Syrian actor Salim Haddad has withdrawn from the lead role in the new Syrian drama series "Al-Yateem", written by Qasim Al-Wais and directed by Tamer, due to creative disagreements over the script.

Sources close to the veteran actor confirmed that Haddad was not convinced by the traditional Syrian script, considering it confined to familiar, repetitive stories set in old neighborhoods, without offering any fresh ideas or distinctive artistic elements.

A Cast of Syrian Stars The series featured a prominent ensemble of Syrian actors, including Samer Ismail, Shukran Mortaja, Fadi Sbeih, and Taysir Idris, but Haddad’s withdrawal represents a significant setback for the production ahead of filming.

Continuing his artistic endeavors, Haddad is preparing to appear on stage at the Abu Dhabi National Theatre in the highly anticipated play "Al-Zeer Salem", which he co-directs and stars in alongside actors Abed Fahd and Basel Ya’khour, scheduled for October 3 and 4. The play is based on a script by Syrian writer Othman Juha.

In the production, Haddad reprises the role of "Abu Layla Al-Muhalhal", which he previously played in the 2000 television adaptation of "Al-Zeer Salem," written by the late poet and writer Mamdouh Adwan and directed by the late Hatem Ali. Meanwhile, Abed Fahd returns as "Jassas", and Basel Ya’khour portrays "Al-Harith bin Abbad", a role originally performed in the TV version by the late Syrian actor Khaled Taja.