The world of fantasy storytelling just got a fresh injection of excitement — but here’s where it becomes truly intriguing: the Daily Wire has unveiled a trailer for its very first live-action scripted series, titled The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin. This development marks a significant step for the conservative media outlet into the realm of original television production, blending legendary myth with modern storytelling.
Scheduled to debut on January 22 exclusively on DailyWire+, the platform dedicated to their subscription-based streaming service, this series is inspired by a renowned collection of novels authored by Stephen R. Lawhead. It promises to bring a new perspective to the legendary tales of King Arthur and Merlin, set against a backdrop of Roman influence in Britain during the turbulent centuries spanning the 4th to 6th centuries.
The project is the brainchild of Jeremy Boreing, co-founder of The Daily Wire, who also serves as the executive producer and has directed parts of the series. Boreing describes The Pendragon Cycle as “the culmination of a decade-long effort to craft stories that reflect culture, rather than merely criticize it.” He emphasizes that Lawhead’s novels portray a rugged, masculine form of Christianity amid conflict and mystery — a depiction far from sanitized, and one that resonates with the complexities of our current world. Boreing expresses his pride in sharing this adaptation, along with the talented cast and crew, with the Daily Wire audience.
While The Daily Wire has previously produced a variety of feature films, including scripted movies, documentaries, and animated series, this series marks their most ambitious foray into television. It’s a bold move, especially considering the company's origins with figures like Ben Shapiro and Jeremy Boreing, and signals their growing interest in expanding into serialized storytelling.
The cast features Tom Sharp in the role of Merlin, supported by a talented ensemble that includes Rose Reid, James Arden, Finney Cassidy, Myles Clohessy, Brett Cooper, Alex Laurence Phillips, Daniel Fathers, and Emree Franklin. The production team boasts an impressive lineup of executive producers, including Shapiro, Daily Wire CEO Caleb Robinson, Dallas Sonnier of Bonfire Legend, Daniel Kresmery of Hero Squared, and Ryan Whitaker of Tirian Films. The series is also directed by Ryan Whitaker and Jesse V. Johnson, who have helmed episodes to bring this legendary tale to life.
In essence, The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin is more than just a new fantasy series; it’s a bold statement about storytelling that aims to mirror the gritty, conflicted nature of our world while exploring timeless legends. Do you think this approach will resonate with viewers, or will it challenge traditional perceptions of Arthurian stories? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
