You’ve probably seen his face somewhere recently—maybe as a ruthless mob associate or a fiercely loyal friend in a gritty urban drama. Andrea Dodero is one of those actors who just commands the screen without even trying. He has this raw, authentic energy that makes you feel like he actually stepped off a street corner in Milan rather than a movie set. Honestly, it’s refreshing. In an era of overly polished performances, Dodero brings something a bit more jagged and real.
If you’re looking to catch up on Andrea Dodero movies and tv shows, you’re actually getting in at the perfect time. His career is currently in that sweet spot where he’s transitioned from "rising star" to a legitimate powerhouse in international productions. From the high-stakes action of The Equalizer 3 to the dark, emotional depths of The Good Mothers, he’s proven he can handle just about anything you throw at him.
The Breakthrough: Blocco 181 and the Streets of Milan
Most people first really took notice of him in Blocco 181 (often titled Gangs of Milan for international audiences). He plays Mahdi, and if you haven't seen it, you're missing out on some of the best Italian TV in years.
It’s not just another crime show. It’s sort of a "dark fairy tale," as director Giuseppe Capotondi described it. Dodero’s Mahdi is the heart of the show—a protective guy from the block who finds himself torn between his roots and a complicated love story involving Bea and Ludo. The chemistry between those three is electric. It’s messy, it’s dangerous, and it feels entirely human.
The big news for 2026 is that the saga continues. Gangs of Milano - Le nuove storie del Blocco (Season 2) has been the project on everyone's lips. In this new chapter, Mahdi finds himself at the head of "Il Blocco," forced to make impossible decisions while dealing with emotions he’s spent his whole life trying to bury. It’s a much more internal, heavy performance from Dodero this time around.
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Crossing Over to Hollywood: The Equalizer 3
It’s one thing to be a star in Italy; it’s another to hold your own against Denzel Washington. When Andrea Dodero was cast in The Equalizer 3 as Marco Quaranta, it was a massive signal that Hollywood was paying attention.
In the film, he plays a member of the Camorra, and while he’s technically a "villain," Dodero brings a specific kind of intensity to the role that makes him stand out even in a cast of heavy hitters. Working with Antoine Fuqua clearly suited his style. He has that "tough guy" exterior down to a science, but there's always a flicker of something more complex behind his eyes.
The Critical Darling: The Good Mothers
If you want to see his range, you have to watch The Good Mothers. This Disney+ / Hulu series is a complete departure from the high-octane action of The Equalizer. It’s a chilling, true-crime-inspired look at the women who took down the 'Ndrangheta from the inside.
Dodero plays Carmine Venturino. It’s a difficult, nuanced role in a show that is deeply somber and incredibly important. It won the Berlinale Series Award, and for good reason. It’s slow-burn storytelling at its finest. Seeing Dodero shift from the "urban warrior" vibe of Blocco 181 to the suffocating, oppressive atmosphere of a Calabrian crime family was a real "aha" moment for critics.
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Where Did He Come From?
Andrea Dodero isn't just some guy who got lucky. He’s a trained pro. Born in Genoa in 1997, he’s currently 28 years old and a graduate of the prestigious Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in Rome. That’s essentially the West Point of Italian acting schools.
He started out with smaller roles, like in the third season of the popular Italian series L'allieva back in 2020. He also appeared in the film Thou Shalt Not Hate (Non odiare), which was a solid early indicator of the kind of heavy, dramatic material he’s drawn to.
Complete List of Notable Projects
Instead of a boring table, here’s the quick rundown of the essential stuff you need to watch if you're doing a Dodero marathon:
- Gangs of Milano - Le nuove storie del Blocco (2025/2026): The latest evolution of his breakout role as Mahdi.
- The Equalizer 3 (2023): His big-budget Hollywood debut alongside Denzel Washington.
- The Good Mothers (2023): An award-winning, gritty drama about the 'Ndrangheta.
- Blocco 181 (2022): The original Sky series that put him on the map.
- Thou Shalt Not Hate / Non odiare (2020): A poignant film exploring guilt and prejudice.
- L'allieva (Season 3, 2020): One of his first major TV appearances.
Why He Matters Right Now
There’s a lot of talk about "the next big thing," but Dodero feels different because he isn't trying to be a traditional leading man. He’s a character actor with leading-man charisma. That’s a rare combo.
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In 2026, the landscape of streaming means that an actor can be a star in Milan, New York, and Seoul all at once. Dodero is the face of this new, globalized Italian cinema. He’s not playing a caricature; he’s playing characters that feel lived-in.
If you're wondering what's next, keep an eye on the international festival circuit. He was recently spotted at the Figari International Short Film Fest, and there are always rumors swirling about new collaborations with top-tier European directors. He seems to be very picky about his scripts, which is usually a sign of an actor who is going to have a very long, very successful career.
Your Next Steps for Following Andrea Dodero:
Start with The Good Mothers if you want a masterclass in tension, then switch over to Blocco 181 for the pure energy and style. If you’re in the US, most of his work is accessible via platforms like Hulu or Disney+, while his Italian-specific projects usually live on Sky or Prime Video. Check your local listings for the 2026 release of the new Gangs of Milano episodes, as they are rolling out globally throughout the year.