Is Netflix's The Leopard based on a true story? The inspiration behind the series, which takes viewers to 19th century Sicily

Netflix has served its subscribers with a new costume series, The Leoprard (Il Gattopardo), which is conquering the platform. The Italian production has sparked interest in the story set in Italy in the 19th century, which takes a look at the fate of a family from Sicily that faces social and political changes. Due to the setting of the series' plot in a historical setting, viewers are wondering whether it could be based on a true story. Let's take a look at this topic.

Is The Leopard (Il Gattopardo) based on a true story?

The Leopard is based on Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's novel of the same name, so it is a work of fiction. However, it is believed that the character Prince Fabrizio is based on Tomasi's great-grandfather. The novel contains some historical and autobiographical elements, which resonate most strongly in the form of the places that are featured in it, such as the town of Santa Margherita di Belice, which is named Donnafugata in the novel.

In addition, Tomasi included in his novel the historical realities of Italy at the time, the changes that were taking place during the Risorgimento (unification of Italy), this was a 19th century political and social movement that culminated in the annexation of the states of the Apennine Peninsula and its outlying isles to the Kingdom of Sardinia. The result of these events was the creation of the Kingdom of Italy.

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Nevertheless, The Leopard is a fictional novel, so the characters depicted in it and the events concerning them should be regarded as a work of fiction, even if they are inspired by some real people and events.

Netflix’s The Leopard cast

Want to know who's starring in Netflix's new series? The cast of The Leopard includes: Kim Rossi Stuart (Senza Pelle) as Don Fabrizio Corbera, prince of Salina; Benedetta Porcaroli (Immaculate) as Concetta Corbera of Salina; Deva Cassel (The Beautiful Summer) as Angelica Sedara; Saul Nanni (Brado) as Tancredi Falconeri; Paolo Calabresi (Boris) as Padre Pirrone; Francesco Colella (The Good Mothers) as Don Calogero Sedara; Astrid Meloni (The Swarm) as Maria Stella Corbera of Salina; Francesco Di Leva (The Children’s Train) as Russo.

Netflix’s The Leopard trailer

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