Beta Film has unveiled an exhilarating trailer for its upcoming 10-part drama series “Rise of the Raven,” which is set against the backdrop of the pivotal 15th-century battle that reshaped Europe. The series is scheduled to premiere at Mipcom in the Grand Auditorium of Cannes’ Palais des Festivals on October 22.
Based on Bán Mór’s popular novels, “Rise of the Raven” follows the Hungarian warrior Janos Hunyadi, who led the resistance against the Ottoman army at the 1456 Battle of Belgrade, halting its expansion into Europe and marking a significant moment in the continent’s history.
The series is produced by renowned Canadian producer Robert Lantos and his company Serendipity Point Films, known for acclaimed works like “The Sweet Hereafter” and “Eastern Promises.” Beta Film, recognized for successful series such as “Gomorrah” and “Babylon Berlin,” will handle international distribution for the show as part of a comprehensive Mipcom lineup.
In the exclusive trailer, Hunyadi (portrayed by Kádár L. Gellért) gives an impassioned speech to his assembled troops, with his warrior wife Elizabeth Szilagyi (Vivien Rujder) standing resolutely by his side. The narrative also reveals Hunyadi’s first love, Serbian princess Mara Brankovic (Franciska Töröcsik), who makes a grave sacrifice for her people by accepting the Sultan’s (Murathan Muslu) offer to join his court as a concubine.
Amidst romantic entanglements, intense battles, and acts of betrayal, the fate of Europe hangs in the balance. The series is being touted as one of the most ambitious and costly European television productions to date, with Lantos commenting that it matches the budgets of comparable shows produced for global networks and streaming services.
“I believe this may be the most ambitious project in the realm of non-English language production, given its vastness, scale, and expense,” Lantos shared. “Securing financing was akin to a miracle. I’m not sure I’d want to undertake something like this again.”
Filming took place in Hungary and at the NFI Studios complex near Budapest, showcasing incredible period detail with local artisans crafting elaborate sets that replicate 15th-century cities, including Vienna, Milan, and Edirne, the latter being a crucial Ottoman capital. Lantos emphasized the commitment to delivering these stories with utmost authenticity.
Passionate about the project, Lantos recounted how he became enthralled after reading the first book of the series. “I couldn’t put it down. I felt it was an extraordinary narrative,” he recalled, which led him to delve into the life of Janos Hunyadi and the tumultuous events of Central European history surrounding him.
Lantos recognized the rich material ideal for the screen, but realized its expansive nature wouldn’t fit into a standard two-hour film. He embraced the “fantastic challenge” of creating a series that explored a crucial part of his homeland’s history, one that remains largely unknown to audiences beyond Hungary.
To ensure historical fidelity, Lantos was determined that “Rise of the Raven” would be authentic to its time by honoring the languages spoken by the historical figures. This approach meant forgoing the typical casting choices often made for broader recognition. “In return, we achieve authenticity,” he remarked.
“Rise of the Raven” is financed by Hungary’s National Film Institute in conjunction with Beta Film and involves multiple production partners, including Twin Media, HG Media, MR Film, and Beta. Hungarian TV2 Network is set to broadcast the series in Hungary and Slovenia, while Austrian public broadcaster ORF has joined as a co-producer and will air the show in Austria.