As the Citadel universe continues to grow, its latest spin-off, Citadel: Diana, is set to premiere on October 10, 2024, on Amazon Prime Video. The series stars Matilda De Angelis as Diana Cavalieri, an undercover agent navigating a world of espionage, betrayal, and survival. While Citadel: Diana promises intense action and high-stakes drama, De Angelis recently revealed that her portrayal of Diana was deeply inspired by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the star of the original Citadel series.
During a press screening for Citadel: Honey Bunny in London in September 2024, Matilda De Angelis, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu (who leads the Indian adaptation, Citadel: Honey Bunny) came together, sharing a viral moment that highlighted the franchise’s dedication to strong female characters. This meeting was not only a showcase of star power but a symbol of the Citadel universe’s ongoing mission to redefine the spy genre with powerful female leads.
Matilda De Angelis on Priyanka’s Impact
Matilda De Angelis recently opened up about how much Priyanka’s performance in Citadel influenced her. In an interview, Matilda shared that the first time she saw Priyanka in action, she was “deeply inspired” by her portrayal of Nadia Sinh, a fiercely intelligent and badass character who leads the charge in the original series. De Angelis said that she strives to bring the same intensity and complexity to her own role as Diana, a woman trapped behind enemy lines, balancing loyalty, survival, and self-determination.
At the Citadel: Honey Bunny press event, De Angelis, Chopra, and Samantha posed for a picture that quickly went viral, sparking conversations about the franchise’s embrace of strong female characters. For De Angelis, the image represents more than just a viral moment. It speaks to the importance of showcasing women in leadership roles within the Citadel universe. She expressed excitement about future opportunities to reconnect with Priyanka and Samantha, hoping to deepen their bond beyond their brief interactions at the event.
A Global Spy Franchise with a Difference
The Citadel franchise, masterminded by the Russo Brothers, is reshaping the modern spy genre by emphasizing diversity and strong narratives. Rather than simply imitating classic franchises like James Bond, Citadel takes a unique approach, spotlighting stories driven by compelling characters—especially women. De Angelis reflected on this shift, noting that the inclusion of powerful female figures in prominent roles wasn’t just a trendy decision but an integral part of the storytelling.
“It only makes sense when the female characters are essential to the story,” Matilda said, echoing her belief that representation should serve the narrative and not just be a marketing strategy. She credited the franchise creators with making this a core aspect of the Citadel universe, allowing female leads like Priyanka, Samantha, and herself to be central to the action without feeling forced or superficial.
Expanding the Citadel Universe: A World of Spies
The Citadel universe is growing rapidly, with each adaptation offering a new setting and unique storyline while maintaining a cohesive narrative across its global branches. Following the success of the original Citadel series starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden, the franchise has expanded with localized versions, including Citadel: Honey Bunny and Citadel: Diana.
Citadel: Honey Bunny, directed by Raj-DK and starring Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan, will launch on November 7, 2024, on Amazon Prime Video. The Indian adaptation explores the high-stakes world of espionage from a fresh cultural lens, further enriching the interconnected stories within the franchise. Meanwhile, Citadel: Diana takes viewers to Italy, where Matilda De Angelis’ character, Diana, fights for survival after the fall of the global spy agency Citadel.
With each adaptation, the Citadel universe creates a multi-layered experience for viewers, offering them a glimpse into different regions, cultures, and the challenges faced by undercover agents. This global storytelling approach has made Citadel one of the most ambitious franchises in recent television history, offering audiences a rich blend of action, drama, and emotional complexity.
What’s Next for Priyanka Chopra Jonas?
As Matilda De Angelis and Samantha Ruth Prabhu take the spotlight in their respective spin-offs, Priyanka Chopra Jonas continues to expand her role within the Citadel universe. Production for Citadel Season 2 is already underway, with Priyanka reprising her role as Nadia Sinh, while her co-star Richard Madden returns as Mason Kane. The actress has also been busy with several high-profile film projects, including Heads of State and The Bluff. In addition, she is in discussions for the much-anticipated Bollywood film Jee Le Zara, where she will star alongside Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt.
With Citadel: Diana set to premiere on October 10, 2024, and Citadel: Honey Bunny following soon after in November, the Citadel universe is rapidly expanding, bringing together powerful stories from around the world. To catch a glimpse of the action-packed drama ahead, watch the official trailer for Citadel: Diana on Amazon Prime Video.
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