One of the “impossible” adaptations of our time is finally coming to our television screens. On the 40th anniversary of the announcement of Gabriel García Márquez’s Nobel Prize in Literature, Netflix is celebrating with our first look at the long-awaited adaptation of Cien Años de Soledad, the author’s most important work.
The behind-the-scenes video shows the work being done to bring the mythical town of Macondo, where the novel is set, to life. While this is going on, a quote from the novel can be heard, with the words “uno no cuenta una historia cuando debe, sino cuando puede,” or “one doesn’t tell a story when one has to, but when one can,” the setup for an adaptation that has always been considered a monumental undertaking, not just because of the scope of the novel, but because of the visuals involved. The voiceover then goes on to talk about Macondo, as it sets up what fans can expect to see.
Cien Años de Soledad is considered one of the emblematic works of magical realism and has sold over 50 million copies worldwide, and been translated to 46 languages. The book tells the story of the Buendia family throughout generations, from the creation of Macondo, to its eventual destruction, as foretold in a prophecy.
The show is set to be filmed in Colombia, and the first season will be directed by Alex García Lopez and Laura Mora, with José Rivera, Natalia Santa, Camila Brugés, and Albatros González set to write. No release date has yet been announced and no principal cast has been set.