Series

Is 'City of God: The Fight Rages On' based on a true story? All about the sequel

22 years after the grand premiere of City of God, HBO has developed its continuation, but this time in series format and with the same actors. Here, check if the story of "The Fight Rages On" is based on real events.

Alexandre Rodrigues in City of God: The Fight Rages On.
© IMDbAlexandre Rodrigues in City of God: The Fight Rages On.

City of God: The Fight Rages On” is HBO’s latest hit that has arrived on Max, reviving a story we thought was forgotten. The drama returned in series format, and its first season has already become one of the most-watched.

The success of the 2002 film, which earned four Oscar nominations, was the driving force behind the creation of the new TV show, which aims to expand and update the original narrative for a new audience.

Several members of the past cast returned once again, including Alexandre Rodrigues (the main protagonist, Rocket), along with other key characters who bring continuity to the popular storyline.

Advertisement

Is City of God: The Fight Rages On based on a true story?

Yes! “City of God: The Fight Rages On” is based on true events and continues the story that began with the 2002 movie. Both productions were inspired by the novel Cidade de Deus, written by Paulo Lins.

The narrative reflects the real experiences of the inhabitants of the violent favelas of Rio de Janeiro. The new series, created by Aly Muritiba, is set two decades after the events of the original drama.

Advertisement

The seven episodes once again immerse us in the lives of those who survived the brutal gang wars, and the plot begins with the release from prison of a young drug dealer.

The official site of Robert Ebert, the renowned critic, noted that the lack of youthful energy and vitality makes the aging of its characters and the realities even darker than the first installment.

What is City of God about?

Based on true events, the film narrates the story of life in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, focusing on the development and evolution of violence and crime in the community. It follows the lives of several characters over the decades.

Advertisement

The narrative begins in the 1960s and extends into the 1980s, highlighting the lives of two young men, Buscapé (Rocket) and Zé Pequeno (Li’l Ze). The former aspires to be a photographer, while the latter becomes a violent gang leader.

Ariadna is a multisport journalist specialized in delivering key, high-value information across competitions, including tournament formats, rules, lineups and injury updates, while also producing evergreen content. Her career in journalism began in 2021 at Indie Emergente, a digital music magazine, where she honed her skills in writing and reporting. In 2023, she expanded her expertise by contributing to Spoiler Latinoamerica, creating general culture content, before joining Spoiler US in 2024 to focus on entertainment coverage. With almost six years of experience across different media outlets, Ariadna has developed strong expertise at the intersection of sports and entertainment, covering live events such as Super Bowls, FIFA World Cup opening and closing ceremonies, Olympic Games and UEFA Champions League finals, bringing depth, accuracy and real-time insight to her reporting.

ALSO READ
Remembering Marlon Brando: Legendary Roles That Shaped Hollywood History
Celebrities

Remembering Marlon Brando: Legendary Roles That Shaped Hollywood History

Eddie Murphy Turns 65: 12 Comedies That Defined a Generation of Laughs
Celebrities

Eddie Murphy Turns 65: 12 Comedies That Defined a Generation of Laughs

Happy 40th Birthday, Amanda Bynes: 10 Roles That Made Her a 2000s It Girl
Celebrities

Happy 40th Birthday, Amanda Bynes: 10 Roles That Made Her a 2000s It Girl

Nick Jonas and Kathryn Newton Team Up for Horror Film ‘White Elephant’
Celebrities

Nick Jonas and Kathryn Newton Team Up for Horror Film ‘White Elephant’

Receive the latest news in your E-mail box

Registering implies accepting the Terms and Conditions

Better Collective Logo