DailyWire+ announced Tuesday that actor Tom Sharp has been cast as the lead in the highly ambitious seven-episode first season of its original scripted series, “The Pendragon Cycle.”
After a worldwide search spanning many months, Sharp has been tapped for this breakout role to portray the iconic character of Merlin. The actor is a true discovery; a blue-collar kid from a working-class community who did not have any representation at the time, and submitted a self-taped audition through the U.K.-based Spotlight casting service. The directors and producers fell in love with the tape after casting directors David Guglielmo and Jeremy Zimmermann excitedly brought it to their attention, and put Sharp through several rounds of chemistry reads and interviews, before offering him the role.
The actor quickly signed with entertainment attorney Jared Bloch who crafted a deal for him to star in the series. Sharp then flew to Budapest, Hungary, where he began intense fitness training, rehearsals, horseback riding lessons, and a stunt boot camp to prepare for the role.
“‘Pendragon’ is the most ambitious project we’ve ever taken on, and we are thrilled to have a true talent in Tom Sharp as our lead,” said Director and Producer Jeremy Boreing. “His depth as an actor makes him the perfect choice to bring the legendary hero to life. Merlin is one of the most iconic characters of all time, and I have no doubt this will prove to be a breakout role for Tom.”
The DailyWire+/Bonfire Legend series is inspired by Stephen R. Lawhead’s best-selling multi-award-winning six-book series, “The Pendragon Cycle.” It is a reimagining of the Myth of King Arthur, set not in the High Medieval age of knights in shining armor, but in an earlier time — the end of Roman Britain when pagan tribes warred with Saxon and Pict invaders, and with each other, and the idea of a unified Briton was only a dream. In this tumultuous world, Merlin, the son of an Atlantean princess and the bard, Taliesen, pursues his father’s vision of a Kingdom of Summer — a Briton unified in peace. But to achieve this dream, Merlin will have to overcome ancient evils and navigate both the fall of the Roman occupation and the rise of Christianity in search of a king who can unite the Island of the Mighty.
“The Pendragon Cycle” is a breathtaking saga that has captivated the hearts and minds of millions of readers. DailyWire+ will bring the story’s rich narratives of good versus evil, heroism and courage, and the pursuit of a call to higher purpose to life in a powerful yet entertaining streaming series.
Production is currently underway in Hungary and Italy with a planned release in 2024. The creative team is committed to staying true to the essence of Lawhead’s books while delivering a fresh and exciting experience for audiences.