Robert Lantos Talks Hungarian Epic ‘Rise of the Raven’

The new Hungarian miniseries “Rise of the Raven” has made quite the splash with its Italian premiere at the Italian Global Series Festival in Rimini. With the grandeur and political intrigue reminiscent of “Game of Thrones,” the 10-part series follows the story of János Hunyadi, a military leader who leads his forces against the Ottoman invasion in the 15th century. The show stars Gellért L. Kádár as the protagonist and has been a passion project for veteran Hungarian-Canadian producer Robert Lantos.

Lantos, who was born in Budapest, shared that the central motivation behind the series was the historical significance of the story. He emphasized that the legend of János Hunyadi defeating the Ottomans in the Battle of Belgrade in 1456 is a tale that resonates throughout the Western world. The series is based on a 12-volume novel by Mór Bán, which Lantos read in Hungarian to maintain authenticity in the characters’ language and portrayal.

Despite the trend of streaming platforms and audiences becoming more accustomed to subtitles and foreign languages, Lantos revealed that offering both versions of the series resulted in only a small percentage of viewers choosing the subtitled option. However, Hungary’s generous production rebate and well-established filmmaking infrastructure made it an ideal location for shooting the series.

The project took a total of seven years to come to fruition, including three years of writing, a year of shooting, and a year and a half of post-production. Lantos emphasized the importance of portraying both sides of the conflict between East and West in a nuanced manner, with flawed characters and no clear heroes or villains. He highlighted the complexity of representing the Ottoman Empire as not entirely wicked, showcasing the humanity of characters like Murad the Magnificent.

Reflecting on his long and successful career in the film industry, Lantos remarked on the drastic changes in the business landscape. He expressed his concerns about the polarization of the industry, with a stark divide between mainstream films and festival darlings. Despite the challenges of pitching projects in today’s industry, Lantos remains proud of “Rise of the Raven,” which has become a massive hit in Hungary despite facing challenges in the global market.

Overall, “Rise of the Raven” stands as a testament to the enduring power of historical storytelling and the dedication of filmmakers like Robert Lantos to bring these captivating tales to life on screen. The actors from the show have become so popular that they can no longer walk the streets without being recognized. Despite being relatively unknown before, they have now gained widespread fame thanks to their performances. The star of the show was discovered in a small theater company in Transylvania, which adds to the charm of the production.

One history teacher even noted that students have become more interested in history because of the show, as it has sparked conversations and curiosity about the past. The show has been a hit in various countries, including Austria, Slovenia, Germany, Canada, and Australia. It has even caught the attention of RAI in Italy, further expanding its reach around the world.

The success of the show was always the goal, and it seems to be achieving just that. The spread of its popularity is a testament to the hard work and talent of the actors and crew involved. It’s amazing to see how a small production from Transylvania has captivated audiences on a global scale.

In conclusion, the show’s journey from obscurity to international fame is truly remarkable. It has not only entertained audiences but also sparked interest in history and culture. The actors and creators behind the show should be proud of their accomplishments and the impact they have made on viewers worldwide.