Netflix Is Developing Its First Arabic Original Series, Jinn

Netflix announced on Tuesday that it is developing its first Arabic original series, called Jinn, a six-part young adult supernatural drama.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jinn, which will be shot in Jordan later this year, will be helmed by Lebanese director Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya (Very Big Shot), written by Bassel Ghandour (co-writer on Theeb, which was nominated for an Oscar in 2016), and executive produced by Elan and Rajeev Dassani (Seam).

Jinn tells the story of what happens when a magical entity known, the jinn, disrupts the lives of a group of teens and causes all sorts of mischief. Deadline reports that the jinn attempts to destroy the world.

Bou Chaaya said of the show that it’s “a great opportunity to portray Arab youth in a very unique way. The level of authenticity Netflix is trying to achieve with this show is definitely what attracted me the most to be part of this project.”

Erik Barmack, Netflix’s VP of International Original Series echoed these sentiments, saying, “We’re delighted to be working with such a variety of breakout talent to launch our first Arabic original series in the Middle East. We are extremely excited to bring this story to a global audience, and to celebrate Arab youth and culture.”