Netflix’s new period dramaThe Decameronhas just begun shooting at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios. The eight-episode series, based on a collection of short stories of the same name written by 14th-century Italian authorGiovanni Boccaccio, will be filming in Italy for the next six months. Chasing the success Netflix found with its hit period dramaBridgerton, the popular streaming service ordered the lavish period soap, which takes place in 1348 as the Black Death descends upon Florence.
The brand-new series fromTeenage Bounty HunterscreatorKathleen Jordanand executive producerJenji Kohan(Weeds,Orange Is the New Black) marks one of Netflix’s biggest international productions in recent years, perVariety.The Decameronfollows a group of Florentine nobles, along with their servants, as they retreat to a grand villa in the Tuscany countryside to wait out the deadly plague. The story unfurls as their “wine-soaked sex romp” away from the horrors of Bubonic Plague descends into a scramble to survive when the societal rules of the villa wear thin.
Jordan is the creator and showrunner forThe Decameron, while also serving as an executive producer alongsideBlake McCormickandTara Herrmannfor Tilted Productions.American Horror StorydirectorMichael Uppendahlis set to direct the first four episodes. Given its filming location, many members of the show’s crew are Italian, such as its production designerLuca Tranchinoand costume designersUliva Pizzettiand Oscar-winnerGabriella Pescucci.
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As for the cast, the show is filled out by a diverse and exciting group of stars.Zosia Mametplays Pampinea, the soon-to-be lady of the villa who is hopeful but lacking in self-awareness;Tanya Reynoldsis Licisca, an obedient yet unpredictable servant devoted to the family she serves;Saoirse-Monica Jacksonwill play Misia, Pampinea’s codepedent servant; andKaran Gillwill play Panfilo, a young man son from a prominent family in Florence.
Amar Chadha-Patelwill play Dioneo, a physician who finds himself caught between classes due to his profession.Lou Galais playing Neifile, the paradoxically god-fearing and highly lustful woman who is transformed by her time at the villa, whileLeila Farzadwill play Stratilia, a reliable women who serves as the backbone of the Villa Santa.Tony Haleis playing Sirisco, a friendly but bumbling steward, andJessica Plummerwill play Filomena, a spoiled brat who is described as an “oddball” despite the chip on her shoulder.Douggie McMeekinwill play rich noble Tindaro.
