Netflix has unveiled a sneak peek behind the scenes of its forthcoming drama, Senna, set to hit screens in the near future.
Senna is poised to be a biographical sports drama chronicling the life of the F1 legend who clinched the world championship titles in 1988, 1990, and 1991 while racing for McLaren.
Currently in production, Senna is being filmed at various locations worldwide, aiming to narrate the journey of the Brazilian racing icon, who tragically met his end following a crash during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Here’s a roundup of what’s known about the Netflix drama, Senna, so far:
Release Date:
Senna is slated for a mid-to-late 2024 release, a delay of two years from its originally anticipated launch.
Netflix first announced the project in September 2020, but production hurdles stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic led to the postponement of filming. Despite the setback, Senna is now on track for its 2024 debut, with the cast having been unveiled in October 2023.
Plot:
The series will delve into the highs and lows of Senna’s career, providing insights into his personal life across six episodes.
It will commence with his relocation to the United Kingdom in 1981 for the Formula Ford 1600 championship, tracing his remarkable ascent to securing three F1 world championships and clinching 41 grand prix victories.
Expect the portrayal of Senna’s intense rivalry with McLaren teammate Alain Prost, a dynamic that captivated global audiences with its frequent clashes in pursuit of the championship.
The narrative will culminate tragically with Senna’s fatal crash at Imola in May 1994, prompting three days of national mourning in Brazil.
Production Details:
Senna is a collaborative effort with the Senna family, underscoring their commitment to portraying Ayrton’s story authentically. The series will be multilingual, featuring Brazilian Portuguese and English.
Notably, it follows the critically acclaimed Senna documentary released in 2010, which utilized archival footage and home videos provided by the family.
Trailer:
As of now, Netflix has not released a trailer for Senna, with only on-set images being made available to the public.
Cast:
Gabriel Leone, known for his role in the 2023 film Ferrari, has been cast as Ayrton Senna. Accompanying him is an ensemble including Matt Mella as Alain Prost, along with a lineup of talented Brazilian actors and international stars like Kaya Scodelario and Steven Mackintosh.
Director and Producer:
The mini-series is produced by Brazilian production company Gullane in collaboration with the Senna family.
Gullane, led by brothers Caio and Fabiano Gullane, boasts a portfolio of over 40 films and 20 television series, including the acclaimed “The Debut.” Co-directed by Vicente Amorim and Julia Rezende, the series promises to be a compelling portrayal of Senna’s life and legacy.
Filming Locations:
Production has taken place across South America, with shoots completed in Argentina and Uruguay before moving to Brazil. The UK serves as the final leg of filming for the series.