Limited Series
6 episodes Mar 5, 2025 6.5
Overview
Amid the unification of 1860s Italy, a Sicilian prince grapples with the collision between his family's ancient privilege and revolutionary change.
Seasons
1 listed- Status
- Ended
- Seasons
- 1 season
- Episodes
- 6 episodes
- First aired
- Mar 5, 2025
- Last aired
- Mar 5, 2025
- Network
- Netflix
Latest episode: S1 E6 Episode 6 (Mar 5, 2025)
Cast
8 people
Reviews
5 min readThe Leopard’s Long Shadow
I’ve rewatched the first two episodes of Netflix’s The Leopard three times now, and each time I’m struck by the same unsettling thought: this isn’t a remake. It’s a séance. The 1963 film looms over every frame like a ghost that refuses to be exorcised, its presence so palpable you half-expect Burt Lancaster’s Don Fabrizio to stride into the frame, disapproving of the modern lighting.
The new adaptation, directed by Tom Shankland, Giuseppe Capotondi, and Laura Luchetti, is sumptuous, ambitious, and—here’s the rub—painfully aware of its own inadequacy. It’s as if the filmmakers set out to adapt Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s novel but ended up adapting Visconti’s film instead, layering period detail upon period detail in a desperate bid to prove they belong in the same conversation.
The opening scene sets the tone. We meet Kim Rossi Stuart’s Don Fabrizio in his private chapel, kneeling before an altar, his face a mask of quiet exhaustion. The camera lingers on his hands—veined, trembling slightly—as he fingers a rosary.
It’s a moment that should feel intimate, even sacred, but instead it feels like a performance of intimacy, as if Stuart is reciting lines from a script that’s already been perfected. The problem isn’t his acting; it’s the weight of expectation pressing down on him. Lancaster’s Don Fabrizio was a force of nature, a man whose very presence seemed to bend the world around him.
Stuart’s prince is smaller, more fragile, a man who knows his time is ending but doesn’t yet know what to do with that knowledge. It’s a valid interpretation of the character, but it’s one that struggles to escape the gravitational pull of the original.
The series’ greatest strength—and its most frustrating weakness—is its fidelity to the novel’s surface. The production design is nothing short of breathtaking. Sicily’s sun-baked landscapes, the crumbling grandeur of the Salina palace, the opulence of the ballroom scenes—all of it is rendered with a level of detail that borders on the obsessive.
The costumes, too, are a marvel, each stitch and fabric choice meticulously researched to evoke the 1860s. But here’s the thing about fidelity: it’s not the same as vision. Visconti’s film didn’t just capture the look of the era; it distilled its essence, turning the Risorgimento into a metaphor for the human condition.
Audience Opinions
Audience 7.2/10
"A visually rich period drama with strong performances but struggles to escape the shadow of its legendary predecessor."
The 2025 adaptation of *The Leopard* earns praise for its lavish production design and the compelling performances of its lead cast, particularly Kim Rossi Stuart and Benedetta Porcaroli. However, many find it difficult to measure up to the iconic 1963 film, with some viewers feeling the pacing drags in places and the emotional core lacks the depth of the original. latestnetflix.com's view is that the series is appreciated for its faithfulness to the source material but criticized for not bringing enough fresh perspective to justify a modern retelling.
What viewers praise
- Stunning production design The period details and visual grandeur are frequently highlighted as standout elements.
- Strong lead performances Kim Rossi Stuart and Benedetta Porcaroli receive consistent praise for their portrayals.
- Faithful adaptation Viewers who love the original novel appreciate the series' commitment to its themes and narrative.
- Cinematic visuals The cinematography is often described as beautiful and immersive.
Common complaints
- Pacing issues Some find the series slow-moving, particularly in the middle episodes.
- Lacks originality Many feel it doesn’t offer enough new insight compared to the 1963 film.
- Underdeveloped side characters Supporting roles are often seen as forgettable or one-dimensional.
- Emotional disconnect A few viewers struggle to connect with the characters' arcs, finding them less compelling than in the original.
Recommended for
Period drama enthusiasts Fans of classic literature adaptations Luchino Visconti admirers Historical fiction lovers Italian cinema aficionados
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsNetflix’s The Leopard Sparks Family Feud Over New Adaptation
Netflix’s latest Italian period drama, The Leopard (2025), is already stirring controversy—before most viewers have even pressed play. The six-episode series, starring Kim Rossi Stuart as the aristocratic Don Fabrizio Corbera, is the second screen adaptation of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s 1958 novel, following Luchino Visconti’s 1963 cinematic masterpiece. latestnetflix.com's view is that but this time, the author’s descendants aren’t staying silent about the streaming giant’s take.
A Classic Novel, A Divisive Remake
Tomasi di Lampedusa’s The Leopard is a cornerstone of Italian literature, a sweeping tale of a Sicilian prince navigating political upheaval and personal decline during the Risorgimento. Visconti’s film, starring Burt Lancaster, became a cultural touchstone, praised for its lavish cinematography and faithfulness to the source material. Netflix’s version, however, has drawn sharp criticism from the author’s family.
In a scathing interview with The Times, one of Tomasi di Lampedusa’s descendants dismissed the series as a cash grab. "The Leopard? It’s just making money," they reportedly said, arguing that the new adaptation lacks the depth of the original novel and Visconti’s film 
. The remark underscores a growing tension between purists who revere the 1963 classic and those willing to embrace a modern reinterpretation.
What’s Different This Time?
Unlike Visconti’s three-hour epic, Netflix’s The Leopard is a serialized drama, allowing for a deeper exploration of the novel’s themes. The series follows Don Fabrizio as his family grapples with the collapse of the Sicilian aristocracy and the rise of a new political order . Kim Rossi Stuart, known for his roles in Romanzo Criminale and The Best of Youth, leads a cast that includes rising stars Benedetta Porcaroli (Baby) and Saul Nanni (Supersex).
The show’s visuals have already drawn praise, with Netflix teasing "beauty" in its promotional materials . But whether the series can match the emotional weight of Visconti’s film—or satisfy the author’s descendants—remains an open question.
Behind the Scenes: A Star-Studded Production
Little is known about the creative team behind The Leopard, though the series is directed by Tom Shankland (The Serpent), Giuseppe Capotondi (The Burnt Orange Heresy), and Laura Luchetti (The Law According to Lidia Poët) . The multi-director approach suggests a deliberate effort to balance the story’s political intrigue with its intimate family drama.
The cast, however, has been a major talking point. Deva Cassel, daughter of supermodel Monica Bellucci, makes her acting debut in the series, adding a layer of star power to the production . Meanwhile, Paolo Calabresi (Suburra) and Francesco Colella (The Hand of God) round out the ensemble, bringing gravitas to the historical setting.
**Will The Leopard Live Up to the Hype?**
Early reviews have been mixed. What’s on Netflix called it an "epic saga" with "politics, romance, and tumult," but stopped short of declaring it a must-watch . The series’ biggest challenge may be comparisons to Visconti’s film, which remains a benchmark for Italian cinema.
For now, The Leopard is a gamble—a lavish, star-studded adaptation that risks alienating purists while trying to win over new audiences. Whether it succeeds may depend on how well it captures the novel’s melancholic beauty, or if it’s seen as just another streaming spectacle.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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