Picture: Mariano Barroso (left) with actress Belén Cuesta (right) on set of El Niño
Netflix’s new heartfelt Spanish drama film from Mariano Barroso, El Niño, recently wrapped filming in Madrid. Based on a tragic true story that shocked all of Spain, it stars Money Heist actress Belén Cuesta, with Karra Elejalde and Raquel Ferri joining. We expect to see the film on Netflix sometime in 2026.
El Niño is an upcoming Netflix Original Spanish drama film directed and written by Mariano Barroso, who adapted the screenplay from Fernando Aramburu’s novel of the same name. Barrosi and Rafael Portela also produced the film.
Director Barroso had the following to say about the film:
“I’m delighted to continue my work with Netflix, this time from the script and direction of my next film. Working with the teams in this house is one of the best experiences in my career. Adapting Fernando Aramburu’s novel is a great challenge and a thrilling privilege.”
Executive Producer Fernando Aramburu also shared a statement:
“The accident in Ortuella had a deep echo inside of me throughout the years. I felt as if it was claiming its own space inside the series of stories called ‘Gentes vascas’ that I was resolved to tell. The adaptation of this project by Netflix pleases me greatly and at the same time strengthens the certainty about these kids, who died in that tragedy in 1980, being worthy of having a decent space in our memory.
What is the plot of El Niño?
Netflix has provided a synopsis for El Niño:
“Tells the story of Mariaje (Belén Cuesta) and Nicasio (Karra Elejalde), the mother and grandfather of one of the children who died in the gas explosion in a town in Vizcaya in October 1980. This tragedy shocked the town and all of Spain, and changed their lives forever. Our protagonists refuse to accept the tragedy. In a journey of discovery and resilience, full of unexpected emotions, Mariaje and Nicasio search for—and find—their own unique way to overcome their loss.”
Picture: On set of El Niño – Netflix
Who are the cast members of El Niño?
Belén Cuesta plays Mariaje. Money Heist fans will recognise the actress as Julia, aka Manila, in Money Heist. She also starred in Netflix titles such as Paquita Salas and Rotten Legacy. Outside of Netflix, she is most well-known for starring in Holy Camp, The Endless Torch, and Past Lies.
Picture: Belén Cuesta as Manila in Money Heist – Netflix
Karra Elejalde plays Nicasio. The actor has yet to star in a Netflix project and is most well-known for starring in Spanish films such as Timecrimes, Even the Rain, Spanish Affair, and 100 Meters.
Picture: Karra Elejalde (center) in Spanish Affair – Alamode Film
Raquel Ferri plays Garbiñe. The actress has starred in two Netflix titles, Cable Girls and God’s Crooked Line. Outside of Netflix, she is most well-known for starring in films such as Wild Road, and Mario.
Picture: Raquel Ferri in God’s Crooked Line – Netflix
What is the production status of El Niño?
We’re unsure of the exact start date of production on El Niño, but we have confirmation from Netflix that filming wrapped in Madrid, Spain, on June 30, 2025.
When is El Niño coming to Netflix?
At the time of writing, a Netflix release date has not been announced for El Niño. Given that filming has wrapped, we would expect to see the film on Netflix within the next 12 months.
There’s a chance the film could be on Netflix before the end of 2025. However, we expect that we’ll see El Niño on Netflix sometime in the first half of 2026.
For now, we await official confirmation from Netflix.
Are you looking forward to watching El Niño on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!
