Actress Hanan Motawie breaks new ground with drama, action roles

CAIRO – As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, audiences eagerly anticipate the season’s most compelling drama releases. For Hanan Motawie, Ramadan 2026 promises to be unlike any other, as she embarks on a bold new creative chapter, starring in three diverse series that blend action, suspense and social themes. The move signals her determination to break away from her traditional roles and showcase her versatility across multiple genres.

Motawie’s first project, “Al-Masida” (The Trap), is set to be a standout surprise of the season. The 15-episode series pairs her with Khaled Selim, Mohamed Abdel Azim, Salwa Khattab and Ahmed El Meligy. She plays a professional hacker, navigating a complex web of intrigue where suspense meets comedy. Meligy’s character, Shaker, a seemingly ordinary waiter, secretly assists her in opposing Selim’s character, adding layers of tension and intrigue.

Written by Yehia Hamza and directed by Mostafa Abou Seif, “Al-Masida” combines action and comedy in a unique narrative style that keeps viewers on edge. The storyline highlights Motawie’s ability to embody multi-dimensional characters while delivering a fast-paced, engaging viewing experience.

Exploring social and criminal themes in “El King”

Her second series, “El King,” stars Mohamed Emam alongside Mirna Gamil and Amr Abdul Gelil, offering a suspenseful social drama. The story follows a young Egyptian man entrenched in international mafia networks who turns against them, igniting a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase. Motawa takes on a role that places her at the centre of family and societal conflicts, illustrating her capacity to navigate complex emotional and ethical dynamics.

The series merges high-stakes action with social commentary, exploring the tension between personal ambition and social constraints, while highlighting how human relationships intersect with the dangerous world of organised crime. Critics note that this blend of action and social narrative enhances Motawie’s presence as a versatile and serious performer.

A digital thriller with ethical depth: "Hayah Aw Moot"

Motawie’s third venture, "Hayah Aw Moot" (Life or Death) (Life or Death), will premiere on a digital platform. Written by Ahmed Abdel Fattah, directed by Hani Hamdy and produced by Ahmed El Sobky, the 15-episode series also stars Rana Raeis, Ahmed Al Rafeay, Mohamed Ali Rezk, Salwa Othman, Mostafa Hashish, Mohamed Maghraby and Mohamed Younis. Motawie portrays Dr Hayat Abu Radi, a surgeon embroiled in a murder investigation, thrusting her into a web of crises and ethical dilemmas.

Speaking to Cairo News, Motawa revealed the preparation process: “This role was challenging. I spent time with a doctor to understand the medical aspects, and someone accompanies me to monitor all the details of the medical scenes. The hardest part is bringing the written character to life, turning words into flesh, expression, timing, speech and emotion, so the character feels authentic on screen.”

Her meticulous preparation underscores her commitment to realism, ensuring that her performance resonates with viewers and portrays complex ethical and social questions as her character confronts both professional and personal jeopardy.

A season of versatility and suspense

Across these three projects, Motawie’ demonstrates her range: from a mysterious hacker in “Al-Masida,” to a player in criminal and family intrigue in “El King”, to a medical professional facing life-or-death crises in “Haya Aw Moot.” This strategic choice reflects her awareness of the importance of diverse character portrayals and positions her as a leading contender for the Ramadan 2026 spotlight.

Critics suggest that Motawie’s focus on action and suspense represents a new phase in her career, moving beyond the social or romantic roles that have dominated her past work. Audiences are eagerly anticipating her ability to balance action-packed sequences with emotionally resonant storytelling, with each series promising suspense, unexpected twists and complex characters.

By embracing roles that mix action, human drama, and ethical dilemmas, Motawie is not only expanding her artistic range but also raising the stakes for Ramadan television, offering viewers a season rich in intrigue, social commentary, and gripping performances.