargas de Jesús in Vis a Vis, as well as parts in Luna de Miel en Hiroshima and a 2007 version of A Midsummer Night's Dream with gypsy characters.
Fun fact: Alba really is half Romani!
Who Plays Alison?
María Pedraza is a Spanish actress, but you may not know that she has another major talent outside her role on Casa.
María is actually a trained ballerina!
She has been pursuing acting for a while though. Previous roles in Élite and AMAR exposed to her to Netflix viewers, but it is undeniable that Alison is her most significant acting job to date.
Fun fact: She was discovered on Instagram! Director Esteban Crespo invited her to attend an audition based on her social media presence. And the rest is history!
Who Plays Marseille?
Actor Luka Peros plays this intriguing character, and it’s time to find out a little more about him. First, did you know he is from Croatia? Professionals from all over the world were attracted to this winning script.
Before Casa, Luka was known for puppeteering at the Zagreb Puppet Theatre and voiceover work, and he did quite a bit of that.
A graduate of Emerson College in America, Luka finished with a BFA in Performing Arts.
Fun fact: This is not the first time he has worked with the Casa cast! He worked with Tokio and Nimri in the 2019 film The Tree of Blood. If you can’t get enough of their Spanish onscreen chemistry, you can always check that one out on Netflix!
Who Plays Tokio?
Úrsula Corberó has shared a lot of her views in interviews lately, including her perspective on female empowerment.
According to the actress: “The grand battle [for women] is that maybe we need things to balance out a bit more so it can be equal.”
What does she think about feminism these days, though? Úrsula explained a bit more:
“That’s how I feel. Sometimes I hear people say ‘It’s that everyone’s going overboard with feminism’ and I think it’s necessary because it’s been so unequal for such a long time that it’s necessary we go overboard a bit.”
What do you think Tokio would say on these matters?
Totally Professional Style
Tokio’s style in the show actually has familiar roots in another film many of us remember well: Léon: The Professional.
The character Mathilda was portrayed by a very young Natalie Portman in 1994, and people have been dressing up in homage to the film on Halloween ever since!
Corberó seems to take inspiration from the movie in many of her trendy Instagram posts lately, and we must admit — those bangs look great on her!
Who Plays Palermo?
Palermo is a key character in part three, but who is the face behind this mysterious man? Argentina has given us actor Rodrigo de la Serna to enjoy new levels of the sweet, sweet heist!
Before La Casa de Papel, Rodrigo played Alberto Granado in The Motorcycle Diaries. He did look familiar, didn’t he?
Maybe riding alongside the revolutionary Che Guevarra prepared him for even more daring tasks! The 43-year-old actor has collected notable honors in the industry, like the Independent Spirit Award for Best Actor, a BAFTA and Golden Globe nomination.
Very impressive, Rodrigo!
Who Plays Bogotá?
In part three, viewers will get to know actor Hovik Keuchkerian as Bogotá in the storyline. The Spanish and Armenian actor is actually a former boxer, but he has now taken on a new aggressive role robbing the Bank of Spain.
Bogotá is a longtime confidante of The Professor, and he has some pretty impressive welding skills — something pretty useful for the team if they want to break through layers of government steel.
This is not the first lawless role Keuchkerian has taken on, and some filmgoers may remember him from Assassin's Creed with Michael Fassbender in 2016.
TV viewers may have seen him in The Night Manager with a few other big stars: Hugh Laurie and Tom Hiddleston. Without a doubt though, Casa is his most memorable role to date.
Who Plays Joao?
Brazilian soccer star Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior has joined the show as a monk! He revealed the news on Twitter and Instagram recently: ”I was able to realise my dream and be part of my favorite series.” Super exciting, isn’t it?
Neymar has had a mega-successful career in the athletics sphere, though most Americans may be unfamiliar with him!
While the world is obsessed with this sport, most names in the game haven’t reached household status. Now that might change for Neymar if only because the nation is glued to their screens binge-watching Casa!
Who Plays Rio?
Miguel Herrán is a Spanish actor who has won many awards in his home country. Now America is getting to know him on Casa!
What was his career like before nabbing this dream role?
Previously, he played Christian Varela Expósito in Élite. He won a Goya Award for Best New Actor for his part in another film: Nothing in Return.
Born in Málaga and raised in Madrid with his mother, Miguel was not a fan of school. He actually wanted to be a car mechanic!
After a random street discovery by director Daniel Guzman, his life took a very different path. The universe is full of surprises, isn’t it?
Who Plays Helsinki?
Darko Peric is actually a Serbian actor, and now quite a few people know his face outside of central Europe. Clearly, that is all because of La Casa De Papel!
Born in a small city in eastern Yugoslavia, Darko was actually interested in the arts at a pretty young age.
At age six, he was invited on stage by a visiting Cuban singer to join in on the show, and that’s probably where he got the first spark!
While his parents encouraged him to be a doctor and pursue stability at a time when war was a reality in the region, he had other dreams.
He did complete his studies in veterinary medicine with honors, but he still went off to pursue singing and acting. Looks like it has all worked out, but he definitely has a great back up plan if he changes his mind. Smart move, mom and dad!
Who Plays Alicia?
Spanish actress Najwa Nimri plays this fascinating character, and viewers seem to really enjoy her rule-breaking antics.
As you might suspect, she is a bit more mannered off the set. Najwa factoid: Few people know she actually comes from a multicultural family from outside of Europe!
Nimri's mom is Navarrese and her dad is Jordanian. As a child, she moved to Bilbao. Today, she lives in Madrid with a child of her own, born in 2004.
Being a parent is a busy job, but it looks like she has just enough time to make sure we are entertained on our favorite heist show. Thank goodness!
Undercover Fashionista
One Casa cast member is actually the face of BVLGARI for a new trendy jewelry campaign!
Last year, Úrsula Corberó started her rep work for the Fiorever jewelry line, and now moonlights as the overall brand ambassador. Why did the luxury designer decide to pick this pretty face out of the crowd?
Apparently, the company felt that her image and Instagram style was totally in line with their new fashion vision.
According to Corberó: “That they should have asked me to become the new ambassador is like a dream, a wish come true. It is an immense honor for me to become part of this family.” Sounds like a pretty sweet gig, Tokio!
Cinematic Lovers
Who does Tokio date in real life? Admit it, you’ve been dying to know! A mysterious man keeps popping up with her on social media, and he doesn’t seem like a familiar face to American audiences.
It turns out that the actress has been dating someone in her field: actor Chino Darín.
Hailing from Argentina, he met the Casa beauty on the set of a mutual project. The Spanish television series La Embajada actually cast them as lovers, and it looks like things went way beyond the script!
Darin claims they “understand each other with a look.” Very nice, you two!
Casting Gossip
Rumors had been swirling on social media that Lebanese singer Elissa might have a special role on the show in the upcoming season. So what’s the truth in all of this?
The singer tweeted that she planned to abruptly quit the music business. Then, she hinted that Casa might be part of the picture.
While we don’t know what the negotiations really were behind the scenes, Netflix has confirmed that she is not part of the upcoming cast roster. The rumors were wrong, but we know each episode will have plenty of other surprises!
White Lines
So what’s next for Álex Pina? He definitely has many tricks up his sleeve, and a few of his projects have been revealed. One new Netflix show will be White Lines, currently in production.
Viewers may wonder, is this another heist thriller?
From what we can see so far, this 10 episode program will involve a mystery.
After the disappearance of a famous British DJ, his sister returns to do some digging at the site of the story in Ibiza. Investigating the dance clubs and sorting through facts and lies on the beautiful island will involve many actors you may already know.
Laura Haddock from Guardians of the Galaxy and Marta Milans from Shazam have been cast in the show. We have a feeling this is going to be a good one!
Movin' On Up
La Casa de Papel is the first Netflix series from Vancouver Media, a new project founded by Martínez Lobato and Álex Pina in 2016.
After his experience screenwriting for Más Que Amigos and work with Videomedia and Globomedia in the 90’s, Alex felt he was ready to take the next big step.
According to Alex: “It was a leap into the unknown. We would all be meeting in the courtyard of a small house where we decided to create a small series that we could control throughout the whole creative and production process.”
If Casa has taught us anything, it’s that big risk equals a big reward! In the end, it looks like this was a very good move indeed.
Netflix Numbers
Netflix has now signed a global exclusive deal with Pina, and that’s great news for the creator.
Knowing he has the funds and distribution in place means he can focus on what he is best at — thrilling us with heists, mysteries, and mayhem!
Another Pina project they have already agreed to is Sky Rojo, a female action drama that will start production this year.
Netflix really seems to believe in his storytelling abilities, and fans should be excited about this partnership. If you hoped there was more to come, rest assured that the deal is sealed.