The pinnacle of Italian cinema and television – the epic adventure saga Sandokan: The Pirate Prince, starring Can Yaman in the leading role – will make its exclusive premiere in Bulgaria on January 5 in bTV’s primetimе, the channel announced.

The episodes will air from Monday to Thursday at 21.30. Directed by Jan Maria Michelini (Devils) and Nicola Abbatangelo (Doc), this contemporary adaptation of the legendary pirate tale from the novels of Emilio Salgari will also be available online on the VOYO streaming platform.

The series is distributed by Fremantle.

The mid-1800s Borneo is a paradise inhabited by the native Dayak tribes, but dominated by the ruthless law of the British at the height of their colonial power. Sandokan makes his living like any other pirate: fighting for the survival of his crew through daring raids and always staying one step ahead of his enemies. But when a raid brings Sandokan into contact with Marianne, the independent, restless daughter of the British consul in Labuan, their kindred spirits ignite in a passion that will transform both their lives forever.

As their affair begins, Sandokan finds himself dogged by fanatical pirate-hunter Lord James Brooke, who has his own designs on Marianne — not only to make her his wife, but also to advance his greater ambitions. Sandokan and Marianne’s fight for their freedom brings them into the centre of a much bigger story: the struggle of the indigenous Dayak people, whom the British have oppressed and exploited for years. As the Dayaks search for a leader to save their people, Sandokan is called upon to become more than just a pirate. He must become the legendary Tiger of Malaya.