Star Trek’s Alexander Siddig to play Khan (not that one!) opposite Charlie Hunnam in Apple TV+ series Shantaram

Alexander Siddig (known from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, among others) is joining the cast of Shantaram on Apple TV+

MARCH 26, 2021 - Earlier this week, Deadline reported that Star Trek: Deep Space Nine actor Alexander Siddig will be joining the cast of Shantaram, the upcoming series from Apple TV+. The announcement comes just weeks before production is set to resume in May, following a lengthy pause early in the filming process due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Based on Gregory David Roberts’ best-selling novel of the same name, Shantaram follows the exciting life of Lin, played by British actor Charlie Hunnam. Having fled an Australian prison, Lin heads for India on a quest for peace, love, and absolution. A victim of circumstance, he becomes a member of Bombay's criminal underworld under the employ and guidance of Khader Khan, played by Siddig. As Khan assumes the roles of both boss and a father-type figure, Lin’s position in the mafia continues to grow, putting his life into constant conflict.

Shantaram is a product of Anonymous Content and Paramount Television Studios from writer, showrunner and executive producer Steven Lightfoot. Other executive producers include Steve Golin, Andrea Barron, Nicole Clemens and Richard Sharkey. There’s no word yet on when the first season of Shantaram will air.

According to Deadline, the role of Khader Khan will have Siddig appearing as a series regular. If you think about it, that technically makes Alexander Siddig the third Star Trek actor to portray “Khan” - just probably not the one you’re thinking of. Some of his more recent television appearances include roles in Gotham, The Spy, and Deep State. Siddig also led the cast of the 2020 film Skylines, which we reviewed last December.