Legend AT WAR
Iain De Caestecker on playing Arthur Pendragon in a new take on the Arthurian legends...
The Winter King
Available: Thursday 21 December
Genre: Drama Season: 1 Eps: 10
This period drama offers an unflinching new take on the Arthurian legends. Based on Bernard Cornwell’s famous trilogy of novels, the series is set in the Dark Ages during the 5th century and follows young warrior Arthur Pendragon (Iain De Caestecker), the illegitimate son of ruthless Uther (Eddie Marsan), the High King of Dumnonia.
Arthur has always been loyal to his father, but after Uther’s heir Mordred dies in battle, Uther turns on Arthur and banishes him.
‘This is rooted in the reality of what it might have been like in that time period and it’s a grounded, human version of the legend as we go into Arthur’s backstory,’ says
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. star Iain. ‘He has never felt his father’s love and then he is exiled from the kingdom he has devoted his life to.’
Eight years later, however, tensions are mounting in Britain and Arthur’s mentor Merlin (Nathaniel Martello-white), a powerful Druid politician, has grave concerns about the future. But can Arthur save the country?
Danger brewing
‘Arthur comes back as a forward-thinking leader,’ reveals Iain. ‘Danger is brewing. Paganism is competing with Christianity, there’s an encroaching Saxon presence, plus infighting and power struggles.’
The drama also explores Arthur’s friendship with Merlin’s priestess protégée Nimue (Ellie James) and Saxon Derfel (Stuart Campbell), whose life Arthur once saved. But the discovery of his trusty sword Excalibur and a chance encounter with spirited noblewoman Guinevere (Jordan Alexandra) could change Arthur’s fate.
‘Guinevere has an effect on him that is unexpected,’ shares Iain. ‘He could be led by his heart rather than his head.’