The Russo brothers have developed an international spy show called Citadel, and the series is expected to be a first-of-its-kind, world-building endeavor. Backed by Amazon Studios, the seven-episode saga features Priyanka Chopra Jonas and former Game of Thrones star Richard Madden alongside veteran actor Stanley Tucci. Citadel has been in the works for several years, but the series' release date has yet to be announced.
The plot is also being kept under close guard. Danish actor Roland Møller's character leads the series' antagonistic spy agency, called Manticore, but little information about the trials the characters will face is available. However, it is known that Citadel intends to build its own universe from the ground up, serving as the flagship show that generates spinoffs featuring the agents carrying out missions on their home terrain.
Amazon Studios boss Jennifer Salke spoke on Citadel's international intention in a recent interview with Variety. She discussed how the main series and its satellite shows set in India, Italy, and Mexico will flesh out the Citadel universe complete with continuity, character exposition, and cultural immersion. Read Salke's comments below:
Local language and regional series are very important to us. We’re investing hugely in “Citadel” from the Russo Brothers. It’s a big global [spy thriller]. I’ve seen the first three episodes. The whole idea behind that show is global storytelling with standalone local series that feed into the storylines and fill in details about specific characters. So there’s a show set in India featuring a big star and showrunners there who are working under the umbrella of “Citadel” that will fill in the details of Priyanka Chopra’s character. And in Italy, we’re doing the same, and there’s another in Mexico. We had an international Citadel summit [at Amazon Studios headquarters in Culver City] where we showed the some of the footage from Joe and Anthony [Russo]. So we’re experimenting with stuff like that.
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While the Russo brothers undoubtedly boast narrative and technical talents, reportedly, creative differences with other of the show's team impacted Citadel's production and created the need for reshoots. While the Russo brothers are said to have been able to exert more control of the project's direction, the budget reportedly ended up breaching $200 million, and Citadel is slated to be the second most expensive show of all time behind only The Rings of Power, also produced by Amazon Studios. This makes Citadel a big risk for the company, exacerbated by the number of spinoffs also in the mix.
Still, the Russo brothers are undoubtedly a good fit for the series, responsible for growing one of the most comprehensive fictional worlds to date, thanks to their work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, part of what helped the MCU succeed is the existing mass appeal of Marvel's heroes and villains. Planning spinoffs before there is a proven public desire to learn more about Citadel's characters is an ambitious move, but one that could prove fruitful for Amazon, bringing in new subscribers and keeping them there through a variety of series rather than just one. The very existence of Amazon's production house is potentially hinging on the success of Rings of Power, and Citadel is likely facing similar pressure to not just land with select audiences, but become an unmistakable global hit.
Source: Variety