Netflix has revealed a new limited series adaptation of Ira Levin's 1976 novel The Boys from Brazil, created by Peter Morgan. The historical thriller stars Jeremy Strong as a Holocaust survivor hunting Nazis, with a cast including Gillian Anderson and Daniel Brühl. Filming begins in December across Europe.
Series Overview
The limited series reimagines Ira Levin's chilling 1976 novel, which follows a Nazi hunter's pursuit inspired by real historical figures like Josef Mengele. Described by Netflix as a tale of "obsession, vengeance, and the terrifying persistence of hatred," it spans three decades from the end of World War II to the 1970s. The story centers on Yakov Liebermann, a Holocaust survivor and Nazi hunter played by Jeremy Strong, whose lifelong mission has exacted personal costs. When a young protégé undercover in Brazil uncovers a shocking Nazi plan, Liebermann races to expose it, revealing that the sadistic Nazi scientist Doctor Johann-Friedrich Meinhardt—believed dead—is alive and plotting a Fourth Reich.
Cast and Production
The ensemble cast features August Diehl, Daniel Brühl, Gillian Anderson from The Abandons, Shira Haas, and Lizzy Caplan. Produced by World Productions and Orchid Pictures, the project is helmed by Peter Morgan, known for creating The Crown. Suzanne Mackie of Orchid Pictures told Tudum: "We can't wait to bring Peter Morgan's bold reimagining of Ira Levin's The Boys from Brazil to the screen."
Filming is scheduled to start in December in the UK, Germany, Bulgaria, and Spain. The original novel has been praised for its thriller elements; a Goodreads reviewer noted: "Despite the age of this novel (40 years), it is still a great thriller... This novel held me in its grip from the beginning to the very end."
Announcement and Reactions
Netflix announced the series on X, prompting enthusiastic responses from fans. One commenter, Justin Ebanks, said: "Bringing this movie up to date for a new generation would be incredible. This movie was so disturbing to me as a child... Done correctly it would be incredible." The series will stream exclusively on Netflix.