‘Arabian Nights’ Epic Fantasy Series in the Works From ‘Spartacus’ Creator, Veritas Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE)
A 10-episode fantasy series based on “One Thousand and One Nights” is in development, with filming planned in Bahrain in 2027. The project brings Shahrazad, Sinbad, Aladdin and Ali Baba together in a single adventure, recasting the traditional tales as an interconnected saga.
Kamran Pasha is creating the series and co-writing its pilot and overview with “Spartacus” creator Steven S. DeKnight. Veritas Entertainment plans to take the project to buyers next week and hopes it can continue across multiple seasons; Bahrain is providing production support. The story follows the heroes as they confront an evil sorcerer and the Jinn, with Shahrazad’s adventures becoming part of the legendary tales.
- A 10-episode “Arabian Nights” fantasy series is in development.
- Filming is planned in Bahrain in 2027.
- The creators hope the story will span multiple seasons.
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One Thousand and One Nights is a collection of stories from the Middle East and South Asia, passed down and retold over many centuries. Its best-known characters include Shahrazad, who tells stories to a king, and adventurers such as Sinbad, Aladdin and Ali Baba. The tales have appeared in many different versions and adaptations.
The series brings these characters into one shared fantasy adventure. Kamran Pasha and Steven S. DeKnight are developing it for Veritas Entertainment, which plans to seek a buyer for the project. Bahrain is supporting production, with filming planned there in 2027.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Bringing the tales together could give new audiences an accessible, sustained story while preserving the wonder of characters such as Shahrazad and Sinbad. A Bahraini production could also create local jobs and place the region’s storytelling heritage at the centre of a major fantasy series.
The case against
Recasting distinct tales as one adventure may flatten their differences or alter stories that carry deep cultural significance. A series developed for international buyers could also prioritise familiar fantasy conventions over the varied traditions and meanings of the source material.