A fictional property popular among those who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s has landed on Netflix in a revamped form. The show is Sandokan, which previously released as a miniseries 50 years ago, aside from multiple films that preceded and succeeded the 1976 show that featured Kabir Bedi as, arguably, the definitive version of the fearless pirate. Bedi's portrayal and the show now enjoys a cult status.
The 2025 show, which premiered on Italian television last year, is said to be a reimagining of the 1976 show. Acquired by Netflix US, it begins streaming on January 19. All eight episodes of the show will be out on Netflix US on the same date.
Turkish actor Can Yaman plays Sandokan. It comes from showrunner Scott Rosenbaum ("The Shield", "Chuck") along with Jan Maria Michelini and Nicola Abbatangelo. Initially planned as a miniseries, Sandokan is expected to have more seasons, with the second season already greenlit.
The show is backed by Lux Vide (the Italian powerhouse behind Medici and Leonardo) in collaboration with Rai Fiction.
What is 'Sandokan' about?
Sandokan is a swashbuckling adventure based on the famous novels by Emilio Salgari, centered on the titular pirate, also known as the “Tiger of Malaysia,” who along with his group of rebels, battles forces of the British Empire.
Here's the official logline:
“Borneo, 1849. The native tribes are dominated by the ruthless law of the British colonialists. Sandokan is a pirate who lives by the day, fighting only for himself and his crew. But his life changes when he meets Marianna, the beautiful daughter of the British consul. Their impossible love affair sparks a war, with the legendary pirate hunter Lord James Brooke stopping at nothing to capture Sandokan and destroy his legend.”
While Can Yaman essays Sandokan, Ed Westwick plays the main antagonist Lord James Brooke, AKA the “White Rajah” of Sarawak. Lady Marianna Guillonk, the “Pearl of Labuan”, is played by Alanah Bloor. Other main cast members include John Hannah (The Mummy, Spartacus) as the Colonel. Alessandro Preziosi plays Yanez de Gomera, Sandokan’s loyal right-hand man.