Netflix Orders Egyptian Horror Series 'Paranormal'

Netflix has ordered its first drama from Egypt, a supernatural series based on the best-selling Arabic horror books by late author Ahmed Khaled Tawfik. "Paranormal" is set in the 1960s and follows the adventures of Dr. Refaat Ismail as he comes up against various unexplained supernatural events. It will be produced by Mohamed Hefzy and Amr Salama. Salama will also serve as showrunner.

"Paranormal" is the third scripted drama Netflix has ordered from the Middle East. The Jordanian YA series "Jinn" is set to be released globally in June and in April, it ordered the drama "The Al Rawabi School for Girls." While the series is the first drama produced for the streaming service in Egypt, in 2018 it released the Arabic stand-up comedy special "Adel Karam: Live From Beirut."

"I’m very excited about this project, It was my dream to adapt Paranormal of the late author Ahmed Khaled Tawfik and turn it into a drama since I ever wanted to be a filmmaker," said Salama in a statement released by Netflix. "I’m proud to present the books in a new light while still keeping the essence of Paranormal."

"We are excited to continue our investment in Middle Eastern productions by adapting the highly acclaimed Paranormal novels into a thrilling new series," Kelly Luegenbiehl, Netflix's vp international originals. "We’re also pleased to collaborate with prominent producer Mohamed Hefzy and director Amr Salama whose creative vision we look forward to bringing to our global audience."

Production on "Paranormal" is expected to begin in Egypt later this summer.