4 Netflix Shows Reimagined with Pakistani Casts
Imagine a world where your favourite Netflix series are brought to life with a talented Pakistani cast. What if the cutthroat competition of ‘Squid Game’ took place in a bustling Lahore marketplace? Or if the iconic group dynamic of ‘Friends’ unfolded in a cozy Karachi café? From the spine-chilling mysteries of ‘Stranger Things’ to the regal drama of ‘Bridgerton’, we’ve reimagined these popular shows with the dynamic and talented actors of Pakistan. In this article, we’ll imagine how these beloved stories might look with a local twist, blending global appeal with Pakistani flair.
1. Squid Game
Imagine ‘Squid Game’ set in a suspense-filled Pakistani backdrop, where the contestants come from all walks of life, each with their own hidden motivations and dark pasts. The iconic life-or-death games would take place within a traditional setting, like an old haveli or a vast abandoned mansion, with familiar elements of Pakistani folklore or urban legends woven into the challenges.
Adnan Siddiqui plays ’Seong Gi-hun’, a down-on-his-luck father with a sharp survival instinct. Sanam Saeed takes on the role of ’Kang Sae-byeok’, a tough, street-smart woman determined to reunite her family. Humayun Saeed portrays ‘Cho Sang-woo’, a conflicted businessman who uses his cunning to navigate the deadly game. Finally, Fahad Mustafa steps into the shoes of ‘Front Man’, a mysterious and commanding figure who oversees the ruthless competition.
2. Emily in Paris
Sajal Aly steps into the role of ’Emily Cooper’, a vibrant and ambitious marketing executive from Karachi navigating the dazzling streets of Paris. Her charm and determination bring a unique South Asian flair to her journey of cultural adaptation, career challenges, and unexpected romance. Bilal Abbas Khan portrays ‘Gabriel’, the charming Parisian chef who captures ‘Emily’s heart with his quiet intensity and undeniable chemistry. Ramsha Khan plays ‘Camille’, ‘Gabriel’s sophisticated and stylish girlfriend, whose layered character adds complexity to the love triangle. Hania Aamir shines as ’Mindy’, ‘Emily’s quirky and supportive best friend, bringing humour and warmth to her Parisian adventure. Finally, Mehwish Hayat commands the screen as ‘Sylvie’, ‘Emily’s intimidating yet effortlessly stylish boss, adding a touch of fierce mentorship to the story.
3. Friends
In this reimagined version of ‘Friends’, the heartwarming camaraderie and hilarious adventures of six close-knit friends unfold in a cozy Karachi apartment. Kubra Khan stars as ‘Rachel Green’, the glamorous fashion enthusiast with a knack for reinventing herself. Bilal Ashraf brings charm and nerdy appeal to ’Ross Geller’, the soft-hearted paleontologist hopelessly in love with ‘Rachel’. Mahira Khan takes on the role of ‘Monica Geller’, the perfectionist chef whose passion for cooking and organization keeps the group together. Ahmed Ali Akbar shines as ‘Chandler Bing’, the quick-witted, sarcastic friend with a heart of gold. Ali Rehman Khan perfectly embodies ‘Joey Tribbiani’, the lovable yet slightly clueless actor chasing his dreams. Rounding out the group is Maya Ali as ‘Phoebe Buffay’, the quirky, eccentric musician whose offbeat humor and warmth light up every scene.
4. Bridgerton
Transport the elegant and scandalous world of ‘Bridgerton’ to a grand Pakistani setting, filled with vibrant traditions, sumptuous costumes, and opulent estates. Ayeza Khan stars as ‘Daphne Bridgerton’, the radiant debutante navigating societal expectations and the pursuit of true love. Opposite her, Shuja Asad takes on the role of ‘Simon Basset’, the dashing Duke of Hastings, whose charm hides a tormented past. Wahaj Ali portrays ‘Lord Anthony Bridgerton’, the brooding eldest sibling torn between duty and passion, while Kinza Hashmi shines as ‘Kate Sharma’, the strong-willed and sharp-tongued beauty who matches wits with ‘Anthony’. Adding intrigue and heart, Durefishan Saleem plays ‘Penelope Featherington’, the kind and intelligent young woman hiding a life-altering secret. With its tales of love, ambition, and societal intrigue, this Pakistani ‘Bridgerton’ would blend the grandeur of Regency-era drama with the richness of South Asian culture.
Reimagining these global hits with Pakistani stars brings a fresh perspective, showcasing the versatility and talent of our actors. Whether it’s navigating Parisian streets, surviving deadly games, or finding love amidst societal pressures, these stories blend global appeal with a uniquely local touch. Which show would you watch first?