FremantleMedia Enterprises will distribute "Merlin", a BBC produced fantasy drama to NBC in the US and CTV in Canada, starring actors John "Alien" Hurt and Michelle "The Bionic Woman" Ryan.The 13-part series updates the 'King Arthur' legend for a younger audience, with Ryan playing wicked sorceress 'Nimueh' and Hurt as the voice of the 'Great Dragon', young Merlin's reptilian mentor.
Santiago Cabrera, aka 'Isaac Mendez' in NBC's "Heroes", appears as 'Lancelot', joining "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" actor Anthony Head.
'Merlin', 'Arthur' and 'Guinevere' are played by a trio of newcomers, including actor Colin "Doctor Who" Morgan as Merlin, Bradley "Lewis" James as young Arthur and Angel "Vincent" Coulby as Guinevere.
"Merlin" is produced by Elisabeth Murdoch's Shine production company through BBC Wales, the UK broadcaster noted for developing both "Doctor Who" and "Torchwood".
Shine producers Julian Murphy and Johnny Caps, who developed the "Merlin" concept, said "Merlin" was influenced by the Vancouver-lensed "Smallville", that focuses on the early years of 'Superman'.
"Just as in 'Smallville' we wanted to subvert expectations," said Capps.
"'Camelot' is a land where magic is banned...Merlin is a young boy who works as Arthur's manservant and has to hide his abilities..."
