Gina Gardini on Crafting Citadel: Diana’s Bold New World

Born and raised in New York City, Gina Gardini has produced over 20 films and 100+ episodes of television. Some of her most notable television productions include global hits like Gomorrah, ZeroZeroZero, and Suburra: Blood on Rome, as well as the recently released Citadel: Diana, the Italian original series set within the Citadel universe. 

Citadel: Diana, the latest chapter in the Citadel universe, brings a fresh and dynamic take to the traditional spy genre, placing a nuanced female lead at the center of the story. This series reimagines the boundaries of espionage through the lens of the last Citadel mole on enemy lines, Diana Cavalieri (played by Matilda De Angelis). Producer and showrunner Gina Gardini, celebrated for her visionary work in international television, helms the project, crafting a narrative that blends Italian culture with global intrigue. In an interview with AGBOVERSE, Gardini shares her journey in shaping Diana’s character, collaborating with AGBO, and the creative risks that elevate Citadel: Diana from a typical spy story. 

Emotional Depth and Psychological Strength

In a genre often dominated by male protagonists, Citadel: Diana breaks the mold with Diana Cavalieri, a spy defined by her emotional and psychological complexity. Gardini emphasizes the uniqueness of this approach, stating, “In crafting the character of Diana, it was really important that becoming a spy is something she did not seek…her drive once recruited by Citadel was purely personal, to seek the truth and eventually avenge the death of her parents." Unlike the physical prowess often associated with male spies, Diana's strength lies in her emotional resilience and mental endurance.

Gardini further explains that Diana’s journey is marked by both physical and mental struggles. “Diana’s Citadel training is solely psychological—to build the mental stamina to be a mole inside Manticore. And in fact, her Citadel training makes her sick, it provokes an incurable disease called Ménière’s Syndrome.” This portrayal of vulnerability and the toll it takes on her well-being adds a distinct layer to her character, one that defies the typical portrayal of spies as invincible agents.

A Female Leader's Approach to Complex Characters

As a trailblazing female showrunner, Gardini brings a multifaceted perspective to Diana’s character, shaped by her previous work on series like Gomorrah and Suburra. “I felt a tremendous responsibility as a woman leading this show to create a nuanced, multi-faceted character who was neither good nor bad, without judging her,” she explains. Diana, much like Gardini’s earlier female leads, operates in the grey areas of morality, making choices driven by personal motivations rather than clear-cut ideals of heroism.

Gardini also credits AGBO and Amazon for fostering an environment of creative freedom and collaboration. “Working with AGBO & Amazon was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career…They wanted each series to be distinct in tone, visual style, and story, to be stand-alone series rooted in each country’s cultural identity.” Gardini states these collaborations allowed her and the team to craft a series that feels authentic to its Italian roots while resonating with a global audience.

Bold Choices Behind the Scenes

One of the standout decisions in Citadel: Diana’s production was delaying the start of filming to give Matilda de Angelis, who plays Diana, enough time to fully prepare for the role. “The boldest decision was to move our start date so that Matilda could do four months of stunt training…It was the best decision we ever made!” This commitment to ensuring de Angelis could fully embody the physicality of the role adds depth to her portrayal, making Diana both a formidable and relatable character.

Resilience and Advice for Emerging Filmmakers

Gardini’s experiences on Citadel: Diana offer valuable lessons for emerging filmmakers, particularly in the importance of resilience. “Resiliency is a fundamental attribute for any spy (and emerging filmmaker). You need to be tough to withstand and bounce back from all the difficulties the film industry will throw at you.” This advice reflects the perseverance required to navigate both the world of espionage and the film industry, encouraging aspiring filmmakers to stay determined in the face of challenges.

A Global Spy Story with a Local Heart

Ultimately, Citadel: Diana is more than just a spy thriller—it’s a cross-cultural exploration of identity, resilience, and modern espionage, anchored by Gardini’s distinct vision. With AGBO’s support, the series takes creative risks while staying true to its Italian roots. “Make no mistake, Citadel: Diana is told through a wholly Italian lens, but cross-cultural collaboration opens your mind to a whole slew of new possibilities,” Gardini shares, underscoring the importance of a global perspective in storytelling.

Under Gardini’s leadership, Citadel: Diana pushes the boundaries of the spy genre, blending action with emotional depth to create a compelling and complex narrative. As Gardini reminds us, “You need to be tough to withstand and bounce back from all the difficulties you will face to achieve your goal ,” a sentiment that resonates not only in Diana’s journey but in the ambitious and groundbreaking storytelling behind the series. Citadel: Diana is set to leave a lasting impact, both as a bold chapter in the Citadel universe and as a standout in the evolving spy genre.

Don't Miss Producer Gina Gardini and Citadel: Diana Star Matilda De Angelis as They Dive into the New Series!