Next year, Cinemax and Sky’s “Strike Back” will come to an end. But “Strike Back” veteran James Dormer already has his next project lined up for television.
The British network ITV has announced that Dormer, Tim Haines and Katie Newman have created a new “Beowulf” TV series that will run for 13 episodes in its first season. At the moment, the new “Beowulf” television series doesn’t have an American distribution partner, but BBC America and Cinemax seem like the most likely homes for that show.
Beowulf is one of the first heroes in English literature, with his original story thought to have been written between the 8th century and the 11th century. Beowulf has been adapted to film and TV several times, including the 2007 CGI animated Beowulf (pictured above) with Ray Winstone voicing the title role and Angelina Jolie as Grendel’s Mother.
ITV describes the new “Beowulf” series 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.”
According to ITV, the first episode of “Beowulf” will deal with the hero’s first encounter with Grendel after spending several years away as a mercenary warrior.
“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,” explained Dormer. “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.”
Although “Beowulf” is expected to begin filming in April 2015, no casting details have been announced yet.
