There is a television adaptation underway for the first novel in Juan Gómez-Jurado’s best-selling trilogy, with exciting casting announced for the lead roles. Vicky Luengo, known for her turn in Riot Police, will portray Antonia Scott, while Hovik Keuchkeryan, recognized from La Casa de Papel, takes on the role of Jon Gutiérrez. The series will stream exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories, making it accessible to a broad international audience.
During a press conference organized by Prime Video to reveal the two leading faces of Reina Roja, the author spoke about the on-screen pairing. He emphasized that the dynamics between Antonia and Jon are far from a conventional romance; their energies collide with intensity, and the true test will be how the actors’ chemistry translates the responsibility and spirit of the characters from the books to the screen.
The adaptation marks a return to the literary phenomenon that has captivated two million readers worldwide and has enjoyed translations into Turkish and more than two dozen other languages. The project will reunite Luengo and Keuchkerian for the small screen and aligns with the dark, immersive tone of the project, which has been described as a high-stakes thriller crafted for episodic television. Filming is expected to begin in approximately five to six weeks, with seven episodes planned and a release date to be announced.
The author described the core premise as a powerful love story between two wounded souls who meet along a perilous path. In the narrative, aiding one another becomes a double-edged sword; support brings both danger and consequence, yet it also yields growth and transformation for the characters as their intertwined fates unfold on screen.
Luengo expressed her enthusiasm for joining Reina Roja, describing the experience as a major challenge and a chance to bring a beloved heroine to life for a global audience. She spoke of the responsibility involved in inhabiting such a widely admired character and stressed the importance of honoring Juan Gómez-Jurado’s writing by giving Antonia depth, authenticity, and warmth. She also highlighted the collaborative spirit she looks forward to with Hovik Keuchkerian, aiming to create a believable and emotionally resonant partnership on camera.
The conversation among the cast and crew was hosted by the platform’s Spanish production team, with a focus on the project’s creative direction and narrative goals. Executives and writers involved in the development discussed the series’ potential to blend relentless suspense with character-driven storytelling, delivering a compelling crime thriller that remains faithful to the source material while translating its unique rhythm to television.
According to the show’s premise, Antonia Scott is a genius with an extraordinary IQ who becomes embroiled in a secret and experimental law enforcement project that tests her limits. What seems like a gift eventually becomes a burden, unraveling parts of her life and pushing her toward dangerous choices. In the case that unfolds, a powerful business magnate’s son is found murdered in his mansion, and the daughter of Spain’s wealthiest family is kidnapped, triggering a high-stakes case that only Antonia and Jon can unravel together.
The relationship between Antonia and Jon is described as a tense but compelling bond that evolves through the investigation. Jon, a Basque detective facing removal from the force, is drawn back into active service to pursue Antonia and the bigger mystery they uncover. Their cat-and-mouse dynamic propels the narrative, revealing a shared respect and an almost inevitable antagonism that gradually gives way to mutual admiration and collaboration. The story promises a gritty, atmospheric Madrid setting, combining the urgency and action of an investigation with the wit and chemistry of its two protagonists.
Production of Reina Roja is led by a collaboration between the producers and the author, with the script co-written to preserve the novel’s intensity while shaping it for episodic television. The project is being developed for Prime Video with ongoing involvement from the original creative team, ensuring a faithful and ambitious adaptation that can stand alongside other international thrillers on the streaming platform.