Endeavor Content announced it has picked global distribution rights for Hope, the latest returnable series from Russian SVOD platform START.

The espionage action series is set between brutal and lawless 1990s Russia and the present day, starring multi-award-winning Victoria Isakova as Nadezhd (Hope in English), a ruthless assassin for the Syndicate, a criminal organization she was forced to work for as a teenager in exchange for getting out of prison. Director Elena Hazanov, also helming the adaptation of Dina Rubina's novel Petrushka Syndrome, explores the duality of women’s nature in the series by examining the psychology of complex female protagonist Hope and the conflict between her maternal instincts and her true nature as a brutal contract killer.

“With its strong female central protagonist, and expert directing by Elena Hazanov, it is a very proud moment for us to have Hope noticed and picked up by Endeavor Content. At every stage of this relationship, they have shown a real love for Hope and are the perfect partners to help bring this brilliant series to audiences around the world,” said Daria Bondarenko, EVP International Sales and Acquisitions at START.

“We’re proud to partner with START on our first Russian language drama. The Russian market is full of robust scripted formats which we’ve been tracking with a keen eye, and this script in particular speaks to Endeavor Content’s focus on elevating female and underrepresented voices,” added Endeavor Content Director, Content Liz Tang.