LONDON, March 12 (UPI) — British actor Kieran Bew has been cast as the titular hero in a television adaptation of the classic tale Beowulf, ITV announced.
Bew will star alongside William Hurt as Hrothgar and Joanne Whalley as Rheda.
Created by James Dormer, Tim Haines and Katie Newman, the 13-part drama series is described in press notes as “a western set in the Dark Ages of Britain’s mythic past.”
“The story unfolds on a huge canvas, filmed amongst the breathtaking beauty of England’s North East,” the synopsis said.
Set in the mythical Shieldlands, the program will co-star Ed Speleers as Slean and David Ajala as Rate.
“Hundreds of years ago, our ancestors listened to the story of Beowulf because it was a great adventure story — it scared them, thrilled them, made them laugh and cry,” Dormer said in a statement. “But they also listened because they recognized themselves and their fears in it. By holding a mirror up to them this story helped define them and thus — us. So, it’s incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to make it relevant again for a wide audience — to let them own it again. To let them see themselves in it.”
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