The Protagonist

Giancarlo Mangiapane is thirty years old and has one single dream: to become a great actor. However, the important roles aren't coming, so Giancarlo ends up acting in his everyday life. One day, his agent tells him he's about to get the opportunity of a lifetime: the lead audition for Clochard, a biopic about the life of Gustavo Noradin, a 1950s tap dance champion who fell from grace due to his addictions. When he discovers that his roommate is also preparing for the same role, a rivalry is born that begins to obsess him. Between exhausting rehearsals, a mother who keeps trying to reach him, and a fearsome casting director, Giancarlo's identification with the character becomes total, to the point of jeopardizing his true identity.

Directed by Fabrizio Benvenuto, The Protagonist leans on a strong ensemble — Pierluigi Gigante, Morena Gentile, Alessio Lapice — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 2025.