rssNov 4, 2026, 15:45

Old Casa Rosso rebuilt for filming of series about Zwarte Joop

A film crew is currently recreating Amsterdam's red-light district on the Kromboomssloot for a new series titled Koning van de Wallen. The show documents the rise and fall of Maurits de Vries, an infamous underworld figure who built a massive gambling and sex club empire in the city.

Production crews have transformed the Kromboomssloot area into a replica of Amsterdam's red-light district to film the upcoming television series Koning van de Wallen. The show chronicles the tumultuous life of Maurits de Vries, better known as Zwarte Joop, the infamous godfather of the Amsterdam underworld. Director Tim Oliehoek is overseeing the production, which utilizes elaborate sets including vintage cars and the iconic Casa Rosso theater. Actor Gijs Naber stars as the protagonist in the six-part series, which also features a cast including Thekla Reuten and Lisa Zweerman.

Maurits de Vries built a vast empire of gambling dens and sex clubs in Amsterdam throughout the mid-20th century. The series follows his rise and the eventual collapse of his business following a tragic, arson-caused fire at Casa Rosso that claimed thirteen lives. De Vries passed away at age 51 in 1986. Koning van de Wallen is scheduled for release on NPO Start in early 2028, capturing the life of a man who once dominated the city's nightlife.

Culture Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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