Netflix has begun work on a new drama series about the complicated relationship between two of Mexico's most famous artists – Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

Project in development phase

The series is currently in the stage of scriptwriting and budget planning, with Patricia Riggen and Gabriel Ripstein responsible for its production.

Mexican perspective

The production will be filmed in Spanish by Mexican creators, which is intended to ensure historical and cultural authenticity.

Focus on the relationship

The plot will concentrate on the artists' turbulent relationship, encompassing two marriages, numerous infidelities, and mutual inspiration.

Netflix is preparing a series about the life and turbulent relationship of Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The project is currently in the development phase, with Patricia Riggen and Gabriel Ripstein set to direct. The production aims to introduce viewers not only to the artistic achievements of the couple but, above all, to their complicated relationship, which for decades has remained one of the most recognizable narratives in the history of modern art. Information about work on the title was reported by leading industry media, pointing to the streaming platform's significant investment in developing biographical content from the Latin American region.

Media reports contain discrepancies regarding the final format of the production, which is typical for the early stages of a project. While American outlets Deadline and Variety describe the venture as a drama series, the German portal Stern.de mentions a documentary format. The production will be helmed by acclaimed Mexican creators: Patricia Riggen, known for directing the film Under the Same Moon, and Gabriel Ripstein, an experienced producer and director whose work has been awarded at international festivals. The collaboration of these filmmakers is expected to guarantee authenticity in portraying Mexican identity and the realities of the era in which the protagonists lived.

Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are icons of Mexican modernism, whose lives were inextricably intertwined with Mexico's political history in the first half of the 20th century. Kahlo became famous primarily for her poignant self-portraits, while Rivera was a leading representative of muralism, creating monumental frescoes in public spaces. Their marriage, which took place in 1929, was full of betrayals, separations, and reconciliations, including a high-profile divorce and remarriage a year later. The couple hosted figures such as Leon Trotsky in their home, highlighting their strong involvement in leftist and communist movements.

The series will focus on depicting the dynamics of this relationship, which survived numerous crises and became a foundation for their mutual artistic inspiration. The creators intend to delve into the physical and emotional pain of Frida Kahlo, stemming from a tragic bus accident in her youth, and the dominant personality of Diego Rivera, who played a key role in shaping Mexican national art. Although a release date or casting details have not yet been announced, the project is already generating excitement as one of Netflix's most ambitious biographical productions.

Mentioned People

  • Gabriel Ripstein — Mexican film producer, director, editor, and screenwriter.
  • Patricia Riggen — Mexican film director, known for the films 'Under the Same Moon' and 'G20'.
  • Frida Kahlo — Mexican painter known for self-portraits and works inspired by nature and Mexican culture.
  • Diego Rivera — Mexican painter, creator of large-scale frescoes and co-founder of the muralism movement.