Shahid VIP moves into Nordic Noir with ‘The Killing’ remake in Egypt

Monataf Khatar

Middle East-based streamer Shahid VIP has launched its local remake of Danish scripted classic, The Killing.

The Arabic version (Monataf Khater, منعطف خطر) changes location from rainy and gloomy Copenhagen to sunny Cairo in Egypt, where the series is also filmed. The show is believed to be the first Nordic Noir drama to be remade in the region.

It is being produced by Charisma Pictures, the scripted productions division of Charisma Group, which acquired the adaption rights from DR Sales, the distribution arm of Danish pubcaster DR. The series is written by Mohamed El Masry, and directed by Sadeer Al Massoud (Qaid Majhol), with Hossam Habbib attached as director of photography.

The Killing debuted on DR in 2007 and became a global hit, with its three seasons selling around the world. Remakes followed in countries including the US.

Tareq Al Ibrahim, director of content at MBC-owned Shahid VIP, said: “We’re delighted to have teamed up with DR Drama and Charisma Pictures to create a new Arabic adaptation of the police procedural drama, with a fantastic cast and crew, led by director Al Sadeer Masoud.”

Aiman Al-Ziyoud, CEO & president of Charisma Group, added that the show would help to attract Shahid’s Arabic audiences “who are increasingly looking for novel and gripping stories.”