Ricardo Darín Stars in Netflix Adaptation of Legendary Comic ‘El Eternauta’

Buenos Aires, Argentina – The iconic Argentine comic ‘El Eternauta’ has finally made its way to the screen with a new Netflix series released on April 30, 2025. Directed and written by Bruno Stagnaro, this six-episode adaptation sees acclaimed actor Ricardo Darín in the lead role of Juan Salvo.

‘El Eternauta’ chronicles a group of individuals fighting for survival in Buenos Aires amidst an alien invasion characterized by a lethal, toxic snowfall. The original comic, created by writer Héctor Oesterheld and illustrator Francisco Solano López, was published in serialized form from 1957 to 1959.

Darín, known for his work in films such as ‘Nueve reinas’ and ‘El secreto de sus ojos,’ admits he was initially intimidated by the idea of entering the sci-fi genre. “It scared me a little at first, but then I started to calm down,” he told AFP in an interview. He felt excited when he saw how seriously the project was being approached by all involved.

The narrative delves into themes of resistance and unity against tyranny, with Darín noting that the compelling storyline resonates with audiences today. “The message is clear: ‘No one is saved alone,’” he stated, highlighting the comic’s political undertones connected to Argentina’s history.

Darín faced intense physical challenges while portraying Salvo, as the role demanded him to navigate large, dystopian sets covered in artificial snow. “It was physically demanding, and we often finished filming exhausted,” he reflected, recalling the 113 days of shooting he participated in.

Despite the challenges, Darín expressed pride in the ambitious scale of the production, which utilized Hollywood-grade techniques, such as dynamic virtual backgrounds and advanced effects for the alien snowfall. “Nothing like this has been done here before,” he mentioned.

Looking ahead, Darín is optimistic that the series will garner significant attention, especially considering the current challenges facing the Argentine film industry amid budget cuts under President Javier Milei. ”I believe the impact of this series will be substantial,” he remarked.

The adaptation of ‘El Eternauta’ comes at a culturally relevant moment, evoking fears analogous to present political tensions worldwide. As Darín prepares for upcoming projects, including a new film co-produced with his son, he believes that ‘El Eternauta’ reaffirms the artistic value of Argentine cinema on the global stage.