The highly anticipated series “The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin” promises to deliver a version of Merlin unlike any seen before. Actor Tom Sharp, who takes on the iconic role in the adaptation of Stephen R. Lawhead’s bestselling series, says the character will surprise even longtime fans.
“Well, you know, it’s Merlin. So he’s an iconic character that’s probably known in most cultures around the world,” Sharp told The Daily Wire.
Calling it his “biggest role to date and biggest production to date,” he emphasized that this Merlin is more than the mysterious, on the fringes secondary character that most Arthurian legend retellings make him out to be.
“This is set before King Arthur, but instead of just a magical advisor … he’s also seen as a young warrior, which would be different for people to see. And it’s a grittier, more grounded tone … He’s hands on. He’s at the forefront,” Sharp explains.
The production draws heavily from Lawhead’s original story, which is a combination of Celtic mythology, Christian themes, and historical drama. The novels center on the rise of Britain from a land of chaos into a civilization awakened by faith. As previously reported, this series aims to preserve those themes, honoring Lawhead’s vision while building an immersive, cinematic world.
Sharp confirmed that staying true to the original was a priority behind the scenes. “We stuck as closely as possible to the books and as faithfully to the source material as possible when making this show,” he assured longtime fans.
One pivotal moment from the source material is considered a turning point in Merlin’s life and received special focus during production. Sharp described it as a “tentpole scene” that carries significant emotional weight. “If this scene falls down, the whole show falls down,” he said, noting that “fans of the books … they’ll know what I’m talking about.” He couldn’t reveal much else except to say that the scene appears in episode six.
Authenticity was also a major theme while filming “Pendragon,” the lead actor revealed. Rather than relying on CGI, the series was filmed in stunning locations across Hungary and Italy. Sharp explained how this made things easier for him and the rest of the cast.
“Shooting on location beats CGI and green screen every day of the week,” he said. “It’s more immersive for the audience … For actors, it’s less acting required. You’re reacting off real things.”
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He continued, “If you see me running with a wolf or someone’s on fire or I’m charging into battle on a horse, swinging a sword, it’s all real.” Even the bulls in episode one, Sharp noted, were living, breathing animals.
While Merlin is often portrayed as a wise yet inaccessible mystical being, Sharp said he approached the character through the lens of humanity. “One of the challenges of playing him was how do I make him relatable because he’s so mysterious,” he said. “As an actor, I focused purely on his humanity and how the audience can connect to him.”
Sharp also emphasized Merlin’s moral restraint. “He could easily rule in a tyrannical position, but he chooses not to… Someone with all that power, not wanting to be the ruler, is a great quality.”
The actor also mentioned the character’s other distinctly human qualities. “He’s also heavily, deeply flawed as well with a lot of tragedy and pain in his life from the beginning and throughout. And obviously, when you’re immortal, you’re quite a lonely person… [there is] a distance between him and other characters,” he said.
Sharp shared one lighthearted behind-the-scenes moment involving his first scene with actress Brett Cooper, who plays Ganieda. The pair met in full costume, with her clad in the gown of a regal princess and him presenting as a mud-covered Merlin as they both encountered a giant wild boar.
“This is not your traditional romantic setting,” he joked.
Ultimately, Sharp is excited for fans to see the series and called it a “dream come true” to play the character of Merlin. When asked about his favorite scene, he referenced the first season’s last episode. “The very final scene of the show in episode seven is my favorite personally,” Sharp said, noting that “the fans and any newcomers to the story will understand why.”
“That scene gave me a very surreal out of body experience. It was amazing and very euphoric on set. I kept talking about it for days afterwards … that memory will stay with me for life.”
“The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin,” premieres January 22, 2026, with early episodes releasing Christmas Day for DailyWire+ All Access members.
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