One of the most iconic characters in the world of Italian comics is without a doubt Diabolikcreated by Angela And Luciana Giussiani in 1962. Over the decades it has become a true cultural symbol, with over 900 issues published to date. Diabolik led to the birth of the genre of Italian black comics, of which it was the precursor, generating numerous followers. As his success grew he naturally also landed in the cinema, where he recently found new life thanks to the trilogy created by Manetti Bros., whose first film, simply titled Diabolik (review here), arrived on the big screen in 2021.
This was the second film adaptation of the character created by the Giussani sisters after the 1968 film of the same name directed by Mario Bava. The idea of reporting Diabolik on the big screen, more than half a century after the only previous one, it finds favor with Mario Gombolidirector of Astorina, was positively impressed by Manetti’s previous works such as Inspector Coliandro And Love and crimeand who commented on the genesis of the project: “What made me understand that I was finally dealing with the right people was their passion, their knowledge of the character and his peculiarities”.
This new film is in fact designed for great fans of the character and his comics, with numerous gimmicks that recall his paper adventures. However, it is perfectly usable even for those who know nothing about it and will thus find themselves witnessing the adventures of the most fascinating of Italian thieves. In this article, we will therefore delve into some of the main curiosities relating to Diabolik. Continuing reading here it will be possible to find further details relating to the plot, the cast of actors and the explanation of the ending. Finally, the main streaming platforms containing the film in their catalog will also be listed.
The story behind the name and the comic on which the film is based
The character’s name derives from a crime story that occurred in Turin in 1958, where a mysterious murderer left a letter at the crime scene where he signed Diabolich. Three years later he was born Diabolik, so the authors decided to take inspiration from that name. Initially the character was supposed to be called Diabolicus, but she preferred to write it with the letter «K», because Angela thought it was more suitable for a character like the one she had in mind. As for the comic the 2021 film is inspired by, this is it Diabolik’s arrestpublished in March 1963, where Eva Kant also appears for the first time and also the protagonist’s refuge.
The plot and cast of Diabolik
Clerville, 1960s. Diabolik, an unscrupulous thief whose true identity is unknown, has dealt another blow to the police, escaping in his black Jaguar E-type. In the meantime there is great anticipation in the city for the arrival of Lady Kant, a charming heiress who will bring with her a famous pink diamond. The priceless jewel does not escape the attention of Diabolik who, in an attempt to steal it, becomes enchanted by the woman’s irresistible charm. In Lady Kant, the incorruptible and determined Inspector Ginko therefore he finds a way to trap the criminal and this time it will not be easy for Diabolik to get rid of his opponent.
The actor plays Diabolik Luca Marinelliwhile the actress Miriam Leone plays Eva Kant. Inspector Ginko is played by Valerio Mastandreawhile the actors complete the cast Alessandro Roja in the role of deputy minister Giorgio Caron, Serena Rossi in that of Elisabetta Gay, Diabolik’s girlfriend, and Vanessa Scalera in that of Flora, Caron’s secretary. Then there is a cameo by Claudia Gerini as Mrs. Morel. The judge in the trial sequence, however, is played by Mario Gomboliauthor and editor-in-chief of the comic “Diabolik”.
The locations of the film: here’s where it was filmed
The filming of Diabolik took place in various Italian locations, includingEmilia Romagna and the Lombardybut also Friuli Venezia Giulia And Valle d’Aosta. In the latter, more precisely a Courmayeur in fact, the first days of filming took place in the mountain resort of Bellair, where Eva Kant appears. In the film there are symbolic places of the Aosta Valley locality such as the Coeur des Neiges resort and the Grand Hotel Royal and Golf. The fictional town of Clerville was then recreated with takes between Milan And Bologna and the car chase scenes were also filmed in the latter.
Also in Bologna, the Giambologna presidential suite was used Grand Hotel Majestic, transformed for the occasion into the Grand Hotel Excelsior where Lady Kant is staying. Trieste, however, is mainly used for the setting of the seaside city of Ghenf. In particular, the Maritime Station it is used for the exteriors of the Central Bank of Ghenf. The protagonists also cross the Napoleonic roadfrom which you can admire the view of the gulf, e Portopiccoloa seaside village nestled in the bay of Sistiana (fraction of the scattered municipality of Duino-Aurisina).
The sequels of the film: Diabolik – Ginko on the attack! And Diabolik – Who are you?
Even before the release of Diabolik, it was announced that the film would be the first in a trilogy dedicated to the character. However, starting from the second film he no longer plays the iconic thief Luca Marinelli but rather Giacomo Gianniottifamous for playing Dr. Andrew DeLuca in the television series Grey’s Anatomy. The first of these sequels, Diabolik – Ginko on the attack! was released in 2022, while the third and final chapter arrived in 2023, Diabolik – Who are you?, which brought the events of the three main characters to a conclusion. These two sequels, however, achieved less success at the box office than the 2021 film.
The trailer of Diabolik and where to see the film in streaming and on TV
You can benefit from Diabolik thanks to its presence on some of the most popular streaming platforms on the internet today. This is in fact available in the catalogues Rakuten TV, Google Play, Apple TV, Infinity And Prime Video. To see it, once you have chosen the reference platform, simply rent the single film or sign up for a general subscription. You will thus be able to watch it in total comfort and at excellent video quality. The film is also present in the television schedule of Friday 26 April at 9.20pm On the canal Rai 2.
