The original TV series Sandokan, directed in 1976 by Sergio Sollima, catapulted actor Kabir Bedi to Bollywood stardom, having sold to more than 85 countries worldwide.
Fremantle’s Lux Vide, in collaboration with Rai Fiction, has unveiled its first-look images for Sandokan, a new international adaptation of Emilio Salgari’s historical saga about the adventures of a titular pirate who, with his motley crew, fights against colonial powers in Southeast Asia.
Based on an idea by Lux Vide CEO Luca Bernabei, the new Sandokan will be a grand and epic action-adventure with a strong connection to the environment, developed for television by Alessandro Sermoneta (Devils); Scott Rosenbaum (The Shield); Davide Lantieri (Monterossi) and directed by Jan Maria Michelini (Devils) and Nicola Abbatangelo (Doc).
The original TV series Sandokan, directed in 1976 by Sergio Sollima, catapulted actor Kabir Bedi to Bollywood stardom, having sold to more than 85 countries worldwide.
Luca Bernabei, Lux Vide CEO and Producer, said: “Sandokan is not just a story about pirates, history, or adventures in exotic lands… Sandokan is all of these and more. It’s a love story: one of the first multicultural romances of our times, and, never more so than today, a symbol of a passionate and peaceful answer to hate and division”.
“Our characters will live thrilling adventures in unexplored worlds that will capture the audiences, giving them the sense of freedom and escapism they seek in television these days. But, despite the endless seas and unchartered lands, the biggest adventure will be for our characters to go beyond their prejudice and discover who they truly are. Only through this kind of freedom will they be able to trigger a revolution,” said Bernabei.
Jens Richter, CEO of Commercial and International at Fremantle, said, “We are excited to reveal a first look at Sandokan. Action adventure at its best, built on a fantastic pirate franchise, it’s a premium series full of fun and escapism, brought to life by our spectacular ensemble cast. Lux Vide and Rai Fiction are fantastic partners, and we are thrilled to be part of this world-class series with them.”
Adventure, passion, revolution, and love of nature are the colors of Sandokan, the event series that brings to life the immortal character created by Emilio Salgari. The series goes to the roots of a myth, exploring the origins of the Tiger of Malaya and recounting his trajectory from simple adventurer to pirate prince.
Turkish actor Can Yaman (Dolunay, Violet Like the Sea) stars as the legendary pirate Sandokan, alongside British newcomer Alanah Bloor (Waves) as Lady Marianne, the spirited daughter of the British consul.
A global story with an exceptional cast, Sandokan also brings on board a stellar international ensemble, including Ed Westwick (Gossip Girl, The Children of Men), Alessandro Preziosi (The Doctors, Black Out, The Lying Lives of Adults), John Hannah (The Last of Us, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Sliding Doors, The Mummy), Madeleine Price, Gilberto Gliozzi (Them, I delitti del Barlume), Mark Grosy (Zero Zero Zero) and Samuele Segreto (Stranizza d’amuri, The Hour).
