A beloved crime film, “City of God,” renowned for its portrayal of Rio de Janeiro’s contrasting realities, is set to receive a sequel in the form of an HBO series titled “City of God: The Fight Rages On.” The original 2001 masterpiece, directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, delved into the lives of individuals in the favelas of Rio during the ’70s, depicting the intertwining paths of a photographer documenting escalating drug-related violence and an ambitious drug dealer striving for success.
Despite being a Brazilian classic and earning critical acclaim for its acting, cinematography, and depiction of the favelas, “City of God” only garnered four Academy Award nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Director. Over two decades since its release, a sequel series has been announced by Max, set to premiere on HBO this August, 2024, continuing the story of photographer Buscapé and drawing from the works of writer Paulo Lins.
“City of God: The Fight Rages On” will see the return of original cast members, including Alexandre Rodrigues, Thiago Martins, Roberta Rodrigues, Sabrina Rosa, Kiko Marques, and Edson Oliveira. Additionally, the series will introduce new actors from various neighborhoods across Rio, a strategy reminiscent of the original film, which featured many residents of the City of God favela and first-time actors.
The decision to continue adapting Paulo Lins’ works for the series is intriguing. While Lins did not pen a direct sequel to “City of God,” his other books set in a similar milieu could provide a foundation for the series, ensuring a coherent extension of the world established in the original film. This move aligns with the creators’ intent to maintain the authenticity and depth of the “City of God” universe.
