Netflix Announces New Series Adaptation of Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s Iconic Autobiography ‘Happy Old Year’
Netflix has confirmed the screen adaptation of Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s 1982 landmark autobiography, Happy Old Year (Feliz Ano Velho). Produced in collaboration with Amaia and O2 Filmes, the series will bring one of Brazil’s most significant literary works on youth and disability to a global streaming audience.
RMN Stars OTT Desk
New Delhi | July 25, 2026
Netflix has officially announced a new series adaptation of Happy Old Year (Feliz Ano Velho), the seminal 1982 autobiography by Marcelo Rubens Paiva. The announcement was made during the 24th edition of the Paraty International Literary Festival (Flip), marking a major milestone for Brazilian literature in the audiovisual space.
A Literary Icon Moves to Streaming: Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s foundational story of resilience and youth is officially coming to Netflix.
The narrative centers on the life-altering accident that left Paiva quadriplegic at the age of 20. Written with a confessional and ironic tone, the book is celebrated for breaking stereotypes surrounding disability while exploring universal themes of coming of age and the essence of youth. Haná Vaisman, Netflix’s Director of Series in Brazil, emphasized that the story’s “strong emotional connection” with readers stems from its ability to transform an intensely personal account into a universal experience.
The production is a joint venture between Amaia and O2 Filmes. Andrea Barata Ribeiro of O2 Filmes and Diane Maia of Amaia expressed that adapting this work is both an “honor” and a “responsibility,” requiring a high degree of subtlety and truth to honor Paiva’s journey. O2 Filmes brings significant prestige to the project, having previously produced the Academy Award-nominated City of God. Amaia, though a younger company, has already established itself with award-winning projects at the São Paulo International Film Festival.
Universal Themes, Personal Journey: Discover how Netflix is adapting the ironic and moving account of the accident that changed Brazilian literature forever.
Marcelo Rubens Paiva, who has seen his work previously adapted into plays, musicals, and even an opera, welcomed the move to streaming. “I’m thrilled to see another marriage between Brazilian literature and the audiovisual arts,” Paiva remarked regarding the project.
While the adaptation has been confirmed, Netflix noted that filming has not yet commenced, and a formal release date remains to be announced.
