Sky Original has unveiled the first trailer and poster for its upcoming thriller series Rosa Elettrica, an “on-the-run” action drama that promises a high-stakes journey across Italy. Starring Maria Chiara Giannetta, the series is scheduled to premiere on May 8, available exclusively on Sky and streaming via NOW [1].
The production, led by director Davide Marengo, is a loose adaptation of the bestseller novel of the same name written by Giampaolo Simi and published by Sellerio Editore in 2007 [1]. Spanning six episodes, the series blends elements of a police procedural with a road movie, focusing on the unlikely bond between a law enforcement officer and a criminal target.
At the heart of the narrative is Rosa Valera, a young agent who has recently joined the Witness Protection Unit. Her first assignment is the protection of Cocìss, a young and unpredictable Camorra boss who has decided to collaborate with the authorities to escape the reach of a rival clan [2, 3]. But, the operation takes a dramatic turn when Rosa discovers a critical flaw in the system, leading her to break the chain of command and flee with the very man she was assigned to guard [1, 2].
As they navigate the Italian landscape, Rosa and Cocìss find themselves targeted by both criminal elements and the institutions that were supposed to protect them. Their shared goal becomes a desperate fight for survival and a quest to uncover the truth behind the systemic failure that forced them into hiding [1, 3].
Behind the Scenes: Production and Creative Vision
The series is a collaborative effort between Sky Studios and Cross Productions, with Davide Marengo taking the helm as director. Marengo brings a seasoned background in suspense and crime drama, having previously directed projects such as Il cacciatore, Notturno bus, and Un’estate fa [1].
A distinctive aspect of Rosa Elettrica is its writing process. The series was developed by an all-female writers’ room, led by Giordana Mari, who as well collaborated on the subject with Giampaolo Simi and Vittorino Testa [3]. The screenwriting team includes Fortunata Apicella, Serena Patrignanelli, and Michela Straniero, marking a specific creative choice to bring a female perspective to the action/thriller genre [3].
The physical production of the series was an extensive undertaking that spanned multiple Italian regions. Filming took place in Rome, Naples and its surrounding areas, Emilia-Romagna, and Trentino-Alto Adige [2]. This geographical diversity serves as a backdrop for the characters’ personal growth and self-discovery as they travel from the Lazio region through Campania and up to Emilia Romagna [3].
The production timeline saw filming begin on July 24, 2024, following an announcement by lead actress Maria Chiara Giannetta on Instagram [2]. Sky later confirmed that filming concluded on November 6, 2024, at which point the first set images were released to the public [2].
Cast and Character Dynamics
Maria Chiara Giannetta takes the lead role of Rosa Valera. Her character is portrayed as an “accidental heroine,” a young agent forced to make choices far larger than herself when she realizes the institutions she serves are compromised [1].
Opposite Giannetta is Francesco Di Napoli, who plays Cocìss. The dynamic between the two is central to the series, evolving from a professional relationship of guard and prisoner to a partnership of necessity. Their journey across Italy is described not just as a flight from danger, but as a metaphor for personal growth [3].
Key Production Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | May 8 (Verified) |
| Platform | Sky (Exclusive) and NOW (Streaming) |
| Format | 6 Episodes |
| Director | Davide Marengo |
| Lead Cast | Maria Chiara Giannetta, Francesco Di Napoli |
| Based On | Novel by Giampaolo Simi (2007) |
What to Expect from the Plot
The series is categorized as an “on-the-run” thriller, meaning the plot is driven by constant movement and the tension of being hunted. The narrative focuses on several key conflicts:
- Institutional Betrayal: The discovery of a “falla nel sistema” (flaw in the system) that makes the official protection program dangerous for both the agent and the witness [2, 3].
- Criminal Pursuit: The ongoing threat from the rival Camorra clan that Cocìss has betrayed [2].
- Personal Evolution: The transition of Rosa from a disciplined agent following orders to a rogue operator fighting for the truth [1, 2].
The series aims to balance the adrenaline of an action thriller with the emotional depth of two disparate individuals finding common ground while being “alone against everyone” [2, 3].
With the release of the trailer and official poster on April 8, 2026, the countdown has begun for the series’ debut. Viewers can expect Rosa Elettrica to arrive on Sky and NOW on May 8 [1].
We invite our readers to share their thoughts on this upcoming adaptation in the comments below. Do you believe the “on-the-run” format will effectively capture the essence of Giampaolo Simi’s novel?