Netflix has officially launched its most expensive Polish series to date, titled Heweliusz, as part of its ten-year anniversary celebrations in Poland. The series, which debuted on November 5, 2023, is a significant investment for the streaming giant, reflecting its commitment to local storytelling and talent in the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region.
Since its launch in Poland in 2016, Netflix has recognized the country as a key market due to its substantial talent pool and a population of nearly 40 million. By 2019, the platform had expanded its presence across other CEE nations, and in 2022, it established a hub in Warsaw. This hub has led to the production of several high-profile originals, including High Water and adaptations of works by author Harlan Coben.
‘Heweliusz’: A Major Production
Kłuskiewicz, who has been recently appointed to oversee television and film in the region, described Heweliusz as “one of the most ambitious projects in Europe and maybe the biggest Polish production since [the fall of the Berlin Wall in] 1989.” The series was filmed over nine months at 70 locations across Poland and features a cast of 120 actors and approximately 3,000 extras.
Kłuskiewicz noted that initial skepticism about the project’s viability was overcome by the creative team’s vision and commitment to quality storytelling.
Local Focus with Global Potential
Despite its significant production scale, Kłuskiewicz emphasized that the primary goal of Heweliusz is to resonate with local audiences. He stated, “We may not be the fastest, but we really care about the quality of our stories.” The series is characterized as “fiction based on true events,” focusing on the human experiences surrounding the tragedy rather than the disaster itself.
The ambitious nature of Heweliusz reflects Netflix’s broader strategy in CEE. While the company has faced challenges, including controversies over content and pricing, Kłuskiewicz remains optimistic about the potential for growth in the local entertainment industry. Upcoming projects include Lead Children, which tackles the issue of lead poisoning in children, and a medical procedural titled Anaesthesia.
Kłuskiewicz also highlighted the success of previous adaptations of Harlan Coben‘s works and expressed excitement for future collaborations. As Netflix continues to invest in original content across the region, the focus remains on developing stories that connect deeply with local viewers while maintaining the potential for wider appeal.
In a rapidly evolving media landscape, Netflix’s commitment to authentic local narratives, as exemplified by Heweliusz, positions it to further strengthen its presence in Poland and beyond.
