Starz has recently put themselves on the programming map with their hit show ‘Spartacus: Blood and Sand.’ But with the upcoming release of their newest series, Starz continues to show they’re a force to be reckoned with. ‘Camelot’ premieres tonight on Starz at 10 pm EST.

Those of us who are true fans of the Arthurian legend understand that with each retelling unfolds a new interpretation of the story, but Starz presents theirs in a way that promises not to disappoint.  Critics have already responded with positive reviews:  “as sexy as it is spellbinding” ~ TV Guide Magazine; “Sword, sex and sorcery…a crowd pleaser” ~ Vogue; “Eva Green is enchanting” ~ People.

In the wake of King Uther’s sudden death, chaos threatens to engulf Britain.  When the sorcerer Merlin has visions of a dark future, he installs the young and impetuous Arthur, Uther’s unknown son and heir, who has been raised from birth as a commoner. But Arthur’s cold and ambitious half sister Morgan will fight him to the bitter end, summoning unnatural forces to claim the crown in this epic battle  of control. These are dark times indeed for the new king, with Guinevere being the only shining light in Arthur’s harsh world. Faced with profound moral decisions, and the challenge of uniting a kingdom broken by war and steeped in deception, Arthur will be tested beyond imagination. Forget everything you think you know…this is the story of Camelot that has never been told before.

ARTHUR (Jamie Campbell Bower)
A handsome, carefree young man, Arthur is torn from his home and family upon learning he is the only male heir to the throne as a result of the king’s untimely death. Arthur’s intense education in a dark, unruly world inspires him to pursue a kingdom based on justice, hope, and freedom from tyranny while the lands he oversees are corrupted by violence, greed, and despair.

MERLIN (Joseph Fiennes)
The sorcerer is creator and custodian of the legend of Camelot. As Arthur’s greatest and most powerful ally, Merlin believes in him even more than Arthur believes in himself. He can foresee the threats to his king more clearly than anyone, but he must fight the dark nature of his power and harness it to bring forth a new Camelot.

MORGAN (Eva Green)
The beautiful and ruthlessly ambitious Morgan, daughter of King Uther, wishes to claim her right to her father’s throne. But she has not counted on Merlin’s plans or the existence of Arthur, her newly revealed half brother. In her pursuit of power, Morgan gives herself over to dark forces that allow her to threaten the court of Camelot from within.

GUINEVERE (Tamsin Egerton)
Pure-of-heart Guinevere may be innocent and naïve, but her ambition and strong will makes her a source of great support and strength to Arthur as he grows into his role as king. Although she is betrothed to Leontes, one of Arthur’s most loyal knights, she cannot deny the attraction she and Arthur feel for each other.

KAY (Peter Mooney)
Fiercely loyal to his brother with whom he has shared everything since childhood, Kay
encourages Arthur to take up his destiny as King of Britain. As the king’s Marshal – the supreme force of law in the Kingdom – Kay has the freedom to become his own man, but will always remain Arthur’s older brother and closest friend.

IGRAINE (Claire Forlani)
Arthur’s birth mother and second wife of King Uther, Igraine is estranged from her son and
despised by her step-daughter Morgan. She has lived a life of deep pain and agony, but has
never lost her faith or her heart. Igraine quickly becomes an ally and figure of strength not only for Arthur but the entire court of Camelot.

LEONTES (Philip Winchester)
One of King Uther’s bravest knights, Leontes pledges his loyalty to the new king after his
master’s death and joins Arthur in Camelot. Betrothed to Guinevere, his loyalty and experience are invaluable to the young king as he attempts to secure order in a land beset by violence and threats from rivals to the throne.

GAWAIN (Clive Standen)
Once a great knight, Gawain has become disillusioned and has lost his way in life. Kay and
Leontes recruit him to join the court of Camelot as a warrior. Although reluctant at first, he comes to Camelot and realizes Arthur is different and not just another warlord. Inspired, he finds reason to fight and train Arthur’s men.

Next week I will be sharing an interview with Julian Parry, Visual Effects Supervisor for ‘Camelot.’  Stay tuned to hear more about ‘Camelot’ and the man behind the scenes who helped bring it (and other sci-fi shows) to life!