Renowned showrunner Andreas Heckmann, acclaimed for his work on “Barbarians”, and veteran director Paul Wilmshurst, known for titles like “The Day of the Jackal,” “Da Vinci’s Demons,” and “The Last Kingdom,” are set to join forces on an exciting new series titled “Korsan.” This six-part nautical epic is being produced by the French company Lazuri Film.
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1492, “Korsan” follows the extraordinary journey of Sara, the rebellious daughter of Granada’s chief Rabbi. Exiled during the brutal expulsion of the Jewish population from Spain, Sara finds herself captured by Ottoman corsairs—known as ‘Korsan’ in Turkish. This gripping narrative traces her daring escapade across land and sea as she embarks on a rescue mission that delves deep into themes of exile, faith, and identity. As her captors transform into unlikely allies, they navigate treacherous waters while guiding Jewish refugees through numerous obstacles, leading Sara to confront the complexities of leadership, loyalty, and love, all at a significant personal cost.
In a striking juxtaposition,“Korsan” contrasts the intolerant atmosphere of Inquisition-era Spain with the rich multicultural tapestry of the Ottoman Empire. The series intricately weaves historical drama with multifaceted characters, featuring a central love triangle among Sara, a fearless Jewish rebel; Piri, a self-serving pirate with a sense of hidden honor; and Jean, Piri’s adopted brother and rival. Together, they must not only combat external persecution but also navigate betrayal from their own ranks, delivering a thrilling saga targeted at an international audience.
“Grounded in history, yet infused with emotional depth and visual as well as psychological tension, ‘Korsan’ embodies the narrative I aspire to tell,” Wilmshurst expresses. “Even within its historical context, every silent moment, shared glance, and pivotal decision resonates with contemporary relevance. At its core, this series addresses themes of identity, courage, and resilience, alongside an epic tale of adventure and romance.”
Heckmann, reflecting on his diverse upbringing, shares, “With family ties across Germany, Turkey, Holland, and the United States, my life traverses two faiths and spans four continents, cultures, and languages. These varied experiences enrich our perspectives rather than divide us. In today’s world, too many retreat into insular groups, seeking freedom and justice solely for themselves. As we confront these challenges, we must prioritize collaboration, compassion, and bravery, recognizing that true heroism lies in standing up against injustice.”
The ambitious six-episode series has an estimated budget ranging from $24 million to $25 million, with negotiations for a pre-sale agreement with a significant international distributor currently underway. Filming is scheduled to commence in Spain in late summer 2026. Lazuri Film’s founder, Cumali Varer, will represent the project at the upcoming Mipcom in October.
“While Columbus was charting the course to the Americas, radicalization and religious friction were already intensifying within Europe, ultimately igniting the Wars of Religion,” Varer remarks. “Today, Spain is reassessing its historical narrative, acknowledging the profound impact of Jewish and Muslim communities over centuries. ‘Korsan’ masterfully articulates this narrative in an exhilarating and sophisticated manner, fostering a deeper understanding of the ‘other’ and encouraging tolerance and collaboration—a vital reminder for our current global landscape.”
