Neapolitans Say ‘Enough’ to Endless ‘Gomorrah’ Spin-offs

As the filming of 'Gomorrah: Origins' begins in Naples, many locals express frustration over ongoing depictions of their city tied to crime and lawlessness, wishing to highlight the positive aspects of their culture instead.

A banner fluttered through the narrow streets of Naples recently, declaring, “We don’t support you anymore.” The target of this message is “Gomorrah,” the immensely popular Italian crime drama, which recently launched a prequel titled “Gomorrah: Origins” in the city’s historical Spanish Quarter. This latest installment seeks to delve into the origins of the infamous Camorra crime syndicate from the 1970s, adding to an expansive franchise that has already included a bestselling nonfiction book, critically acclaimed films, and five seasons of television.

Despite the show’s success, sentiments of frustration are echoing among many Neapolitans who believe their city has been unfairly represented. “They filmed the first one, they filmed the second one,” said Gennaro Di Virgilio, a local artisan. “Basta,” he continues, expressing a desire for the narrative to evolve beyond its current themes.

Once overshadowed by crime and corruption, Naples has recently enjoyed a tourism renaissance, showcasing its rich heritage, culinary delights, and stunning landscapes. However, many citizens are concerned that the constant focus on crime-related narratives is overshadowing the progress the city has made. They argue that the continuous portrayal of Naples as synonymous with lawlessness does a disservice to its residents, who are eager to share their multifaceted culture, not just the shadows of its history.

As the city grapples with high youth unemployment and crime rates, the portrayal of Naples as “Gomorrah” persists. The strong connection between contemporary tourism and the crime series raises a question: can Naples ever shake off this stereotype, or is it doomed to be forever tied to the “malavita” narrative?