The upcoming television series Sandokan is generating excitement as it promises to be one of the most anticipated revivals of the classic adventure tale. With modern production techniques and a talented cast, it aims to capture both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
Starring the charismatic Can Yaman, known for his role in Daydreamer, alongside Ed Westwick from Gossip Girl and John Hannah of Spartacus: Blood and Sand, this new Sandokan is set to debut on Rai 1 in the fall of 2025. The series is produced by Fremantle’s Italian unit Lux Vide, leveraging Italian storytelling with international appeal.
This remake is based on the beloved novels by Emilio Salgari, which have inspired various adaptations over the years, including films and previous television series. The rich lore originally crafted by Salgari will be brought to life with innovative technology—most prominently featuring large OLED screens, reminiscent of the techniques seen in The Mandalorian. Such advancements promise to create immersive settings of maritime adventures and exotic locales.
“C'è molta nostalgia in questo progetto,” Can Yaman shared with Variety, indicating the emotional weight of his undertaking. He emphasized the expectations surrounding him, stating, “Le persone avevano molte aspettative su di me e questo crea un enorme carico di responsabilità. Dovevo essere eccellente per dimostrare il mio valore.” This reflects not only his commitment to the role but also the significant legacy of the character.
Jens Richter, the CEO of Fremantle, echoed this sentiment, describing the series as “simply a great epic adventure, based on a known IP. It’s ‘Poldark’ meets ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’.” This comparison speaks to the series’ potential to mix high-seas excitement with richly developed characters and storylines.
Set during the mid-1800s, Sandokan will explore themes of survival intertwined with love, as the titular character navigates the treacherous balance between adventure and romance. “There’s a portion of romance,” Richter admits, hinting at how emotional stakes will deepen the narrative.
The production itself promises to be visually stunning due to the use of cutting-edge equipment. The Lux Vide studios have been repurposed to build elaborate sets, including three historic ships, ideally suited for the adventurous spirit of the series. Through these details, the creators aim to engage contemporary viewers, many of whom crave authentic and visually appealing content.
Richter notes the industry's shift toward broader audience engagement, saying, “Right now, the market is very much focused on reaching audiences... Now, drama needs to reach wider. You need to entertain.” This philosophy underpins the creative direction of Sandokan, as producers look to balance the elements of adventure, romance, and drama suitably for modern consumers.
With each episode set against different backdrops, this series is expected to fulfill various viewer tastes and preferences. The combination of diverse settings and stunning visuals aligns with the trend of creating episodic content with high replay value and rewatchability. The narrative strategies being explored could make Sandokan not just entertaining but also relevant to today’s fast-paced content consumption habits.
Fremantle, which will handle international sales of the series, is poised to capitalize on Sandokan’s potential success. Given the competitive climate of television production, they are eager to present this epic adventure during next week’s London TV Screenings, one of the industry’s key events for showcasing upcoming content.
While anticipation builds for this new take on Sandokan, it’s clear from the insights shared by the involved parties—both Yaman and Richter—that this series aims to deliver not only action and adventure but also the depth of storytelling and character development necessary for audiences today. For fans of the original tales and newcomers alike, Sandokan promises to be a vivid return to this iconic story with fresh perspectives.
Stay tuned as Sandokan sets sail toward its autumn debut, and prepare for what could be the next big hit from Italian television, marrying nostalgia with innovation.