Alanah Bloor, Sandokan’s New Marianna, Reveals: Can Yaman and Ed Westwick Were Fantastic—They Really Looked After Me

Consider for a moment the weight on an actress’s shoulders when stepping into a role so iconic that comparisons to her predecessor are not just likely, but inevitable. Now, imagine that this is her first major career-defining role—amplifying the performance anxiety and the fear of a misstep to a fever pitch. Finally, imagine that at just twenty-six years old, you are the leading lady of a juggernaut revival like Sandokan.

This is the reality for Alanah Bloor. In the lush new reimagining of the "Pirate of Malaysia’s" adventures, she takes on the mantle of Lady Marianna—a role immortalized in 1976 by Carole André. However, the Marianna portrayed by Bloor in this Jean Michelini-directed production, starring alongside Can Yaman, is a woman of her time: courageous, an environmentalist, independent, and proactive. She is a heroine perhaps more aligned with today’s sensibilities than the original pages of the Emilio Salgari novels.

Preparing for the Role of a Lifetime

In a featured interview with Il Corriere della Sera, the actress pulled back the curtain on the production, her preparation process, and her dynamic with her high-profile co-stars.

"I was so emotional I almost couldn't believe it," Bloor told the publication. "After the audition, I tried to put it out of my mind so I wouldn't get my hopes up. But when my agent called me just before last Christmas, it was the best gift I could have ever received."

Though she wasn't initially familiar with the lore, she quickly realized the magnitude of the project. "I know Sandokan holds a massive place in the hearts of Italians; the nostalgia factor is huge. Once I landed the part, I dove deep into his world and fell in love with the magic of the story. Plus, I’ve always had a particular soft spot for period dramas and costume pieces."

A Heroine for the Modern Era

This iteration of Marianna was intentionally crafted to be a mirror for the women of today. "Marianna is a true protagonist in this version," Bloor explained. "She’s determined, she doesn't take 'no' for an answer, and she fights for what is right. Salgari certainly made her the muse of his story, but here, she becomes a genuine hero. The 'damsel in distress' archetype is something invented by men—in this series, Marianna spends most of her time saving everyone else."

Connection to Carole André and Managing Success

While Bloor hasn't yet had the chance to speak with the original Marianna, Carole André, she expressed a strong desire to do so soon. Regarding the overwhelming global success of the series, she remains humble: "I’d love to meet Carole; I’m curious to know what she thinks of this new version. I’m just so happy and I hope as many people as possible enjoy the show. It’s truly a series for everyone, regardless of age."

Challenges and On-Set Bonds

Beyond the pressure of the role, Bloor cited being away from home as her greatest challenge. However, she found a surrogate family in co-stars Can Yaman and Ed Westwick (who plays Lord Brooke).

"This was my first big job, so everything was a learning curve. Being on set was an intense experience, but everyone was incredibly kind. Living away from home [filming in Italy] had its difficulties; every time my family visited, they brought me Yorkshire tea so I could have a little taste of home every day."

She spoke glowingly of the protection her male leads provided: "I was so lucky to work with such a talented, experienced cast. Can Yaman and Ed Westwick were fantastic—they taught me so much and really looked after me. We formed very deep friendships. We spent so much time exploring Rome and Calabria together, and we’ve become very close since."

Tales from the Set: Corsets and Ice Pops

Bloor concluded the interview with a few lighthearted anecdotes about the realities of filming a period epic in the Mediterranean.

"We had so much fun. The days were long, but always fueled by amazing food—lots of pizza, which made everything better. However, the heat in Calabria was unbelievable. Victorian corsets are not exactly designed for 35-degree weather (95°F). You could usually find me with my skirts hiked up in front of the air conditioner, a fan in one hand and an ice pop in the other."