Mario Martone Starts Filming ‘Trick’ in Naples, Featuring Toni Servillo in First Image

Mario Martone Begins Filming New Film Trick in Naples

Italian director Mario Martone has commenced principal photography for his latest film, Trick (Scherzetto), in his hometown of Naples. The production has unveiled a first look at actor Toni Servillo, who stars as a renowned illustrator.

The screenplay for Trick has been co-written by Martone and Ippolita di Majo and is adapted from the novel of the same name by Domenico Starnone, which was published by Einaudi.

Set predominantly within an apartment and its balcony, the narrative unfolds over a few days and depicts an unexpected confrontation between a grandfather and his grandson.

In his seventh collaboration with Martone, Servillo portrays Daniele Mallarico, an acclaimed illustrator who has spent years in relative isolation. He is joined by Lorenzo Perrotta, who plays his grandson, Mario, a young and wildly imaginative child.

The cast further includes Serena Rossi and Leonardo Lidi in the roles of Mario’s parents, while Gianluca Di Gennaro and Giovanni Ludeno will make appearances in friendly cameo roles.

Trick marks Martone’s 15th feature-length film, following the competition premiere of Fuori at Cannes in 2025.

Currently, Servillo is gaining international attention for his role in Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia. He recently received the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival for his portrayal of a president facing difficult decisions at the end of his term.

The film is produced by Mad Entertainment in collaboration with Rai Cinema and Picomedia, with production contributions from Maria Carolina Terzi, Carlo, Lorenza and Luciano Stella, and Mauro Luchetti for Mad Entertainment, as well as Roberto Sessa for Picomedia. It has also received support from the Fund for the Development of Investments in Cinema and Audiovisual Media.

The film’s creative team includes director of photography Paolo Carnera, production designer Carmine Guarino, costume designer Daniela Ciancio, and editor Jacopo Quadri. The score is composed by Valerio Vigliar, with illustrations designed by Dario Maglionico.

Trick is set to be distributed in Italian theaters by 01 Distribution, with international sales managed by Rai Cinema International Distribution.