One of the highly acclaimed Netflix web series, La Casa De Papel, has created waves in the entertainment industry and mainstream media. Popularly known as Money Heist, the Spanish crime drama series has gained international fame and global recognition thanks to Netflix. Funnily enough, many viewers still believe that La Casa De Papel and Money Heist are two separate series.
If you were one of them, we’re here to debunk some myths and enlighten you with the facts about the most binge-watched tv show on Netflix.
While Money Heist circles around an international storyline, all scenes from seasons 1 and 2 were shot in Spain itself, owing to the shows tight budget. Most of the foreign scenes were created using skilful CGI. When Netflix took over, the web series’ budget increased, and makers could finally dream big!
2. Script Writing and Filming Happened Concurrently
None of the writers, actors, or directors knew what would happen beyond an episode. Scriptwriters filmed and wrote scripts simultaneously, which would be risky if they weren’t so darn talented!
3. The Heist is Realistic
The creators of Money Heist wanted to go all the way when it came to realism. They went to great lengths and did comprehensive research on the Bank of Spain and its super safe vaults. Even a marine engineer was a part of the team to design the special chamber they unlocked.
4. Neymar is a Fan
In case you missed it, football star Neymar appeared in a cameo scene in season 3 of Money Heist! We were super psyched about this mashup, but turns out Neymar’s a Money Heist fan too! Don’t remember seeing him? Rewatch episodes 6 and 8 of season 3 now.
5. Nairobi was Indian
In the Spanish film Vicente Ferrer, Nairobi played an Indian character. She played her role with grace and perfectionism as a Telegu villager, Shamira. Wearing a traditional sari and sporting a single braid in her hair, actor Alba Flores looks every bit desi and also surprises viewers as she speaks Telugu like a pro.
6. The Mask and Red Jumpsuit Revolution
People are using the legendary Dali caricature mask and red jumpsuit at protests and mass gatherings as a sign of dissent and disagreement with the government. Hoards of protestors have been spotted wearing the ensemble at political rallies and civil rights protests as a symbol of resistance. Now known as The Money Heist Phenomenon, this outfit has been seen at protests in Chile, France, Lebanon, and even Iraq.
7. Money Heist Inspired Robberies
La Casa De Papel may not have been a true story, but heist enthusiasts are taking inspiration from The Professor. A jewellery store in Tamil Nadu, India, was cleaned out as a gang of thieves took off with $2 million worth of jewellery. One of the seven squad members was only caught because he was stopped for not wearing a helmet. The mastermind behind the heist and others are still on the run. The “real” Professor would never let that happen!
8. Money Heist was a Flop
After the pilot drew in millions of viewers in Spain, the audience lost interest and the show accepted its fate as a fiasco. That’s when Netflix came to the rescue. Despite any advertising or recognition, the entertainment viewing platform bought the show and made it the hit that it is today.
9. The Mask is a Real Person
Or was, past tense. The iconic Money Heist mask which was used as a disguise since season 1 is in fact, the fact of Salvador Dali. The renowned Spanish artist is the face of the heist as a powerful symbol of resistance and revolutionary movement and homage to the anti-capitalist painter. The show’s plot often revolves around symbolism and sending a message to those in power.
10. The Original Title is Not Money Heist
The show which first aired on the Spanish TV channel, Antena, is called La Casa De Papel. This translates to “the house of paper”, which is a nod to the opening scene at the Royal Mint of Spain, where paper refers to money.
