Picture: Rai 1
Netflix US has secured the rights to one of the most anticipated international productions of the year. The epic swashbuckling drama Sandokan, starring Turkish superstar Can Yaman, is set to make its US debut in mid-January, with other regions having seen the series locked to Disney+ thus far following its initial run in Italy. A second season has also been confirmed despite initially being labeled a mini-series.
Produced by Lux Vide (the Italian powerhouse behind Medici and Leonardo) in collaboration with Rai Fiction, the series is a high-budget reimagining of the classic 1970s TV phenomenon. After airing its finale in Italy just last week to strong ratings on Rai 1, the show is making a quick turnaround for American audiences.
We can confirm that all eight episodes of Sandokan will arrive on Netflix US on Monday, January 19th, 2026.
What is Sandokan about?
Based on the famous novels by Emilio Salgari, the series is an action-adventure set in the mid-19th century on the island of Borneo. It tells the story of Sandokan, a pirate known as the “Tiger of Malaysia,” who leads a band of rebels against the colonial power of the British Empire.
While the original 1976 series is considered a cult classic in Europe, this 2025 version has been modernized by showrunner Scott Rosenbaum (The Shield, Chuck) with Jan Maria Michelini and Nicola Abbatangelo also behind the truly international production that filmed throughout 2024.
The official synopsis reads:
“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.”
Who is in the cast?
Picture: Rai 1
The series features a truly international cast, blending stars from Turkey, the UK, and Italy.
- Can Yaman (Erkenci Kus) stars as the titular pirate, Sandokan. Yaman underwent months of intense physical training for the role, which marks his first major English-language project.
- Ed Westwick (Gossip Girl, White Gold) plays the villainous Lord James Brooke, the “White Rajah” of Sarawak.
- Alanah Bloor stars as Lady Marianna Guillonk, the “Pearl of Labuan.”
- John Hannah (The Mummy, Spartacus) appears as the Colonel.
- Alessandro Preziosi (Medici) plays Yanez de Gomera, Sandokan’s loyal right-hand man.
With Can Yaman’s massive global social media following and Ed Westwick’s recognition from Gossip Girl fans, the streamer likely sees high binge potential in this title to kick off the new year. Whether Netflix will be the future streaming home to the confirmed second season, eying a 2026 production start and 2027 release, remains to be seen.
Will you be watching Sandokan when it lands on Netflix? Let us know in the comments.
