The Winter King takes a powerful and gritty look at the world of legendary warrior Arthur.
The thrilling 10-part drama, starring Iain De Caestecker as Arthur, is airing on ITVX from Thursday December 21 in the UK and is set in Britain during the Dark Ages of the 5th century. It is an adaptation of the Warlord Chronicles trilogy of books by Bernard Cornwell, who is best known for his Sharpe novels, which were turned into a long-running drama starring Sean Bean.
“The Winter King is rooted in the reality of what it might have been like in that time period and it’s a grounded, human version of the legend," says De Caestecker. "You've got the well-known characters, but with a different slant on them. We go into Arthur's earlier backstory and he becomes a forward-thinking leader.”
Here’s everything we know about The Winter King…
The Winter King release date
The drama will air from Thursday December 21 on ITVX and it will be available on ITV1 at a later date. In the US, it is streaming now on MGM+.
The Winter King — what is the plot?
The series, adapted by Kate Brooke (Bancroft, A Discovery of Witches) and Ed Whitmore (Silent Witness, Manhunt), centres on courageous Arthur Pendragon (Iain De Caestecker), the exiled, illegitimate son of powerful monarch King Uther, played by Eddie Marsan.
Outcast Arthur tries to make his way in the world as he becomes a fearsome warrior and respected leader. But he faces challenges because Britain is divided into various tribes and factions and rivalries are often bloody and deadly. Meanwhile there are also threats from invading Saxons as well as clashes between Druids and Christians.
The Winter King — who is in the cast?
Iain De Caestecker (The Control Room, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D) heads the cast as Arthur, who has to prove his worth and try to save Britain from destruction, while Eddie Marsan (The Thief, His Wife and The Canoe, Deceit) is his father, Uther, High King of Dumnonia, who rules with an iron fist. Nathaniel Martello-White (Small Axe, I Hate Suzie) is enigmatic Merlin, who has both political and spiritual power and is the only person who doesn’t fear Uther.
Ellie James (Giri/Haji, I May Destroy You) is priestess Nimue, who is under Merlin’s protection and has the ability to communicate with the gods. Stuart Campell (SAS Rogue Heroes, Clique) is Derfel, who becomes an intrepid warrior. Olumide Olorunfemi (Venom: Let There Be Carnage) is Derfel's childhood friend Lunete.
Daniel Ings (The Gold, I Hate Suzie, The Crown) co-stars as Arthur’s friend Owain, while Valene Kane (The Fall, Gangs of London) is Arthur’s pagan half-sister Morgan.
Also look out for Jordan Alexandra (Mammals) as Guinevere, the shrewd Princess of Henis Wyren, alongside Simon Merrells (Good Omens, Knightfall) as ruthless Gundleus, the king of Siluria and Tatjana Nardone (Devils, State of Consciousness) is Gundleus’ lover Ladwys.
Steven Elder (The King, A Spy Among Friends) as Bedwin, the caring Bishop of Dumnonia and Andrew Gower (Outlander, Carnival Row) as Sansum, his novice. Aneirin Hughes (Keeping Faith) is Gorfydd, the leader of Powys, Emily John (My Policeman) is Powys’ princess Ceinwyn, Ken Nwosu (Killing Eve, The Letter for the King) is Arthur’s comrade in arms Sagramor alongside Matt Mella (Trigger Point) as Lanval, and Billy Postlethwaite (Chernobyl) is warrior king Cadwys.
Is there a trailer?
Yes, the exciting teaser sees Arthur being banished by his father Uther as Britain is beset by turmoil. Amid fears that "Darkness is coming", Arthur is seen holding his sword, Excalibur, and saying, "It is easy to divide a country, the hard task is putting it back together." He is told, "Only you can save the isle." But as battles and romance come his way, can he win through?
