Theatrical motorsports retellings are a hot property among movie and TV execs thanks to the success of films like Rush and Ford vs. Ferrari, not to mention Netflix’s critically acclaimed Drive To Survive docudrama. Now, the story of one of motorsport’s most admired drivers is about to hit the small screen, with Netflix revealing the lead in their new six-part mini-series that portrays the journey of three-time Formula 1 World Champion Ayrton Senna.
Brazilian actor Gabriel Leone will be tasked with playing the leading role in Senna. The 29-year-old star has already gained recognition in the Brazilian Amazon Prime Video production Dom. As lead, Leone will portray Senna’s rise to stardom, with Netflix confirming that the series focuses on the world champion’s triumphs, disappointments, joys, and sorrows.
Over the six episodes, the show will chart Senna’s progress from when he moved to the UK to start his Formula Ford career and will conclude with the F1 great’s untimely passing at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
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“It is a huge responsibility and also a great honor to be able to represent an icon who inspired so many people throughout his life, showing the world Brazilian sporting talent,” says Leone. “Knowing that we will bring this story to millions of people in so many countries through Netflix inspires me to see this as one of the great roles of my career.”
Fittingly, the show will be produced by Brazilian production house Gullane, with Brazilian filmmaker Vicente Amorim as showrunner. The show will also have the blessing of the Senna family, with Viviane Senna, Ayrton’s sister, having full confidence in Leone’s ability to depict his brother, saying: “[Gabriel] has the ability to faithfully portray Ayrton’s unique personality, especially the Ayrton that we as a family knew, off the track.”
The series was originally envisaged as an eight-part drama and was slated for a 2022 release when it was first announced. However, with the lead actor only just being appointed, a release date of 2024 is more likely, although that is yet to be confirmed.