Merlin Potter and the Deathly Phoenix of the Excalibur
From some of the people who brought you New Doctor Who and Saucy Torchwood…
A host of stars including John Hurt, Michelle Ryan and Richard Wilson are set to appear in BBC One’s latest Saturday night drama, Merlin.
The 13-part series follows the fabled friendship between the young wizard Merlin and Prince Arthur.
Bafta-winner Hurt will provide the voice of Merlin’s mentor, the Great Dragon, while Bionic Woman star Ryan will play wicked sorceress Nimueh.
Newcomer Colin Morgan, 22, from Northern Ireland, takes the title role.
His previous television experience is limited to guest roles on Doctor Who [Jethro in Series Four's "Midnight" - Ed] and the Catherine Tate Show.
However, he has made a name for himself in the West End with critically acclaimed roles in Vernon God Little and All About My Mother.
‘Youthful look’
It is hoped the tale will appeal to young and old audiences alike – much like Doctor Who, which occupies a similar slot in the schedules.
BBC Wales’ Head of Drama Julie Gardner, also an executive producer on Doctor Who, said: “In this new version, Merlin and Arthur are young contemporaries for the first time ever, bringing a much loved tale to a whole new generation with a fresh, youthful new look and approach for Saturday nights.”
The drama is set in a time before Arthur becomes king, as Merlin comes to terms with his magical powers.
Santiago Cabrera, who played Isaac Mendez in Heroes, will take the role of Lancelot and up-coming actress Angel Coulby [Katherine in Season Two's "The Girl in the Fireplace - Ed] stars as Guinevere.
Oscar-winning visual effects team The Mill, who were behind Doctor Who and the Gladiator, are producing the series’ computer generated imagery.
The show is currently being filmed in Wales and France.
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It’s also being directed by James Hawes, who is a Doctor Who stalwart, having directed ”School Reunion”, ”New Earth”, “The Christmas Invasion”, “The Empty Child” and “The Doctor Dances”.
Further guest stars include Eve Myles (Torchwood, Doctor Who) as Mary Collins (episode one), Will Mellor (Two Pints of Lager And A Packet of Crisps) as Valiant (episode two) and Julian Rhind-Tutt (Green Wing) as Edwin Muirden (episode five).
It starts long before Arthur becomes King. Arthur’s father is Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head), the tyrannical King of Camelot who has outlawed magic in the mythical city. Gaius is the court physician who takes Merlin under his wing and helps guide him with his magical powers. It’s a rites of passage story which sees Merlin and Arthur on the cusp of adulthood – both on their journey to greatness in a time before history began.
