The True Story Behind Netflix’s ‘Ferry 2’ Explained

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As a devoted fan of gripping crime dramas, I must say that the Ferry saga has truly captivated me with its intricate storylines and engaging characters. The way they’ve crafted this character based on real-life drug kingpin Janus van Wesenbeeck is simply remarkable.

Over the last two decades, series such as “Breaking Bad” have demonstrated that viewers find it captivating to witness the world of drug trafficking depicted on-screen. Real-life stories of drug lords add an extra layer of intrigue, making the productions even more compelling and relatable. One notable character from Netflix, who has graced their platform for half a decade, is modeled after one of history’s most prominent drug lords.

In the Netflix release “Ferry 2,” which premiered on December 20, the central character Ferry Bouman is loosely based on a less famous drug kingpin. The actual individual transported vast quantities of illegal substances and was eventually apprehended through an undercover police operation. Frank Lammers has portrayed this character in various Belgian-Dutch films and series over the past five years, although it’s important to note that the story isn’t always identical to the real person’s experiences.

A Real-Life Drug Lord Inspires the Main Character

Ferry Bouman’s real-life role model is Janus van Wesenbeeck, a notorious drug trafficker who spent time in prison in Belgium from 2011 to 2015 for transporting over 15,000 kg of illegal substances.

The 2024 book titled “Drugsbaron,” penned by Dutch crime journalist Vico Olling, provides an account of Janus van Wesenbeeck’s life, as he shared his experiences with the author. Raised in a trailer park and operating his smuggling enterprise from a campsite in Lommel, Wesenbeeck’s story was instrumental in shaping the character of Ferry Bouman portrayed across Netflix productions. The book’s cover explicitly mentions that Ferry is inspired by Janus van Wesenbeeck. It is speculated that the name Ferry, symbolizing a vessel capable of carrying numerous goods, may have been derived from Janus’s drug trafficking abilities.

Ferry Bouman’s Story Sprawls Across Two Movies and Two Shows

Ferry Bouman’s tale unfolded initially on Netflix’s 2019 show, “Undercover.” In this series, a pair of undercover agents feigned being campers at the campsite where Ferry Bouman managed his drug ring, similar to what transpired with Janus van Wesenbeeck. Despite not being the main character in “Undercover,” Ferry Bouman eventually caught the attention of three other Netflix productions.

2021 saw Netflix debuting the spinoff movie titled “Ferry“, centering around a semi-fictional drug lord. This movie acts as a prequel to “Undercover” and delves into the struggle of Ferry Bouman, who is caught between his criminal life and family obligations, as he encounters his future spouse. Characters from the “Undercover” series appear in this film, adding depth to the character’s persona.

In 2023, Ferry Bouman reappeared on the small screen in a series titled “Ferry: The Series“, spanning eight captivating episodes. Continuing the narrative from the movie’s conclusion, this show delves into his meteoric rise to become a drug lord. In response, authorities devise an undercover mission, codenamed “Undercover“, targeting him directly. As before, characters associated with Ferry and members of his family make appearances in the series, harkening back to previous productions.

The second installment of “Ferry,” titled “Ferry 2,” is not a prequel like its predecessors. Instead, it presents a fresh narrative revolving around Ferry Bouman, set after the events depicted in “Undercover.” As for Janus van Wesenbeeck, he’s kept a low profile since his prison release and collaborated with Vico Olling on the book “Drugsbaron,” but the character of Ferry Bouman portrayed in “Ferry 2” appears to be living a more challenging life, as he finds himself drawn back into the drug trafficking world.

Ferry Is a Conflicted Ex-Drug Lord in Netflix Sequel

In “Ferry 2”, character Ferry Bouman endeavors to adapt to a life free from criminal activities, particularly drug trafficking, which was previously his line of work as depicted in “Undercover”. Yet, the latest film hints at his old lifestyle resurfacing, causing Ferry to grapple with difficult decisions about his future.

In a tranquil existence in Spain, Ferry Bouman dons the Santa suit for work. However, his serene lifestyle is disrupted when Jezebel, a character from the series “Undercover,” reveals herself as embroiled with drug traffickers and pleads for Ferry’s aid to extricate her from danger. Ferry, who feels indebted to his second cousin Jezebel due to her father working under him in “Undercover” and Ferry being responsible for his murder, decides to assist her.

In the vein of Ferry Bouman’s gritty narrative style, as seen in Undercover and other productions, Ferry 2 carries on this theme. Unlike its prequel series and film, however, the outcome for Ferry Bouman in Ferry 2 is uncertain, offering a new layer of suspense that prevents the character from feeling stale or overused, having been featured in four seasons of television and another movie. You can catch Ferry 2 streaming on Netflix now.

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2024-12-27 01:31