What challenges did Saverio Costanzo face in adapting Elena Ferrante's novels?

Costanzo initially struggled to adapt Ferrante's novel "The Lost Daughter" due to its complex structure, but found more success in adapting her acclaimed Neapolitan novels into the popular HBO series "My Brilliant Friend."

How did Elena Ferrante collaborate with Saverio Costanzo on the TV adaptation?

Despite never meeting in person, Ferrante and Costanzo worked closely together, with Ferrante being open to changes and seeing the "tension between a man and a woman" as central to the work. They co-wrote every episode of the series.

What concerns did Saverio Costanzo express about the future of productions like "My Brilliant Friend"?

Costanzo doubts whether a show requiring the significant resources to accurately portray the now mostly defunct Neapolitan dialect used by the characters could be made today.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Filmmaker Shares Insights on Adapting Elusive Author Elena Ferrante's Novels

Filmmaker Shares Insights on Adapting Elusive Author Elena Ferrante's Novels

2 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Filmmaker Saverio Costanzo adapted Ferrante's Neapolitan novels for HBO series
Ferrante was open to changes, seeing the "tension between a man and a woman" as key
Costanzo couldn't adapt Ferrante's other novel, The Lost Daughter, due to its complexity

Filmmaker Shares Insights on Adapting Elusive Author Elena Ferrante's Novels

In November 2025, Italian filmmaker Saverio Costanzo provided a behind-the-scenes look at his collaboration with the enigmatic author Elena Ferrante to adapt her Neapolitan novels into the hit HBO series "My Brilliant Friend." Costanzo, who co-wrote and directed all four seasons of the show, first approached Ferrante about adapting her novel "The Lost Daughter," but was unable to create a successful script due to the book's complex structure.