Netflix's first Egyptian Original content, Paranormal. Photo: Courtesy of Netflix
Based on the work of Egyptian writer and novelist, Ahmed Khaled Tawfik, Netflix has debuted images of its upcoming Arabic series, which marks the first collaboration between the American streaming platform and producers, content creators, and creatives Egypt. Titled Paranormal, the show is based on Tawfik’s best-selling thriller novel series and is scheduled to be released later in the year after having been delayed due to Covid-19.
Set in the 1960s, the show is centered around the life of Refaat Ismail, a hematologist played by Egyptian actor and writer Ahmed Amin. Determined to uncover the truth behind a series of supernatural events, Ismail, alongside his colleague Maggie, played by Lebanese actress Razane Jammal, enters into a paranormal world in a bid to save humanity from harm. Having been announced in May last year, the series finished filming earlier in July, with director Amr Salama taking to Twitter to share an image of a clapperboard alongside the hashtag #itsawrap. Speaking to Egyptian media about his enthusiasm for the series, Salama also said it had always been his “dream to make Paranormal into a series.” “I’m proud to present the books in a new light while still keeping its essence. I can’t wait to introduce these exciting stories to Netflix’s audience in 190 countries around the world,” he said.
We are gladly sharing the first look images of ‘Paranormal’
We present to you Dr. Refaat Ismael (a hematologist in his forties, thin, bald and smokes like a chimney) and Maggie Mckillop (The woman who can walk on grass without bending it)
Autumn 2020.@NetflixMENA pic.twitter.com/Dhz4vuxAgC
— Amr Salama (@amrmsalama) August 8, 2020
The third original Netflix show to come out of the Middle East, Paranormal follows in the footsteps of highly acclaimed titles such as Jinn, and Whispers. Jinn told the story of two jinns who used the backdrop of a Jordanian high school as their supernatural battleground, while Whispers was a dramatic thriller from Saudi Arabia following the story of a feuding family.
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