Fans seeking new spins on familiar myths, much like the well loved series Merlin had, will be happy that Julian Murphy and Johnny Capps are back with a new series, Atlantis, that will air as part of BBC America’s “Supernatural Saturday” block, premiering the same day as the Doctor Who 50th anniversary special. Also on the list of creators for this show is Misfits’ Howard Overman.
Characters in the series include a character much like Jason of the Argonauts; a humorous, drunk take on Hercules played by Still Standing’s Mark Addy; and Medusa (Jemima Rooper).
A preview was shown at the Television Critics Association Cable Press Tour but so far, no footage has shown up online.
Here’s the press release from BBC America with more details:
BBC AMERICA announced today the channel will co-produce new thrilling fantasy drama Atlantis to premiere as part of Supernatural Saturday in Fall 2013. Atlantis, created by Howard Overman (Misfits), Julian Murphy (Merlin) and Johnny Capps (Merlin), is set in a time of legendary heroes and mythical creatures. The action packed (13 x 60) series brings to life the vast store of Greek myths and legends re-imagined for a new generation. Atlantis is an Urban Myth Films production for BBC Cymru Wales co-produced with BBC AMERICA.
The cast includes Mark Addy (Game of Thrones), Jemima Rooper (One Man, Two Guvnors, Hex), Juliet Stevenson (The Hour), Sarah Parish (Hatfields & McCoys), Robert Emms (War Horse), Aiysha Hart (About Time) and Jack Donnelly (Dancing On The Edge).
The city of Atlantis is a mysterious, ancient place; a world of bull leaping, of snake haired goddesses and of palaces so vast it was said they were built by giants. It’s into this strange, compelling realm that the young Jason arrives and an amazing adventure begins, bringing to life the vast store of Greek myths and legends re-imagined in the series.
Richard De Croce, SVP Programming, BBC AMERICA says: “Atlantis is the perfect series for our long-running successful Supernatural Saturday programming block. An incredible creative team and exciting cast are in place to deliver ambitious adventures this fall.”
Howard Overman, creator, writer and executive producer says: “It is both a privilege and a delight to have the opportunity to take audiences on a journey into the fantastical world of Atlantis. Drawing on the Greek Myths for inspiration, we aim to tell classic, action adventure stories in unexpected and exciting ways – weekly mini-movies that we hope will appeal to young and old alike.”
Julian Murphy, creator and executive producer, comments: “This ambitious new series will see us push production values to the limit as we endeavor to bring the epic world of Atlantis to life. By combining state-of-the-art technology with timeless filmmaking techniques, we want every episode to have the star quality of a Hollywood movie.”
Johnny Capps, creator and executive producer, comments: “When we initially conceived the idea for Atlantis, we knew it would not be possible without the best possible team behind us. From actors to costume, prosthetics to lighting, that team has not disappointed. Indeed we are lucky to have superb talent on both sides of the camera, who have come together to make Atlantis something truly thrilling. ”
Executive producers are Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy and Howard Overman for Urban Myth Films. Executive produced for BBC Cymru Wales by Bethan Jones. The series is currently filming in Wales and Morocco.
4 Comments
Reading more about the project, this will be fun for years, and on a blockbuster scale!
So its not about aqua
man, *sad*
Sounds interesting, but i still would rather have Merlin back!!
I wouldn’t get too carried away about this. The show was ripped off of someone else’s idea. Duplication is never as good as the original . Give me Once Upon A Time or Doctor Who, anyday