One of the most anticipated thriller shows to come out on Netflix is “Painkiller” and it's actually based on the book “Pain Killer: An Empire of Deceit and the Origin of America’s Opioid Epidemic,” written by Barry Meier, and a New Yorker article, “The Family That Built an Empire of Pain,” written by Patrick Radden Keefe. The series has been receiving much attention as it is foreseen to launch in August of this year. “Painkiller” was created by Micah Fitzerman-Blue, and Noah Harpster. It has been made with filmmakers Eric Newman, Peter Berg and Alex Gibney as executive producers. As for the cast, it includes top names such as Uzo Aduba, Matthew Broderick, West Duchovny, Taylor Kitsch, and more. Of course, the name that caught our eye is none other than Saudi’s very own Dina Shihabi.
The Saudi-born actress took to Instagram to share sneak peeks of the different scenes in the TV show, writing, “FINALLY. First look at Painkiller, a limited series inspired by real events about the opioid crisis in America premiering August 10, only on Netflix. One of the best experiences of my life with a group of the most talented people that I will love forever. Can’t wait for you to watch.”
Shihabi was born to a Saudi-Norwegian father and half-Palestinian and half German-Haitian mother. She spent most of her childhood in the United Arab Emirates, until she moved to the United States to fulfill her dream.
She went on to become the first Middle Eastern-born woman to be accepted at the esteemed Juilliard School. Shihabi also attended New York University’s graduate acting program to hone her skills.Other than her impressive background, Shihabi is a proven go-getter when it comes to chasing her dreams.
In a conversation with Arab News, she shared some advice for individuals looking to excel in the cutthroat industry of films. “Look around to the people that are around you right now and start making things. And focus, hard work, determination, passion (are important). Those are real things. I’m still working really hard to make the things I want happen and I don’t think it’s ever going to end. If you choose this life, you are choosing a life where you have to really work hard.”
