“The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin” would not be complete without a villain. Actress Emree Franklin plays the role of Morgian in the adaptation of Stephen R. Lawhead’s best-selling series, an “iconic” role she said was “just a dream” to take on.
One of the defining features of Morgian is that she’s not evil from the get-go – her embracing the darkness within is a process that the audience gets to witness firsthand. Franklin told The Daily Wire during an interview that it was “such an honor and privilege” to portray such a vital character in the fantasy series.
As legend goes, Morgian – the “Queen of Air and Darkness” – is a powerful sorceress who wields her evil powers and serves as the antithesis of Merlin, Arthur, and other characters who exemplify goodness.
Like other leading stars, including Tom Sharp, Rose Reid, and James Arden, Franklin was blown away by the production scale and stunning on-site locations, saying it helped her get into character.
“Getting to go to work in a literal castle… is pretty incomparable,” she said during the interview. “We really didn’t have any green screen. Every day, walking onto set and just seeing what our crew had created for us to play in… was amazing.”
Costume and makeup played a central role in shaping Morgian’s identity as they served as a contrast between her and Reid’s character, Charis. The two were made to look identical in their hair styling and outfits, but had entirely different approaches to their powers.
Some of the physical differences between the two women are more subtle, but still clearly convey their differences. “Morgian, she’s a very somatic character,” the actress explains. “In the books, she’s described as feline, and her eyes change from green to serpent green.”
“These sort of animalistic clues were something I really tried to embody,” Franklin added, noting the difference between Reid’s “regal stoicism” as Charis and Morgian’s “slinky” conniving mannerisms.
That physical transformation portrayed a character shaped by insecurity and ambition. “At her core, she’s just a girl who wanted to be loved by her dad, her sister, and a boy,” Franklin told The Daily Wire. “And she didn’t get that love.”
“She believes that to attain power, she has to keep cutting away the parts of herself that are seen as weakness,” the actress added.
As the season progresses, Morgian’s sacrifices grow “bigger and bigger,” marking an internal shift. Even at her most powerful, however, she remains fractured. “In the finale, even though she’s supposed to be at the height of her power, she’s also the most vulnerable she’s ever been,” Franklin says. “Chaotic. Not in control.”
Redemption, though not impossible, is unlikely. “I think she’s chosen her path. Her soul is corrupt,” Franklin said of her character.
Off camera, the atmosphere was much lighter. Pre-production brought the cast together through stunt training, physical training, horseback riding, and dialect coaching, creating bonds that carried through filming and after. “There was a lot of laughter on set,” Franklin revealed, noting how this came in handy during emotionally heavy scenes. “You need that, or the work can pull you under.”
She said the cast members are still close even now. “I met my best friends on the show,” Franklin said.
“The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin” premieres January 22, 2026. Early episodes are currently available for DailyWire+ All Access members.
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