Max has revealed that the HBO Original series “City of God: The Fight Rages On” will debut on Sunday, August 25th, on HBO Latino in the U.S. and will be globally available for streaming on Max. Produced by O2 Filmes, this national series has also released its official teaser art. Set two decades after the events of the internationally acclaimed film “City of God,” the six-episode series will air weekly until September 29th.
“City of God: The Fight Rages On” continues the narrative from Paulo Lins’ literary work, focusing on the characters initially introduced through the lens of photographer Buscapé. The story unfolds in the early 2000s when the release of a young drug dealer from prison reignites conflicts in Cidade de Deus. The residents, caught between drug traffickers, militias, and public authorities, band together in a desperate struggle to break free from this cycle of violence and oppression.
The series incorporates flashbacks featuring excerpts from the original film, reconstructing the memories and emotional journeys of the protagonists. Returning cast members include Alexandre Rodrigues, Roberta Rodrigues, Thiago Martins, Sabrina Rosa, Kiko Marques, and Edson Oliveira, alongside new talents from Rio de Janeiro’s communities such as Cidade de Deus, Vidigal, and Mangueira.
Produced by O2 Filmes, “City of God: The Fight Rages On” is helmed by producers Andrea Barata Ribeiro and Fernando Meirelles, with co-producers Cris Abi and Gustavo Gontijo. The series is directed by Aly Muritiba with Bruno Costa as the second director. The scriptwriting team includes Sérgio Machado, Renata Di Carmo, Armando Praça, Estevão Ribeiro, Rodrigo Felha, and Muritiba. Executive producers from Warner Bros. Discovery include Mariano Cesar, Anouk Aaron, and Mônica Albuquerque.
The original “City of God” film, directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, is one of Brazil’s most acclaimed movies. It provides a gritty and poignant portrayal of life in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas during the 1970s. The film follows two men from the same neighborhood: one becomes a photographer documenting the rising drug-related violence, while the other becomes a notorious drug dealer. Praised for its acting, cinematography, writing, and depiction of the favelas, “City of God” received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Director.
Max’s upcoming sequel series promises to stay true to the essence of Paulo Lins’ works, continuing the story of Buscapé while introducing new characters and scenarios that reflect the ongoing struggles within Cidade de Deus. By drawing from Lins’ other literary contributions, the series aims to maintain consistency with the world of the original film.
“City of God: The Fight Rages On” will premiere in August 2024 on Max and HBO, with the community’s fight against systemic oppression at its core. The series will explore themes of collective resistance and resilience, offering a fresh yet familiar perspective on the lives of Cidade de Deus residents.
For those who haven’t seen the original film, it is highly recommended and available on VOD.