New Fantasy Series 'Rise of Merlin' Faces Obstacles

- The series, officially titled *The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin*, is an adaptation of Stephen R. Lawhead's award-winning novels and is the debut live-action scripted series for the conservative media company The Daily Wire on its streaming platform, DailyWire+. - A significant obstacle for the show is its distribution on DailyWire+, a subscription service primarily known for conservative news and commentary, which limits its audience reach. The platform's association with figures like Ben Shapiro and Jordan Peterson has led to a lack of engagement from mainstream critics and entertainment outlets. - Oscar-winning screenwriter Roger Avary praised the series, comparing it favorably to the classic film *Excalibur* and highlighting its quality in contrast to more expensive mainstream productions. - The show is a retelling of Arthurian legend set in post-Roman Britain, focusing on the origins of Merlin, the son of an Atlantean princess and the bard Taliesin. It explores the conflict between paganism and the rise of Christianity. - The seven-episode first season is based on the first two books of Lawhead's series, "Taliesin" and "Merlin," and was filmed in Italy and Hungary. - The lead role of Merlin is played by British actor Tom Sharp, who was reportedly cast from a self-submitted audition tape without an agent. - The series embraces Christian themes, with a focus on faith, prophecy, and sacrifice, which is a departure from many modern fantasy adaptations. The source material was noted for its "visceral, masculine Christianity." - Despite its conservative backing, the show doesn't shy away from violence or sensuality, aiming for a tone that is compelling without relying on shock value.