Bud Spencer's legacy is taken over by Salvatore Esposito - Bud Spencer's role is being succeeded by Salvatore Esposito.
In an exciting turn of events, television network Sky has announced the upcoming release of four crime thrillers, set in the heart of Naples, and starring the new face of the beloved "Flatfoot" series. This character was once brought to life by the legendary Bud Spencer, who passed away in 2016. The reboot's premiere date has been set for the spring of 2025.
The series opens with "Flatfoot - A Cop in Naples: Return," starring detective Vincenzo Palmieri, played by Salvatore Esposito. Palmieri, a protégé of Bud Spencer's iconic character Manuele "Flatfoot" Rizzo, returns to his hometown of Naples following a stint in Germany. His first challenge is gaining the trust of his colleagues, a task made more difficult by Commissioner Sonia Ascarelli, portrayed by Silvia D'Amico.
Stepping into the giant, flat-soled shoes left by Bud Spencer is no small feat. Esposito, like his predecessor and character, hails from Naples. He gained fame through his role in the successful series "Gomorrah," set in his hometown. Here, he played Gennaro, one of the main characters in the gangster drama inspired by Roberto Saviano's book.
Esposito's first foray into English-speaking roles came in the fourth season of the anthology series "Fargo." His current project is "Criminal Squad 2," shown in theaters.
Bud Spencer, born in 1929, first portrayed Manuele Rizzo in "They Call Him Flatfoot," released in 1973. This was followed by "Flatfoot Cleans Up," "Flatfoot in Africa," and "Flatfoot at the Nile," all released in 1980. Alongside comedy Westerns with Terence Hill, the "Flatfoot" crime thrillers remain some of Spencer's most popular works.
As we eagerly await the return of the Flatfoot series and the rise of its new star, let's reflect on the impact of Bud Spencer and the legacy he leaves behind. His charismatic performances, filled with humor and grit, continue to endear him to audiences around the world.
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What role will Salvatore Esposito take in the 2025 reboot of the Flatfoot series, set in Naples? Esposito, a Naples native like Bud Spencer's character, will step into the flatfoot shoes in "Flatfoot - A Cop in Naples: Return." In the meantime, the charismatic Bud Spencer, who originally played Manuele "Flatfoot" Rizzo in '70s and '80s films, garnered global fame with his humorous and gritty performances.
Despite the anticipation for the upcoming reboot, Commissioner Sonia Ascarelli may pose a challenge for detective Vincenzo Palmieri, played by Esposito. Palmieri, a protégé of Bud Spencer's character, returns to Naples from a stint in Germany, where he earned fame through roles in the successful Italian series "Gomorrah."
As series viewers look forward to witnessing Esposito in the English-language "Criminal Squad 2," they can't forget the impact Bud Spencer had on crime thrillers, by pioneering the Flatfoot character with his iconic performances.
