Director: Jan Michelini, Nicola Abbatangelo
Cast: Can Yaman, Alanah Bloor, Alessandro Preziosi, Ed Westwick, Madeleine Price
Sandokan is a 2025 Italian action-adventure drama series directed by Jan Michelini and Nicola Abbatangelo, starring Can Yaman in the title role. A sweeping reimagining of Emilio Salgari's legendary pirate hero, it brings the epic seas of Southeast Asia to a new generation of viewers.
What is Sandokan about?
Set in the turbulent colonial era of the nineteenth century, the story follows Sandokan, a fierce Malaysian pirate lord who commands his loyal crew from the fortress island of Mompracem. For years he has waged relentless war against the British imperial forces who seek to dominate these waters. Everything shifts when he crosses paths with Marianna Guillonk, the niece of a powerful colonial lord — a meeting that forces Sandokan to reckon with loyalties, loss, and a future he never imagined. His steadfast companion Yanez stands beside him through every storm, as alliances form and enemies multiply across the region's treacherous archipelagos. The series builds its tension across empire, identity, and an impossible love that could cost both sides everything.
Cast & crew
Turkish star Can Yaman leads the series as the charismatic Sandokan, bringing physicality and intensity to a role that has been iconic in European popular culture for decades. Alessandro Preziosi and Ed Westwick play pivotal figures among the colonial powers, while Alanah Bloor and Madeleine Price add strong female perspectives. Veterans Owen Teale and John Hannah round out an international ensemble that gives the production genuine dramatic weight.
Context & significance
Emilio Salgari's Sandokan novels were enormously popular across the Middle East and Iran during the twentieth century, and many Persian-speaking viewers grew up with the classic 1970s Italian miniseries that aired on Iranian television before the revolution. This 2025 revival carries that nostalgic charge while delivering modern production values. The anti-colonial spirit of the original — a lone warrior of colour standing against imperial might — has always resonated deeply with diaspora audiences. The series is available on K-Time with a full Persian dub, meaning viewers can follow every scene in their own language without missing a line of the drama.
Where & how to watch
Sandokan is available on K-Time with a Persian dub and Persian subtitles. Stream it on your browser, Android TV, or phone with no VPN needed and no geo-blocking. Start watching anytime and cancel anytime.