La Casa de Papel, globally known as Money Heist, is one of Netflix’s most-watched and critically acclaimed Spanish series. Created by Álex Pina, this gripping crime drama first aired in 2017, captivating audiences worldwide with its intense storyline, strategic heists, and unforgettable characters.
Filming Locations for La Casa de Papel
The series is primarily filmed in Spain, with some notable locations adding authenticity and intrigue to the plot. Key filming sites include:
- The Royal Mint of Spain – Although actual scenes at the Royal Mint (La Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre) are filmed in the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) in Madrid.
- Bank of Spain Heist Locations – Key heist scenes in later seasons are set around Madrid, particularly in the historic district to replicate the Bank of Spain’s atmosphere.
- Punta Umbría Beach, Huelva – Featured in Season 3, this beach is a scenic setting in the storyline.
- Gipuzkoa, Basque Country – A remote and lush location for hideaway scenes.
The locations bring authenticity to the storyline, with Spanish landmarks adding cultural depth to the series.
| Spanish | La casa de papel |
|---|---|
| Genre |
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| Created by | Álex Pina |
| Starring |
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| Theme music composer | Manel Santisteban |
| Opening theme | “My Life Is Going On” by Cecilia Krull |
| Composers |
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| Country of origin | Spain |
| Original language | Spanish |
| No. of seasons | 3 (5 parts) |
| No. of episodes | 41 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
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| Production locations |
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| Cinematography | Migue Amoedo |
| Editors |
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| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Running time | 67–77 minutes (Antena 3) 42–76 minutes (Netflix) |
| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | Antena 3 |
| Release | 2 May – 23 November 2017 |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release | 19 July 2019 – 3 December 2021 |
Cast of La Casa de Papel
The ensemble cast of Money Heist brings life to a group of skilled robbers, each with distinct personalities and backgrounds. Key cast members include:
- Úrsula Corberó as Tokyo – The fiery narrator and central figure.
- Álvaro Morte as The Professor – The mastermind behind the heists.
- Itziar Ituño as Raquel Murillo – A former police inspector turned ally.
- Pedro Alonso as Berlin – The charismatic yet unpredictable leader.
- Miguel Herrán as Rio – A young hacker with a talent for technology.
- Jaime Lorente as Denver – Known for his distinctive laugh and loyal personality.
- Esther Acebo as Mónica Gaztambide/Stockholm – A former hostage who joins the team.
- Darko Perić as Helsinki – A burly and loyal member of the crew.
Director of La Casa de Papel – Álex Pina
Álex Pina, the creator and director of La Casa de Papel, is a renowned Spanish screenwriter, director, and producer. Known for his unique storytelling style, Pina has shaped the series into a phenomenon that explores themes of resistance, freedom, and human psychology. His directorial prowess and meticulous narrative structure have set Money Heist apart as a revolutionary series in the crime thriller genre.
Conclusion
La Casa de Papel continues to capture global attention, blending high-stakes heist sequences with character-driven drama and sociopolitical undertones. Filmed in iconic Spanish locations, led by an exceptional cast, and directed by Álex Pina, the series is a testament to the power of well-crafted storytelling in modern television.
