Director Joe Wright is set to helm a new television project exploring the life and rise of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. The project centers on a bold, historical narrative that traces how fascism took root in Italy and traces its reverberations through contemporary politics and society. The blueprint for the show hinges on political and social forces, drawing from a landmark source to illuminate the era and its lasting impact on global history.
The series adapts the acclaimed novel M: Son of the Century by the Italian scholar and writer Antonio Scurati. This powerful work meticulously charts the ascent of fascism in Italy, the manipulation of public opinion, and the collapse of democratic norms that followed. The script has been developed by Stefano Bizes, known for his work on Gomorrah and The New Pope, and Davide Serino, recognized for 1992. With the production in early stages, casting details remain under wraps as the creative team shapes the narrative arc, tone, and visual approach that will bring this historical period to life for modern audiences.
As the project moves forward, the production team emphasizes that fascism is a topic with enduring relevance. It is presented not merely as a past catastrophe but as a frame through which contemporary political dynamics can be understood. The producer notes that the choice of a director with deep international experience reflects a commitment to a nuanced, globally informed portrayal. The aim is to offer viewers a thoughtful exploration of how authoritarian movements gain traction, how societies are tested, and what lessons emerge for today’s world, including the United States and other regions grappling with similar questions about democratic resilience and civic responsibility.
There has been related industry chatter that a major broadcaster is developing a separate project about the Osbourne family returning to the United Kingdom, underscoring a broader appetite for high-stakes, controversial storytelling across genres. This background context highlights the current TV landscape’s openness to complex biographical and historical material, as well as contemporary life’s intersections with music, culture, and politics. The ongoing development of these series reflects a trend in which viewers seek rigorous, character-driven narratives anchored in well-sourced historical moments while also exploring how those moments echo in the present day.