Alexander Devrient: International Global Star in the BBC/Disney+ Epic The War Between the Land and the Sea
- Kimberly Porter
- 7 minutes ago
- 2 min read
When the BBC and Disney+ announced The War Between the Land and the Sea, audiences quickly realized this was no ordinary sci-fi drama. The five-part series, set in the universe of Dr Who—recently rebranded from Doctor Who to signal a bold new creative direction—introduces a reimagined timeline, an all-new origin story, and a stellar international cast. At the center of it stands Alexander Devrient, the German-Lebanese talent bringing commanding depth to his leading role as Colonel Ibrahim.
Best known for his work within the Dr Who franchise alongside Ncuti Gatwa, Millie Gibson, David Tennant, and Catherine Tate, Devrient’s upcoming role marks a powerful step forward. The War Between the Land and the Sea explores a future where humanity faces an unimaginable challenge after an ancient species rises from the depths of the ocean, forcing governments, scientists, and military leaders into a fraught struggle to survive. As Colonel Ibrahim, Devrient embodies the courage and complexity of a man caught between duty and conscience in a world on the brink.
Devrient’s ability to infuse realism into high-concept storytelling has defined his career to date. Viewers will recognize him from hit series such as Sky Max’s The Lazarus Project, where he shared the screen with Paapa Essiedu, and Netflix’s The Bastard Son and the Devil Himself, appearing alongside Nadia Parkes and Jay Lycurgo. His range has also been showcased in acclaimed productions including Motherland, Ted Lasso, FBI: International, Industry, The Bureau, Genius, The Devil You Know, The Danish Girl, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, and All The Old Knives. Whether in fast-paced thrillers or elevated dramas, Devrient consistently brings emotional truth and nuance to every role.
Raised between Hamburg and Beirut and now based in Britain, Devrient reflects a new generation of global actors reshaping British storytelling. His multicultural background informs his artistic sensibility, allowing him to bridge languages, perspectives, and traditions with authenticity. Since moving to the UK in 2005 to train, he has built a career defined by resilience and reinvention — from acclaimed West End performances in The Jungle to a flourishing career across film and television. Devrient continues to push boundaries, embracing complex roles that mirror today’s interconnected world.
Fluent in English, German, French, and Spanish, the actor’s versatility extends beyond language. It’s visible in the empathy he brings to characters that navigate moral ambiguity and shifting loyalties. In The War Between the Land and the Sea, his Colonel Ibrahim stands as both a leader and a listener — a figure who captures the human struggle for balance in a time of chaos.
Joining him is an ensemble cast featuring Russell Tovey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jemma Redgrave, Ruth Madeley, and Colin McFarlane. With such a dynamic lineup, the series blends blockbuster spectacle with the emotional depth of character-driven drama.
As Dr Who enters its new era, Alexander Devrient emerges as one of its defining voices and an actor whose global roots, discipline, and quiet intensity promise to captivate viewers worldwide. For more, follow him on social platforms: Instagram