Netflix is venturing into new territory once again as they’ve just picked up their first original Arabic programming, ‘Jinn.’ The show will be a “supernatural teen soap” the is currently in the middle of production on location in Amman, Jordan. The idea behind the show is that it will be exploring “contemporary themes of Jinn mythology with a coming of age supernatural story about friendship, love, and adventure.” We’ll only see six-episodes launch initially to introduce audiences to the concept though if it is successful, you can expect a quick sophomore season pickup.
Djinn (also known as jinn) are ancient creatures even if many from the West are not familiar with them. Most recently, the concept was briefly explored in the first season of Starz’ ‘American Gods’ by Neil Gaiman. The Djinn are supernatural creatures in nature and be thought of as either spirits or demons in Middle Eastern culture and folktales.
The series is set to be produced by Kabreet Productions and both directed and Executive Produced by Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya (‘Very Big Shot’). Joining the director as executive producers will be Elan and Rajeev Dassani. Elan is also slated to be the head writer for ‘Djinn.’ Amin Matalqa (‘Captain Abu Raed’) also helped with the writing and will direct the last three episodes for the first season.
According to Rajeev Dassani:
“Creating Netflix’s first Arabic Original, and one of the first teen-focused shows ever from the Arab world, has been an unforgettable experience. We’ve had so many local teens tell us they’ve never seen themselves accurately represented on screen, and it is both our pleasure and our responsibility to bring that to them and, in doing so, showcase all that the region has to offer.”
To depict teens from the area, the team has hired Salma Malhas in the central role of Mira. She is “a rebellious teen still devastated after the loss of her mother who learns to love again.” At this point in her life, she meets Hamza Abu Eqab who is the Djinn Keras. Keras “is tasked with guarding vigilante Jinns.” Also in the cast is Sultan Alkhalil as Yassin “who struggles with a world that seems stacked against him and the show will follow his coming of age story sparked by his supernatural friendship with Vera, played by Aysha Shahalthough.”
It doesn’t explain in detail how the supernatural elements of the Djinn will play into the story arc, but they are going to have a substantial role.
Are you looking forward to checking out ‘Jinn’ when it available to stream on Netflix? Share your thoughts below!
Source: Deadline