What Is iHostage’s True Story That Inspired the Netflix Movie?

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Netflix’s series, titled “iHostage“, has captivated audiences worldwide with its intense portrayal of a hostage crisis unfolding within an Apple Store. Given its tense narrative and extraordinary circumstances, some viewers find themselves questioning – might iHostage be based on real events? Let me share the facts with you.

Is Netflix’s iHostage based on a true story?

Yes, iHostage is inspired by a true story that took place in Amsterdam in 2022.

As a dedicated moviegoer, I found myself engrossed in this gripping tale, where I, as a spectator, witnessed an intense standoff between a gunman and the authorities. Innocent bystanders were unfortunately caught in the crossfire, hidden within the confines of a store. Despite Bobby Boermans taking some artistic liberties to heighten the drama, the fundamental events mirrored reality remarkably well.

Boermans shared with TIME that although the film compresses time and centers around a select few characters for narrative convenience, the crucial events depicted in the movie closely match reality. In other words, he explained that they deliberately focused exclusively on the night of the hostage crisis, and the significant scenes you witness on screen are largely based on true events.

What is the real world incident that inspired iHostage?

The real-world incident that inspired Netflix’s iHostage happened on February 22, 2022.

In Amsterdam’s Leidseplein square, a 27-year-old individual named Abdel Rahman Akkad walked into an Apple Store, appearing to have a firearm and what seemed like explosives attached to him. He then seized a 44-year-old Bulgarian shopper as his hostage.

Akkad requested €200 million worth of cryptocurrency and a secure departure, as authorities encircled the store. In the chaos, numerous customers fled, while four sought refuge in a storage room—a detail faithfully portrayed in the movie. The armed individual additionally dispatched photographs to local news outlets, increasing the overall stress level.

In the course of lengthy negotiations, Akkad’s request for water provided an opening for the hostage to escape. As the suspect pursued him outside, police intercepted him with a car, causing him to lose consciousness. Although Akkad initially lived through it, he eventually passed away due to his injuries the following day.

In creating iHostage, they’ve remained truthful to key aspects like the sequence of events, the ransom demand, and the fact that everyone was rescued alive; however, they’ve added some dramatic flair for a more engaging movie experience.

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2025-04-24 07:10