“Arabian Nights” is coming to life with a new, epic fantasy series planned to roll cameras in 2027.
The 10-episode show, from the creatives behind “Spartacus” and “Vikings,” will reimagine the collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian folk tales known as “One Thousand and One Nights” in one interconnected saga.
Per the logline, “Shahrazad must join forces with Sinbad, Aladdin and Ali Baba to save the world from an evil sorcerer leading the Jinn, dark spirits from another dimension. In the process, she becomes the greatest storyteller of all time, incorporating her adventures into the legendary tales which still inspire humanity today.”
“Arabian Nights” is planning to film in September in Bahrain, with production support from the kingdom. The series hails from Veritas Entertainment, the Los Angeles-based production company behind “A Complete Unknown,” and creator Kamran Pasha (“Sleeper Cell,” “Kings”), who is working with “Spartacus” creator Steven S. DeKnight on the pilot script and series overview. Veritas is taking the project out to buyers next week with the hope that the story will unfold across multiple seasons.
The project is executive produced by Pasha and De Knight alongside Veritas’ Peter Jaysen (“The Mosquito Coast”) and Alan Gasmer (“Vikings”), Aaron Shershow (“The Season”) and Clive Standen (“The Morning Show”). Also producing for Veritas Entertainment is Andy Cutler.
“We have assembled the perfect creative and production team to adapt one of the most famous pieces of intellectual property ever created,” Jaysen and Gasmer said in a statement. “We are excited to collaborate with Steven DeKnight and Kamran Pasha to bring their vision for ‘Arabian Nights’ and some of the most beloved characters to screens around the world. Rounding out this creative dream team is the Kingdom of Bahrain, which has proven to be a very resourceful and reliable collaborator.”
Pasha added, “‘Arabian Nights’ has always been a part of my cultural identity. With this series, we have an opportunity to do something Hollywood has never done before — bring these beloved characters together in one epic story that is culturally authentic while capturing the wonder and imagination of the original tales.”
And DeKnight said, “I’m thrilled to be a part of this incredible venture to bring the storied tales of ‘One Thousand and One Arabian Nights’ to a modern audience. Kamran Pasha has devised a truly unique take that honors the source material while expanding it in an enthralling, unexpected way. I could not be more honored to be working with him, Peter Jaysen, Alan Gasmer, and Clive Standen on such an ambitiously creative endeavor. This is truly a story for the entire world.”