Netflix has always had a sizeable footprint overseas. In Europe especially, the streaming giant has made a name for itself with international hits made outside of the U.S.
Recently though, Netflix has been ramping up its efforts in the Middle East, pushing into the region’s entertainment space with two previously announced Arabic productions. (Jinn, landing on June 13th, and Al Rawabi School for Girls which has yet to receive a release date.) Well, add another series to that list because on Monday, the company announced Paranormal with Amr Salama attached as showrunner.
Paranormal is based on the best-selling Egyptian horror book series by the late Ahmed Khaled Tawfik. The series will follow Dr. Refaat Ismail, an Egyptian hematologist in the 1960s who is “face with a series of supernatural events.” Paranormal will be produced primarily in Egypt, marking Netflix’s first collaboration in the country.
Kelly Luegenbiehl, the VP of International Originals at Netflix, released a statement regarding the series’ announcement. “We are excited to continue our investment in Middle Eastern productions by adapting the highly acclaimed ‘Paranormal’ novels into a thrilling new series. We’re also pleased to collaborate with prominent producer Mohamed Hefzy and director Amr Salama, whose creative vision we look forward to bringing to our global audience.”
Producer Mohamed Hefzy also released his own statement alongside the announcement. “I’m proud to be working with Netflix on bringing to life the Paranormal series, which I hold dear to my heart. I’m also excited to be cooperating again with longtime collaborator and friend, director Amr Salama. Together with Netflix, we aim to present a show of international quality and that lives up to the promises and ambitions of Egyptian and Arabic drama.”
Paranormal has yet to receive a release date.
