Prepare to have your expectations of Arthurian legend shattered! The Daily Wire is diving headfirst into the world of fantasy with its groundbreaking new series, The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin, and the trailer has just dropped. This isn't your typical fairy tale; it's a gritty, action-packed reimagining that promises to be unlike anything you've seen before.
For those unfamiliar, The Daily Wire, a media company co-founded by Ben Shapiro and Jeremy Boreing, is expanding its content horizons beyond political commentary. Their latest venture, The Pendragon Cycle, is their first live-action scripted series, a major leap into the world of television production. The series is set to premiere on January 22nd, exclusively on their subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) platform, DailyWire+.
Based on the acclaimed Pendragon Cycle novels by Stephen R. Lawhead, the show transports viewers to a pivotal period in history: the Roman-dominated lands that would eventually become Britain. Imagine the 4th to 6th centuries AD, a time of immense upheaval, clashing cultures, and the birth of legends. But here's where it gets controversial... the series promises a unique interpretation of the Arthurian mythos, potentially challenging long-held beliefs and sparking debate among fans of the classic tales.
Jeremy Boreing, co-founder of The Daily Wire and the creative force behind the series as creator, executive producer, and even director of some episodes, describes The Pendragon Cycle as the culmination of a decade-long ambition. According to Boreing, the goal is "to create culture, not just to criticize it." He emphasizes that Lawhead's novels present a raw, "masculine Christianity" within a world brimming with conflict and mystery. "It isn’t saccharine or clean. In short, it is very much like our world," Boreing states. He hopes to share this adaptation with the Daily Wire audience, highlighting the work of the talented cast and crew.
While The Daily Wire has previously produced feature films, both fictional narratives and documentaries, along with animated series, The Pendragon Cycle represents a significant escalation in their television ambitions. This is a big swing, indicating a serious commitment to original, high-quality entertainment.
The series stars Tom Sharp as Merlin, offering a fresh take on the iconic sorcerer. The ensemble cast also includes Rose Reid, James Arden, Finney Cassidy, Myles Clohessy, Brett Cooper, Alex Laurence Phillips, Daniel Fathers, and Emree Franklin, each bringing their unique talents to breathe life into this ancient world. And this is the part most people miss: the success of any fantasy series hinges on the strength of its supporting cast; these actors will be instrumental in making or breaking the show's immersion.
Beyond Boreing and Shapiro, the executive producing team includes Caleb Robinson (Daily Wire CEO), Dallas Sonnier of Bonfire Legend, Daniel Kresmery of Hero Squared, and Ryan Whitaker for Tirian Films. Travis Mills, Jonathan Hay, Amanda Presmyk, Jonathan Halperyn, Jerilyn Esquibel, Augusto Pelliccia, Julius Nasso, and Stephen R. Lawhead himself serve as producers. Moreover, Whitaker and Jesse V. Johnson both stepped behind the camera to direct episodes of the series, promising a diverse range of visual styles and storytelling approaches.
So, what do you think? Will The Pendragon Cycle offer a refreshing and compelling take on Arthurian legend, or will its unique perspective alienate purists? Will The Daily Wire successfully translate its conservative brand into the fantasy genre? Is a "masculine Christianity" a compelling lens through which to view the mythos, or does it risk alienating viewers? Share your thoughts in the comments below – let the debate begin!
