Parched of some pirate action? Netflix has got the fix with an enchanting dose of Sandokan, a swashbuckling series reincarnated from its 70s cult-favorite classic pirate-show counterpart. The streamer's newest grand production is not only the most talked-about series release this year but also shimmers blindingly bright with global superstars in its ensemble.

Based on the novels of Emilio Salgari, the show is set in mid-19th century Borneo, where the rebellious pirate Sandokan fights against the colonial powers. A tale as striking needs a cast full of well-known actors across the globe, and Netflix delivers just that. 

Inside its fictional world tainted with colonialism, Netflix's Sandokan globalizes its cast with international actors from various countries, such as Turkey, the UK, Italy, and more, giving the audience a mix of both fresh and familiar faces. Can Yaman takes the lead as the pirate Sandokan.

The Turkish megastar initially earned fame for his roles in romantic dramas like Erkenci Kuş and Bay Yanlış, gaining a huge fan base worldwide. This is his first major English-speaking role, where his physical readiness for the part was also challenged as he had to go through an intense transformation to be able to nail the action scenes.

Alanah Bloor portrays the strong and fierce Lady Marianna Guillonk, the Pearl of Labuan. Bloor a rising talent who appeared as Maddy in the 2025 TV mini-series Man vs Baby, starring Rowan Atkinson. This marks her first major leading role, starring as the British consul’s daughter who finds herself caught in the middle of love and duty.

Ed Westwick, who is widely known for his role as Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl, plays the wicked character of Lord James Brooke, the White Rajah of Sarawak. He is Sandokan’s main rival, a character that allows him to go from NYC high society to the dark colonial shadow, up against a fan-favorite pirate, amidst an ensemble where even the supporting stars become pillars of the narrative in their own nuanced ways.

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Before binging the series, prepare to be pleasantly surprised by scene-stealing performances by the rest of the cast despite their limited screen time.

Scottish actor John Hannah, recognized for his performances in The Mummy trilogy, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Spartacus, adds another great actor's palette to the series by portraying Sergeant Murray, who brings his vast experience and wisdom to the role. Meanwhile, Geek Girl's Madeleine Price plays Marianna's companion, while Sambigliong is taken up by Gilberto Gliozzi (I delitti del Barlume).

Among the other supporting cast, there are Mark Grosy (Zero Zero Zero) and Samuele Segreto (Stranizza d’amuri). And the unmissable Alessandro Preziosi (Medici), who plays Yanez de Gomera, Sandokan’s faithful assistant, who seamlessly offers one of the most in-depth and remarkable performances in the show, now unleashed into Netflix's international gem collection on January 19, 2026.

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Are you watching Sandokan? Let us know in the comments.