Viacom will release a Spanish-language reimagining of Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief in a ten part series. Partnering with Viacom International Media Networks and Viacom International Studios Latin, To Catch a Thief (Atrapa a un Ladron) will air on select Viacom stations in Southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa and Latin America, and will also be sold internationally. It is the first co-production between these networks, and the filming will be split between Spain and Argentina. The leads also happen to be from these countries, with Pablo Echarri (The Method, Burnt Money) from Argentina and Alexandra Jimenez (Kiki, Love to Love, Super Lopez) a popular actress from Spain. Echarri will play Juan Garay, also known as “The Cat,” and Jimenez as Lola Garay, the police inspector’s wife.
Viacom’s collaboration shows the movement towards a more international market. According to Amalia Martinez de Velasco, senior vice president of entertainment brands, this project will help move local originals to the international level. “We are incredibly excited to take part in this groundbreaking project with Viacom International Studios, she stated. “To Catch A Thief marks an important step forward for us into the world of original productions for the Paramount TV channels across our regions.”
The series will be based on Alfred Hitchcock’s 1955 film by the same name. The original film To Catch a Thief starred famed actors Cary Grant and Grace Kelly in a Hitchcockian romance and mystery about a former jewel thief blamed for a crime he did not commit. In order to reclaim his innocent, he tracks down this impersonator.
The series was written by Javier Olivares (Isabel and El Ministerio del Tiempo), one of Spain’s leading showrunners, along with the help of Jordi Calafi and Carolina Gonzalez. Olivares shared his enthusiasm about the new series with The Hollywood Reporter. “I was very excited when Viacom and Telefe called me to participate in the To Catch a Thief TV series in Argentina and Spain,” Olivares claimed. “Jordi Calafi and myself have simply tried to keep up and contribute, even if it is just 1 percent of Hitchcock’s ability to tell stories.”
Actress Jimenez also shared her excitement, raving that “There is nothing more stimulating for me than being able to participate in a project in which all the ingredients are perfectly mixed together. Hitchcock, Javier Olivares, Pablo Echarri, Argentina and Spain, and a company like Viacom. I couldn’t ask for anything better than this. I can’t wait to start shooting!” Echarri reciprocated her feelings, stating “I am very proud and glad to be part of this TV series based on one of the most iconic films from the ‘Father of Suspense,’ Alfred Hitchcock.”