The creators of Prime Video’s “Citadel” series are sharing their vision for an expansive international spinoff strategy.
“Citadel,” featuring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, along with Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville, quickly became a hit, ranking as Prime Video’s second most-watched new original series outside the U.S. and fourth overall worldwide. The show, produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO, centers on the spy agency Citadel and its formidable adversary, Manticore.
The Italian spinoff, titled “Citadel: Diana,” is set in Milan in 2030, where the Citadel has been destroyed by Manticore. The story follows Diana Cavalieri (played by Matilda De Angelis), an undercover agent who finds herself isolated behind enemy lines. When she finally sees a chance to escape, she must rely on an unexpected ally, Edo Zani (Lorenzo Cervasio), the heir to Manticore Italy.
Meanwhile, the Indian spinoff “Citadel: Honey Bunny,” created by Raj & DK and writer Sita R. Menon, follows stuntman Bunny (Varun Dhawan) as he recruits struggling actress Honey (Samantha) for a side job in the 1990s. As their dangerous past resurfaces years later, they must reunite to protect their daughter, Nadia.
In an interview with Variety, executive producers Anthony Russo and Angela Russo-Otstot discussed how collaboration drives their expansion into Italy and India. Russo emphasized the importance of finding creative partners whose work resonates with them. “This show is like a grand experiment in collaboration,” he stated.
The rich cinematic traditions of both Italy and India influenced their decision to create localized spinoffs. Russo noted that connecting with these traditions allows for a reinterpretation of ideas within the “Citadel” universe. The creators have given their international partners considerable creative freedom, focusing on authentic storytelling without strict mandates.
Russo-Otstot highlighted the significance of allowing local creators to express their artistic visions. “We had faith that those expressions would resonate with audiences globally,” she said.
Elements from these spinoffs are already influencing the main series. Weil revealed that characters from “Honey Bunny” and “Diana” will appear in Season 2 of “Citadel,” currently in production. “We’re excited to incorporate these characters into our season,” he added.
The Indian spinoff takes place 30 years earlier than the original series.
Raj explained that they chose a retro setting to create new characters while exploring themes of broken families and the significance of cinema in Indian culture. Menon pointed out that many characters come from fractured backgrounds, which is a central theme throughout the show.
The series also addresses India’s economic transformation in the mid-1990s, a period marked by significant change. DK remarked on how this era shaped people’s lives and opportunities.
Raj & DK previously achieved success with their spy series “The Family Man,” which starred Samantha in its second season. She expressed gratitude for being part of a series that offers strong roles for women in action-oriented narratives, stating that it allows her to showcase her skills equally alongside male counterparts.
As “Citadel” continues to expand its universe through these international spinoffs, it aims to connect diverse audiences while maintaining its core themes of espionage and intrigue.
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