Egyptian actor Ahmed Badir was one of the first artists to be criticized in the series, as he embodied the character of Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi. A rumor even spread about his death. He said: “We all know who was behind this ridiculous rumor in the first week of Ramadan. I got used to such rumors. Whenever I express my love towards my country, I find rumors about me immediately. This behaviour confirms that I am on the right path. Their anger became frankly my pleasure.”
He added: I personally love Field Marshal Tantawi. I followed him closely and that helped me embody the character accurately. He was a great man and leader. He led the country in its darkest and most difficult period, and succeeded in curbing terrorism and its sponsors. I think that just his appearance on the screen angered the Brotherhood.”
Badir said: Almost two years ago, I was a guest in a television interview, and the presenter asked me about the character I would like to embody. At that time, I told him I hope to play the role of the great hero, Field Marshal Tantawi. When the makers of the series asked me to work in the series, I said to myself that I would accept, whatever the role is. I was happily surprised when they offered me the role of Tantawi. I was happy and grateful.
As for his preparations for the character, he said: I met Field Marshal Tantawi before, and I felt his seriousness, kindness, and tolerance.
