Is there a professor in Money Heist Berlin?

The Professor’s Absence: Why Álvaro Morte Isn’t in the Money Heist: Berlin Spin-off

Álvaro Morte’s portrayal of Sergio Marquina, the enigmatic Professor, is synonymous with the global success of Money Heist (La Casa de Papel). His strategic brilliance and quiet intensity captivated audiences worldwide, cementing his place as one of the show’s most beloved characters. However, despite the Professor’s crucial role in the original series and the subsequent spin-off focusing on the flamboyant Berlin, Álvaro Morte is notably absent from Money Heist: Berlin. This raises the question: why?

While fans might yearn for a Professor cameo or even a significant role in the spin-off, Morte himself has offered a clear explanation. His statement suggests that his journey as the Professor concluded with the narrative arc of the original Money Heist. He hasn’t explicitly stated a refusal to participate, but rather indicates a feeling that the character’s story reached its natural endpoint within the confines of the main series.

The Professor’s absence is arguably a deliberate creative decision. Money Heist: Berlin shifts focus to a different character, exploring Berlin’s backstory and independent heists. Introducing the Professor, even in a cameo, might overshadow Berlin’s narrative and dilute the spin-off’s unique identity. The Professor’s presence, intimately linked with the overall plot and overarching themes of the original series, could inadvertently draw comparisons and diminish the standalone nature of Berlin’s story.

Furthermore, the Professor’s absence allows for a fresh narrative perspective. While his intellect and planning were crucial to the main series, Money Heist: Berlin explores a different heist style and character dynamic. By omitting the Professor, the creators can establish a new set of stakes, challenges, and relationships, fostering a unique viewing experience distinct from the original show.

In conclusion, while many fans might have hoped to see Álvaro Morte reprise his iconic role in Money Heist: Berlin, the Professor’s absence is not a result of any conflict or unwillingness on the actor’s part. Instead, it reflects a strategic narrative decision to allow the spin-off to establish its own identity and tell a compelling, self-contained story centered on Berlin, without the overshadowing presence of the overarching strategic genius, Sergio Marquina, the Professor. The creative team’s choice to maintain this separation underscores their commitment to crafting a unique viewing experience for audiences familiar with the original series and newcomers alike.