Merlin
*Merlin screens each Saturday evening on BBC1 from September 20*
It's a classic legend of a magical and mystical realm where sorcery reigns supreme; now the much-loved tale of King Arthur has been turned on its head in the new BBC series, Merlin.
We arrive in Camelot when Arthur is still only a prince in a dangerous kingdom where magic has been banned by tyrannical King Uther. Prince Arthur's young servant, Merlin, is forced to hide his wizardry but with the help of Uther's physician, Gaius, he is soon using his talents to unlock Camelot's mystical secrets.
Co-producer Julian Murphy, part of the team behind Hex and Sugar Rush, says it was daunting to find a fresh approach to the legend.
"It was a challenge. This is a story that's been rewritten throughout history. Every generation has wanted to tell its own version," says Murphy.
The tale has inspired works from Camelot, to Excalibur to Monty Python and the Holy Grail, but the plan was to bring it to a new audience.
"We wanted to set it in the past but in a fantasy period, the world of Narnia, Harry Potter and Lord Of The Rings," says Murray
Newcomers Colin Morgan who plays Merlin, and Bradley James as Prince Arthur are joined by more experienced cast members, including Anthony Head as King Uther and Richard Wilson as Gaius.
The 13-part series will screen in BBC1's high-rating early evening, family viewing slot, previously the domain of Doctor Who and Robin Hood
Merlin Story So Far
- Dec 13, 2008 Will Merlin risk his own life to save Arthur?
- Dec 6, 2008 Morgana wants revenge
- Nov 29, 2008 Is Arthur responsible for Camelot's curse?
- Nov 22, 2008 Merlin fights the bandits of Ealdor
- Nov 15, 2008 Arthur prepares to fight the Black Knight
