Acclaimed director Roland Emmerich, known for blockbuster hits such as Independence Day and 2012, is set to helm a television remake of the cinematic classic Lawrence of Arabia. The reimagined project, titled In Arabia, will span three seasons and feature a broader array of characters than the original 1962 film.
Emmerich, who is renowned for his large-scale productions, has reportedly secured a budget exceeding $100 million for the series. In a recent interview, he explained the new title, saying, “It has a little bit more characters” than the original, hence the change to “In Arabia”.
The original Lawrence of Arabia, directed by David Lean, is regarded as one of the greatest films in cinematic history. Released in 1962, it stars Peter O’Toole as British officer T.E. Lawrence, alongside Alec Guinness and Omar Sharif. The film is widely celebrated for its grand scale, stunning desert cinematography, and portrayal of Lawrence’s key role in the Arab Revolt during World War I.
Emmerich’s series will re-examine key historical moments from Lawrence’s life, focusing on his leadership in uniting Arab tribes against the Ottoman Empire during the war. With its episodic structure, “In Arabia” will allow for a deeper exploration of characters and historical context compared to the original film.
Acclaimed screenwriter Anthony McCarten, known for his work on Bohemian Rhapsody, is set to write the first season of the series. The project is currently being pitched to major networks, with Emmerich referring to it as a passion project that has been years in the making.