Rise of the Raven Set to Soar at Cannes

The 2024 edition of MIPCOM Cannes, one of the entertainment industry’s most prestigious events, will host the highly anticipated premiere of Rise of the Raven (Hunyadi), a historical TV series chronicling the life of legendary Hungarian military leader John Hunyadi.

Slated to be showcased on the red carpet, this ambitious production is already making waves as one of Hungary‘s most significant international television debuts.

A Hero’s Journey in Epic Proportions

“Rise of the Raven” offers a gripping portrayal of John Hunyadi’s journey from a humble village boy to one of Europe’s most revered military leaders, famed for his defense against the Ottoman Empire. Set against the tumultuous political landscape of 15th-century Europe, the series intertwines Hunyadi’s personal life, battles, and enduring legacy.

The production distinguishes itself by its dedication to authenticity. Over 600 international actors and stunt performers were involved, each speaking in their native languages to enhance the series’ historical accuracy.

Gellért L. Kádár takes on the role of Hunyadi, with an impressive cast that includes Vivien Rujder as his wife Erzsébet, Franciska Törőcsik as his first love Mara, and internationally renowned stars such as Laurence Rupp (“Barbarians”), Giancarlo Giannini (“Casino Royale”, “Hannibal”), and Karel Roden (“The Bourne Supremacy”). The series boasts a powerhouse team of directors, including Robert Dornhelm (“War and Peace”), Orsi Nagypál (“Therapy”), Attila Szász (“Eternal Winter”), and Balázs Lengyel (“Golden Life”).

An Ambitious Vision Comes to Life

Based on Bán Mór’s bestselling novels, “Rise of the Raven” is the passion project of Robert Lantos, a renowned Canadian-Hungarian producer. Lantos, along with his producing partners, has set his sights on breaking into the global television market, with MIPCOM Cannes marking a crucial milestone in that journey. The event attracts over 11,000 participants from more than 100 countries, making it the ideal platform for “Rise of the Raven” to shine.

Premiering at MIPCOM is a significant achievement for “Rise of the Raven”, elevating it as the first Hungarian production to receive this level of international recognition at the prestigious event. Lucy Smith, the director of MIPCOM Cannes, highlighted the excitement surrounding the series, noting that “Rise of the Raven” is epic both in its storytelling and its visuals.

Scheduled to debut in early 2025, “Rise of the Raven” will first air on Hungary’s TV2 network.