Netflix readies Russian psychological drama starring Alexander Petrov

Alexander Petrov will play a troubled celebrity in the forthcoming series

US-based global streamer Netflix has commissioned an as-yet-untitled Russian drama series starring Alexander Petrov (Ice 1-2, Method).

The series focuses on a celebrity who finds himself at the centre of tragic events that destroy his reputation, with the story following his quest for redemption and forgiveness.

Eduard Oganesyan, co-founder of local prodco Monkey Style Film Company, is the showrunner and joins Alexey Kamynin and Marsel Shaikhattarov on the screenwriting team.

The producers are Mikhail Vrubel, Alexander Andryushchenko, Olga Kochetkova, Fedor Bondarchuk and Vyacheslav Murugov, with Alina Tyazhlova and Mila Rozanova coproducing.

The series, whose launch date has yet to be revealed, will be available on Netflix around the world.

Anna Nagler, Netflix’s director of local-language originals in CEE and Russia, said: “This is a special story, providing a unique perspective on how life can take mind-blowing twists and turns. We look forward to Netflix members in Russia and worldwide enjoying this complex, character-driven drama.”

Oganesyan added: “This story is steeped in self-irony with a dramatic transformation of the character. For me personally, this is an exciting experience and a journey into worlds I have not yet encountered.”

In related news, Belgian-Luxembourg drama Coyotes is set to premiere on Netflix on December 2. Developed and produced by Panache Productions and Compagnie Cinématographique for RTBF, the series follows a mixed-gender scout patrol in the small Belgian village of Warnaffe that discovers a corpse – and a bag of diamonds beside it.

Conceived by Vincent Lavachery and Axel du Bus, Coyotes was co-written with Anne-Lise Morin and Christophe Beaujean and directed by Gary Seghers and Jacques Molitor. The cast includes emerging talent from Belgium and Luxembourg.