Jinn, Netflix's first Arabic original drama, began shooting in Amman, Jordan on Monday with Very Big Shot director Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya in the director's chair.
The announcement dashes hopes that the series could see Netflix shooting in the UAE for the first time, a possibility that was left as a “maybe” when Netflix first announced the show, but it also brings to an end a six-month wait for news of filming since Netflix announced the show back in February.
Jinn promises to mix elements of the supernatural with teen soap opera drama in a supernatural coming of age story that will bring Middle Eastern folklore into the modern world.
Theeb writer Bassel Ghandour has been replaced on scripting duties by SEAM scribe Elan Dassani, who has also worked in visual FX on a host of shows including Suits and Knight Rider. Dassani also executive produces, and is joined on writing duty by Sundance Award Winner Amin Matalqa (Captain Abu Raed), who will also direct the show's final three episodes.
Jinn will feature a cast of up-and-coming local talent including Salma Malhas as Mira, a rebellious teen still devastated after the loss of her mother who learns to love again when she meets Keras, played by Hamza Abu Eqab, the Jinn who is tasked with guarding vigilante Jinns. Sultan Alkhalil stars as Yassin, who struggles with a world that seems stacked against him. We follow his coming of age story sparked by his supernatural friendship with Vera, played by Aysha Shahalthough, who is on hunt for vengeance at any cost. Mira will be joined by her friends Fahed (Yaser Al Hadi) and Layla (Ban Halaweh) in the fight to rescue Yassin from the ruthless Vera before it’s too late.
Erik Barmack, Netflix’ VP of international original series commented:
"With Jinn, we aim to create a fantastical show about young people in the Middle East in Arabic that's real, authentic and action-packed. This Netflix show will be full of intrigue, adventure and amazing storytelling from Jordan and for our audiences around the world."
Elan Dassani added: “Arab youth are just like teens everywhere, trying to find the balance between embracing modern culture whilst keeping true to their rich history. We’re excited to be able to bring a show reflecting this to Netflix fans across the world”.
The six-episode series is expected to launch to Netflix members all around the world in 2019.
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