Prime Video and RCN Studios aim to breathe new life into Betty la Fea, la Historia Continúa while staying true to its roots

Betty la Fea, la Historia Continúa premiered worldwide on Prime Video on Friday, July 19th. The biggest challenge for the platform of the production, created by Estudios RCN, is to capture the show’s original essence while simultaneously updating the story and introducing new elements.

“We began by re-examining Betty’s story from a fresh perspective. We held extensive discussions about the characters’ potential trajectories over the years, and also considered the evolving world of fashion and its symbolic language, as this story is rich with symbolism,” said Yalile Giordanelli, one of the executive producers alongside Juan Pablo Posada. Ana María Orozco and Jorge Enrique Abello also serve as associate producers, lending their expertise as the show’s leads.

This new chapter picks up with Beatriz Pinzón estranged (but not divorced) from Armando Mendoza. Having left Ecomoda, she’s forced to reconnect with old friends and foes due to a death that plunges the fashion house into mourning. This reunion brings her face-to-face with her former love, the Ecomoda crew (both allies and adversaries), and her daughter, Mila. Though Mila studied fashion in New York, their relationship remains strained.

TRIBUTE TO FERNANDO GAITÁN

Betty and Nicolás in Ugly Betty, the story continues

Betty la Fea, la Historia Continúa consists of 10 chapters, with two episodes released each Friday. Throughout the credits of each episode, viewers will find a special tribute to Fernando Gaitán, the show’s creator who passed away in 2019.

This sequel boasts not one but four talented librettists: Marta Betoldi (Ciega a Citas, Las Estrellas), César Betancur “Pucheros” (Las Hermanitas Calle, Rigo), Valeria Gómez (Manes), and Luis Carlos Ávila (La Reina del Flow). Together, they shoulder the monumental task of carrying forward the legacy of the legendary Gaitán.

“We perfectly captured the characters’ spirits. Fernando wasn’t afraid to push boundaries and take chances, and this series continues that tradition. The show is full of humor, and all the characters have a strong sense of self-worth. It’s filled with little homages to Fernando’s work, and honestly, it feels like he was with us the whole time,” Giordanelli said.

The cast agrees that Fernando Gaitán would be thrilled with the sequel to the most successful telenovela in history, according to Guinness World Records. “I think he’d approve of this craziness,” actress Lorna Cepeda, who plays Patricia Fernández, told PRODU. “He’d probably laugh a lot at what we’re doing, and he’d be proud too.”

Hugo Lombardi and Patricia Fernández in Betty la Fea, La Historia Continúa

“I imagine Fernando [Gaitán] looking down from heaven, seeing us as the original cast, and being so happy. After all, the essence of his work and all the characters are exactly as he envisioned them 25 years ago, and they still resonate today. So, I have no doubt he’d be thrilled,” added Natalia Ramírez, who plays Marcela Valencia.

The cast also includes Julián Arango, Julio César Herrera, Luces Velásquez, Marcela Posada, Mario Duarte, Estefanía Gómez, Ricardo Vélez, Alberto León Jaramillo, among others, also take part in this story; and talents such as Juanita Molina, Rodrigo Candamil, Zharick León and Sebastián Osorio joined.

NEW DIRECTOR IN COMMAND

To recapture their characters, the cast underwent a month of rehearsals before filming began. During this time, they benefited from the guidance and support of Mario Ribero, who directed the original Yo Soy Betty, la Fea. The directorial reins were then passed to Mauricio Cruz Fortunato, known for his work on productions like Café, con Aroma de Mujer (2020), Manes, and Pasión de Gavilanes 2.

“The biggest challenge was preserving the essence of the characters from the original series. We had to respect their established personalities while still finding ways to guide them and develop them further, without fundamentally changing who they are,” Cruz said.

Another key point the director emphasized is the show’s adaptation to the modern world.  “The challenge was reflecting the significant changes in society since the original series,” Cruz explained. “Masculinity and corporate culture have evolved dramatically.  While some aspects of companies remain constant, society as a whole has become more fluid and adaptable.”

Watch the press conference Betty la fea, la Historia Continúa