Filming for a new Netflix historical drama series tentatively titled The Russian (El Ruso) took place in central Prague over the Easter weekend, transforming parts of the city into wartime Germany. The production, led by Argentine actor Chino Darín, staged scenes featuring actors in Nazi uniforms and Hitler Youth costumes, drawing attention from passersby.
The Prague Reporter captured images from the set, showing detailed period costumes and set dressing designed to evoke the 1940s setting. The production is part of a five-episode miniseries for Netflix directed by Sebastián Borensztein.
Some local outlets misidentified the filming as part of What Happens at Night, the Martin Scorsese thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio that has also been filming in Prague. Coincidentally, The Russian also made use of locations previously utilized for the production of What Happens at Night.
Production of The Russian in Prague. Photos © The Prague Reporter
Czech locations stand in for wartime Europe
Production for The Russian has made extensive use of Prague’s historic architecture, particularly in the city center, where streets can be adapted to resemble mid-20th century Europe. Filming over the weekend included sequences involving uniformed extras and military iconography, suggesting scenes set in Nazi Germany during World War II.
In addition to Prague, the production also shot in Žatec, a location increasingly used by international film and television projects due to its preserved historic character. What Happens at Night happened to shoot at the same locations in the Czech town just a week earlier.
The Czech capital has long served as a versatile stand-in for European cities across different eras, with its combination of Gothic, Baroque, and early modern architecture allowing productions to recreate a wide range of historical settings. For The Russian, this adaptability appears central to depicting the story’s wartime backdrop.
According to available production details, filming began in Buenos Aires before moving to European locations. Prague’s role in the shoot underscores its continued importance as a hub for international streaming productions, particularly those requiring period authenticity.
Argentine production brings WWII story to screen
The series centers on a fictional story set during World War II, following an Argentine tango singer known as “El Ruso,” portrayed by Darín. The character, who has Jewish roots, is lured to Nazi Germany under false pretenses and becomes entangled in a complex intelligence operation that could alter the course of history.
Director Borensztein, who also wrote the series, described the project as a long-gestating production. “It’s undoubtedly the most challenging of my career, due to the scale of the production and the narrative complexity involved,” he said in a statement announcing the series. He added that Darín’s role represents “a great acting challenge” requiring extensive preparation.
The miniseries is produced by Kenya Films and K&S Films, two Argentine companies with a track record of internationally recognized projects. Their previous work includes award-winning films such as Argentina, 1985 and The Heist of the Century, as well as collaborations with global streaming platforms.
While the official release date and final title have yet to be confirmed, the series is expected to combine historical drama with elements of espionage and personal transformation. The production’s scale, including international filming across multiple continents, reflects Netflix’s continued investment in globally produced original content.
For Prague, the project represents another high-profile addition to a growing list of international productions choosing the city for its locations and production infrastructure this year.
The series joins a growing list of projects shooting in the Czech capital early this year, which also includes What Happens at Night, Netflix’s The Age of Innocence and a new Kennedy mini-series, the new John le Carré series Legacy of Spies, and the aforementioned Foundation. Production on The Secret of Secrets, based on Dan Brown’s latest Robert Langdon novel, is also expected to begin in the Czech capital later this year.
