'Money Heist' has taken the world by the storm and since the first part of Season 5 released, it has broken all records by becoming the one of the most watched shows on Netflix in many countries. If you are a true-blue 'Money Heist' fan, here are ten things about the Spanish show that you must know.
'Money Heist' was initially a flop in Spain
Originally conceived as a limited-run series, 'Money Heist' premiered to over four million viewers on the Spanish network Antena 3. But the show hit rock bottom as ratings fell, and the makers even considered cancelling it. Netflix then swooped in as the saviour and there was no turning back anymore.
The story behind characters with names of cities
We are know that all the epic characters on the show are named after famous cities around the world. But do you know why? Show creator Alex Pina once walked into a room donning a T-shirt that read Tokyo, the Director and Producer of Money Heist, Jesus Colmenar felt it would make the perfect name for the show's lead character. Over the next 15 minutes, the makers finalised names of all the characters after different cities.
Money Heist inspired real-life robberies
On December 1, 2020, a well-executed bank robbery in Brazil, ended with bills exploding onto the street, eerily similar to the opening of Money Heist Part 3. It was a two-hour-long burglary in which the robbers scattered cash on the streets and used it as a way to escape, just like on the show, and even succeeded.
Footballer Neymar had a cameo in 'Money Heist'
Brazilian football sensation Neymar made a cameo as a monk named Joao in Money Heist Season 3. Neymar is such a huge fan of the show that he contacted the production house and told them that he wanted to be a part of the show.
'Los Desahuciados' to 'La Casa de Papel' to 'Money Heist'
The show was initially titled Los Desahuciados in Spainish, which translates to 'The Evicted'. However, the show debuted on Spanish network Antena 3 in 2017 as 'La Casa de Papel', which means 'The Paper House'. It finally got the name 'Money Heist' when Netflix acquired it for its international audiences.
History of the red jumpsuit and Dali masks
The signature Red jumpsuits which actors wear on the show, also have a reason. The colour was chosen because it relates to passion, alertness, love and death. The Dali masks are inspired by Salvador Dalí, the legandary Spanish artist who is known for rejecting modern capitalist society and its rules. The Dalí mask also became a symbol of political protests in several countries.
The story behind Bella Ciao!
In the early 19th century, women working in the paddy fields of northern Italy first started singing the protest folk song 'Bella Ciao!'. It was a sung to protest the hardships faced by them. This 75-year-old iconic song stands as a symbol of freedom for many. As 'Money Heist' used the track with gusto, fans all over the world joined in, humming along, with no clue of the lyrics!
Also Watch | 'Money Heist' season 5 part 2 trailer: Professor enters the bank, can he save the rest of the gang?