Image: Netflix
One of the most anticipated projects coming from Poland to the stage this year is an ambitious historical epic based on one of the country’s most acclaimed novels: doll (Lalka). But what is it about? And why is this another ambitious gamble for Netflix?
Watch the official teaser below:
We listed it earlier this year as part of our top anticipated European projects for 2026. In fact, this six-episode project marks another book-to-screen adaptation for Netflix, one that utilizes high-end production values to bring classic literary works to life. panther There was another project that attempted this in a very similar manner, and while bridgerton The franchise proves that there is a huge global audience for period dramas, doll Something else entirely. This is nothing less than an adaptation of what some consider the greatest Polish novel ever written – an epic saga of business, trade, war and romance during a tumultuous time in European history.
What is doll About this?
Here is the official logline for the series:
“Based on the book by Bolesław Prus, the series is a saga set against the backdrop of the “Spring of Nations” in mid-19th century Poland, as well as the Russo-Turkish War in Bulgaria. It follows an aristocratic merchant, Stanisław Vokulski, through a series of trials and tribulations caused by his obsessive passion for an aristocratic beauty, Izabela Lańka.”
Who’s in the cast and crew of doll?
The Doll (Cr. R. Palanca/Netflix)
directed the series pavel maslonawho also co-wrote the episode pavel demirsky And Jagoda Dutkiewicz. The director is known for his previous film, scarbourne (2023), an account of the life of Polish revolutionary hero Tadeusz Kościuszko, a general who organized an uprising against the Russian Empire in the 18th century.
played the lead role of Isabella sandra drzemalskawho was nominated for a Polish Academy Award for his role Jerzy Skolimowski‘S EO (2022). Netflix subscribers may know her best as Monica, one of the lead actresses of the comedy series to make sensualWhich ran for two seasons. Stanislav Vokulski played Tomasz SchuchardtWho has an extensive career in both film and television in Poland. He also had a supporting role in this Operation HyacinthA Netflix original film that premiered in 2021.
The cast has been rounded out Dariusz Chojnacki, Jacek Brassik, Julia WiszynskaAnd Magdalena Celica.
when is it doll Premiere?
doll Will premiere globally on Netflix in the second half of 2026.
Interestingly, Netflix’s doll This isn’t the only adaptation of Bolesław Prus’s famous novel coming in 2026. A feature film adaptation, directed by Maciej Kawalski and featuring a completely different cast, is expected to be released in Polish cinemas in September of the same year.
This rare “duel optimization” scenario happens more often than you think. there is Fascinating deep dive by design writer Zoska In the visual identity of both projects. Their article critically compares the historically inspired Gothic typography of the upcoming film’s poster to the “generic gold letters” seen at the end of the Netflix trailer, proving that audiences are already scrutinizing every detail of these two ambitious releases.
Have you read the original novel for this new project? Are you looking forward to this hugely ambitious new series? Have your say in the comments below and here are some more first looks:
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