Tunisian actor Dhafer L’Abidine will take the lead role in a Middle Eastern adaption of the popular American TV series "Prison Break."

Formerly a professional football player, L’Abidine has become a rising international star with roles in "Sex And The City 2” and “A Hologram for the King.” He has also appeared in several British shows such as "Spooks," "Strike Back," and "Wallender."

Regionally, he gained fame for his performances as "Dali" in the Tunisian TV series "Maktoub" and roles in the Egyptian series "Niran Sadiqa" and "Fark Taoukit." He also hosted a Middle Eastern version of the British game show “The Cube” for Dubai TV.

The Arab remake of "Prison Break" is being produced by Fadi Fahim and Egyptian director Marwan Hamed .

Egyptian director Hussein El Menbawy will direct the project, which will air on the Dubai-based Orbit Showtime Network OSN, the leading pay-for-TV player in the region. The specific location of the show hasn't be announced.