This week, Netflix officially confirmed that the highly anticipated spin-off series of ‘La Casa de Papel’, titled ‘Berlin and The Lady with an Ermine’, will have its global premiere on May 15, 2026. The announcement, made after the release of the first trailer, places protagonist Pedro Alonso back at the center of a million-dollar heist, this time in the iconic city of Seville, Spain. The date positions the production as one of the streaming service’s most strategic releases for the coming year.
The Triumphant Return of Berlin and His New Heist
Pedro Alonso reprises his role as Andrés de Fonollosa, the charismatic and dangerous Berlin, in a story set before the events of the original series. The plot orchestrates a precision heist targeting the famous painting ‘The Lady with an Ermine’ by Leonardo da Vinci, currently exhibited at the Czartoryski Museum in Poland, but the action will be set in Seville. The production promises to explore deeper and unknown layers of the character’s psychology, going beyond a simple sophisticated robbery. The choice of artwork is not random, symbolizing the pursuit of the unattainable and the obsession with perfection, central themes in Berlin’s journey.
Star-Studded Cast and Production Context
The spin-off brings together a heavyweight cast that mixes established faces from the original series universe with prestigious new additions. In addition to the return of Michelle Jenner (Alicia Sierra), Tristán Ulloa (Colonel Prieto), Begoña Vargas (Catarina), and Joel Sánchez (Bruce), the big news is the entry of award-winning Spanish actress Inma Cuesta in a role still kept under wraps. Julio Peña Fernández, another confirmed name, completes the team. The direction and script feature part of the creative team from ‘La Casa de Papel’, ensuring continuity of tone, narrative style, and the high production quality that made the franchise famous. Filming has already been completed on location in Seville, capturing the unique architecture and atmosphere of the Andalusian capital.
Impact on the Expanded Universe and Netflix’s Strategy
‘Berlin and The Lady with an Ermine’ represents a crucial strategic move by Netflix to expand one of its biggest global successes. ‘La Casa de Papel’ was not only the most successful Spanish series in the world but also became a cultural phenomenon, with a lasting impact on Spanish audiovisual media and tourism. Betting on a spin-off focused on a character already deceased in the main storyline demonstrates the platform’s confidence in the lasting appeal of the universe created by Álex Pina. The series aims to capture both the loyal audience, eager for more details about Berlin’s past, and new viewers, with a self-contained story full of action. The premiere date in 2026 suggests extensive marketing planning and the possibility of more projects in the same universe.
- Confirmed Release Date: May 15, 2026, in all countries with the Netflix platform.
- Central Character: Andrés de Fonollosa, Berlin, played by Pedro Alonso.
- Heist Target: The painting ‘The Lady with an Ermine’ by Leonardo da Vinci.
- Main Heist Location: City of Seville, Spain.
- Key Cast Figure: Entry of actress Inma Cuesta in an undisclosed role.
- Connection to the Original Series: The action takes place in a timeline before the events of ‘La Casa de Papel’.
Fan Reaction and Expectations for 2026
Since the trailer’s release, forums and specialized social media have been buzzing with theories and frame-by-frame analyses. The fan community, known for its deep engagement, is already speculating about narrative connections to the original series, the identity of new characters, and the details of Berlin’s plan. The expectation is that, over the next two years, Netflix will release more teasers, posters, and interviews to keep the hype alive. The series has the potential to reignite the global ‘fever’ of the franchise, once again boosting Seville’s visibility as a tourist destination and solidifying the legacy of ‘La Casa de Papel’ as one of the streaming service’s most valuable intellectual properties.
The Future of the Franchise and the Legacy of La Casa de Papel
The premiere of ‘Berlin and The Lady with an Ermine’ in 2026 is not just the launch of a new series, but the opening of a new chapter for one of Netflix’s most profitable franchises. The success of this spin-off could open doors for other derivative stories, exploring characters like Tokyo, Denver, or even the Professor in earlier events. The platform is clearly investing in the longevity of its successful catalog, transforming isolated hits into sustainable narrative universes. For fans, the wait until May 2026 will be long, but the promise of revisiting the complex and electrifying world of ‘La Casa de Papel’, through the eyes of its most contradictory and fascinating character, is an event that justifies the countdown.
