Inspired by the memoirs of an undercover police officer as he attempts to infiltrate a dangerous criminal group in the ‘90s
Starring Piotr Witkowski, with Vanessa Aleksander, Zofia Jastrzębska, Eryk Kulm and Borys Szyc also appearing, and directed by Adrian Panek
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Today, SkyShowtime announced an all-new Polish original series, The Hidden Beast (Zwierzak). Inspired by the life of Jerzy Hybiński and the book ‘Zwierzak. Spowiedź policyjnego przykrywkowca’* by Janusz Schwertner and Mateusz Baczyński, the crime drama will take viewers on a gripping journey back to the ‘90s.
The Hidden Beast (Zwierzak) tells the story of ‘Zwierzak’, an undercover police officer who, in the brutal world of organised crime, walks a fine line between the law, loyalty and his own moral code. Will he be able to preserve his own identity while infiltrating the criminal underworld?
“At SkyShowtime we are aiming to tell stories that are local in character and universal in audience appeal, reaching far beyond the borders of the country of origin. The Hidden Beast (Zwierzak) from Poland perfectly reflects this approach; it’s a powerful, gripping crime series, that feels incredibly authentic. It is the story of one man placed in a situation where every decision comes at a cost. Thanks to an outstanding cast and creative team, led by director Adrian Panek, we are confident that The Hidden Beast (Zwierzak) will be another exceptional addition to SkyShowtime’s pipeline of Polish originals,” said Kai Finke, Chief Content Officer at SkyShowtime.
The series stars Piotr Witkowski (Go Ahead, Brother), alongside Borys Szyc (Warszawianka), Zofia Jastrzębska (Infamy), Eryk Kulm (Filip) and Vanessa Aleksander (The Office PL).
The Hidden Beast (Zwierzak) is directed by Adrian Panek (Simona Kossak). The SkyShowtime Original was created by Bartosz Blaschke (Deadly Ties (Śleboda)), with the screenplay written by Marcin Ciastoń (Operation Hyacinth). The director of photography is Karina Kleszczewska (Colors of Evil: Red). The series is produced for SkyShowtime Limited by MediaBrigade. The producers are Marcin Kurek and Sylwester Banaszkiewicz.
The series is being produced in the Republic of Poland with the support provided through the Act on Financial Support for Audio-Visual Production by the Polish Film Institute and funded by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.
The Hidden Beast (Zwierzak) is the latest Polish Original to be commissioned by SkyShowtime. Earlier this year, the service premiered Deadly Ties S2 (Pionek), the two-part documentary Edyta Górniak, and the drama series Morpheus (Morfeusz). Production is also underway on Genialna M., created in collaboration with Polsat. These local productions join a growing line-up of original Polish hits including Deadly Ties (Śleboda), Krychowiak: One Step from the Top (Krychowiak: krok od szczytu), and The Cop. A New Chapter (Glina. Nowy rozdział), among others.