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Icelandic Mother and Daughter Sold into Slavery in 17th Century Morocco in Upcoming Drama
2 Oct, 2025
Summary
- Dutch actor Frank Lammers to play real-life pirate admiral Jan Janszoon
- Icelandic mother and daughter captured by Barbary privateers and sold into slavery
- €15M budget for two seasons of the upcoming European drama series
In October 2025, it was announced that Dutch actor Frank Lammers will star in the upcoming European drama series 'Salé'. Lammers will portray Jan Janszoon, also known as Murat Reis, a real-life Dutch sea captain who converted to Islam and became one of the most powerful pirate admirals in the North African city of Salé.
The series, set to launch at MIPCOM later this month, is a co-production between Film Partner Iceland and Sweden's LittleBig Productions. It is planned for two seasons of six episodes, with a projected budget of €15M per season, or €2.5M per episode, making it one of the more ambitious European projects in development.
The story of 'Salé' will follow an Icelandic mother and daughter who are captured by Barbary privateers and sold into slavery in Morocco in 1627. Separated in the markets of Salé, they must forge new identities to survive, with one clinging to her Christian faith and the other embracing Islam and a dangerous new world. Their fates become entangled with Janszoon's as his pirate empire faces threats from rivals and his own family.
Casting is currently underway for the roles of the mother, Gunnur, and daughter, Gríma/Laila, with announcements expected in early 2026. The production is planning to shoot primarily on location in Iceland and Morocco, taking advantage of Iceland's tax incentive program.
