Spanish screen stars Karla Sofía Gascón and Itziar Ituño have signed on to headline "When Devils Rule" ("Los demonios mandan"), an upcoming six-part political fantasy satire produced by Spain's Atlantika Films. The project centers on a contemporary struggle between everyday working women and hidden demonic figures operating within the highest corridors of global and political influence. Currently in development, the series will be presented to international industry partners at Tallinn's TV Beats Co-Financing Market in mid-November.
A Satirical Take on Modern Societal Chaos
Created and produced by Atlantika founder Nano Arrieta alongside Claudia Ruíz, "When Devils Rule" combines thriller elements with folklore, supernatural themes, and dark political satire. The narrative follows a world where deceptive entities blend seamlessly into human society, manipulating powerful leaders and driving global stability toward collapse. The pilot script is being co-written by Arrieta and Basque screenwriter Ibai Ariztegi.
Project Details: 'When Devils Rule'
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Title | When Devils Rule (Los demonios mandan) |
| Format | 6-part television series |
| Production Company | Atlantika Films |
| Director | Rodrigo Susarte |
| Creators / Producers | Nano Arrieta, Claudia Ruíz |
| Confirmed Cast | Karla Sofía Gascón (Manuela), Itziar Ituño (Evita) |
| Literary Inspiration | The Journey of the Seven Demons by Manuel Mujica Lainez |
Arrieta revealed that the core premise takes loose inspiration from "The Journey of the Seven Demons," a novel by prominent Argentine author Manuel Mujica Lainez. However, the creative team deliberately departed from the source book's original setup. While the novel depicts demons leaving the underworld to harvest human souls after completing earlier assignments, Arrieta explained that modern crises—ranging from political extremism to the rise of authoritarianism—prompted a revised perspective where corrupting forces are already deeply embedded among everyday humans.
Working-Class Protagonists Facing Hidden Forces
The series centers on four female leads drawn from ordinary, working-class backgrounds whose jobs reflect essential societal foundations across caregiving, healthcare, journalism, and education. Connected through a local community center where they support marginalized neighbors and migrants, these women intervene where public institutions have failed, eventually taking on the task of exposing and confronting the disguised demons.
Gascón, widely recognized for her Oscar-nominated performance in "Emilia Pérez," is cast as Manuela, an educator working at an elite school. Ituño, known globally for "Money Heist," will portray Evita, the personal secretary serving the prime minister of the fictional nation featured in the series. Negotiations remain underway to cast the two remaining lead roles.
Creative Reunions and Production Strategy
The series marks an ongoing creative relationship between Ituño, director Rodrigo Susarte, and Atlantika Films, who recently teamed on the upcoming eco-thriller "Patagonia," scheduled to debut on Movistar Plus in January 2027. Susarte is attached to helm the six-episode run. Expressing enthusiasm for his leads, Arrieta emphasized that both Gascón and Ituño possess strong off-screen voices and commanding presence that directly align with the story's underlying social critique.
Financing for the ambitious drama is partially secured, with roughly 60% of its Spanish production expenditures expected to be covered by regional tax incentives from Spain's Basque region. To complete the funding structure, the producers are seeking broadcast partners, streaming platforms, and international co-producers.
Industry Presentation at Tallinn
Atlantika Films is heading to Estonia to showcase the drama during the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event sidebar at the Black Nights Film Festival. The project will compete for the Council of Europe Series Co-Production Development Award, which carries a cash prize of €50,000 (approximately $56,000).
As development progresses, the production team aims to solidify co-financing pacts and finalize casting for the remaining two heroines before moving into physical production.
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Source: Variety
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