Israel’s Eurovision Entry Noa Kirel to Star in Futuristic Thriller ‘Wonder’ From ‘Fauda’ Banner Yes Studios and Paramount’s Ananey Studios (EXCLUSIVE)
Yes Studios, the company behind “Fauda” and “Shtisel,” has boarded “Wonder,” an eight-part futuristic thriller starring Noa Kirel, a rising Israeli actor and singer who finished third at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Produced by Paramount’s Ananey Studios, the show also stars Yovel Lewkowski (Netflix’s “All Time High”). “Wonder” is set in a near future and revolves around the death of Noya, a 17-year-old girl who was apparently killed in a car crash. Her father Avner, a retired combat officer, and Daria, Noya’s best friend and a social media personality, join forces to investigate her death and discover Noya had a secret virtual life as part of a growing movement of teenagers swept up in the world of “wonder” — a new and mysterious virtual reality gaming app. Avner, who was mostly absent from Noya’s life, now faces a series of shocking revelations about his daughter. His and Daria’s investigation, along with flashbacks into Noya’s past, gradually unfolds the dark chain of events that led to her night-time accident in the desert.
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“Wonder,” which will premiere later this year on leading broadcaster and streamer Yes TV, was created by Yishai Orian (“The Beetle,” “Citizen Kopatz”) and Yair Sagi (“The Beetle,” “Burned”). Yes Studios will represent Wonder internationally along with Paramount’s Ananey Studios.
Sharon Levi, managing director at Yes Studios, said the company always tries “to offer something new to buyers, and ‘Wonder’ is like nothing else” on its slate.
“Futuristic but grounded in reality, this thriller will have broad appeal, but we especially believe that it will prove popular with young adult audiences looking for something different. This YA [young adult] space is something that we’ve been keen to explore,” said Levi, adding that “with Ananey and Paramount, Yes Studios found the perfect series to both reach a global audience and resonate with a generation that is hooked on their phones and, at times, disconnected from the real world.”
Yes Studios is owned by Yes TV, Israel’s premiere multi-channel platform. It is the producer and distributor of international hits, including “Fauda” and “The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem,” as well as “On the Spectrum,” which was adapted in the U.S. as “As We See It.”
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