The Netflix series Leopard (Il Gattopardo), released in 2025, boldly takes on almost sacred ground — a remake of the great film by Luchino Visconti from 1963. Based on the novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, this historical epic about the decline of the Italian aristocracy has been transformed into a period drama with elements of a soap opera. Beautifully shot and sometimes vividly acted, yet many viewers are left with an uncomfortable sense of déjà vu.
Who is the new Leopard, and why is he played by Kim Rossi Stuart?
The lead role of Prince Salina — the very "Leopard," a noble witness to the death of an era — is played by Kim Rossi Stuart. To his credit, the comparison to Burt Lancaster holds up. His character speaks more with silence than words, spending much of his time in the bath and church — metaphors for sin and attempts to wash it away.
Deva Cassel and the shadow of Cardinale
Deva Cassel (daughter of Vincent Cassel and Monica Bellucci) is promoted as the new style icon, but alongside Cardinale, her portrayal of Angelica comes across more as a runway show than a drama. Her on-screen partner, young Sol Nanni as Tancredi, tries hard, but recreating scenes from the original film turns into a mere copy without depth.
