‘M. Son of the Century’ Teaser: New Mini-Series from Joe Wright Tracks Mussolini and Fascism’s Rise in Italy During the 1920s

Premiering at the Venice Film Festival later this month, Joe Wright’s “M. Son of the Century” sees the filmmaker return to the small screen for a long-form examination of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini’s rise to Prime Minister of Italy in 1922, a role which he held until his dismissal in 1943. The last time Wright helmed a mini-series such as this was in 2003 with his BBC One show “Charles II: The Power and the Passion,” which covered 27 years in the life of the King as he worked to restore the monarchy. Exploring history has always been one of Wright’s strengths, but with the upcoming American election placing democracy on the ballot, his latest series feels particularly timely.

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“M. Son of the Century” is led by Italian actor Luca Marinelli, who has earned international acclaim for his roles in “Martin Eden,” “The Old Guard,” and the FX series “Trust.” In a teaser for the show recently released by Sky TV, Marinelli is seen speaking directly to camera as Mussolini, the top of his head shaved and gestures characteristically over-the-top. As crowds chant with fervor, he proclaims, “We are the new.” Later, screaming to a group of torch-carrying compatriots, he charges, “We are making history!”

Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Antonio Scurati, the official synopsis reads, “The series will tell the history of a country that surrendered to dictatorship, and the story of a man who was able to rise from his ashes time and again. The eight-part series will cover the period from the founding of Fasci Italiani in 1919 through to Mussolini’s infamous speech in parliament following the murder of socialist MP Giacomo Matteotti in 1925. The series will also provide viewers with an insight into Mussolini and his personal relationships, including with his wife Rachele, his lover Margherita Sarfatti, and with other iconic figures from the time.”

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Produced by Sky Studios and Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment, a Fremantle group company, in coproduction with Pathé, Small Forward Productions, and Cinecittà S.p.A, “M. Son of the Century” will air on Sky in 2025 and stream on NOW.

Watch the teaser trailer for “M. Son of the Century” below.