Newcomer Elliot Knight to play the 1001 Nights hero...
Sky1 has revealed the man who’ll be playing high seas adventurer Sinbad in its new take on the classic tales – simply called Sinbad . Twenty-year-old newcomer Elliot Knight (due to graduate from drama school this summer) won the role in the 13-part series which is now shooting in Malta.
The show (produced by Primeval creators Impossible Pictures) sees the titular hero on the run and cast out to sea after being put under a curse by his grandmother (apparently there was a killing that led to the death of his brother). He then survives a magical storm, and along with the rest of the crew of his ship, the Providence, ends up on an “epic and emotional quest” (the press release's words, not ours) to rid himself of the curse and generally be heroic.
Knight will be joined by Lost ’s Naveen Andrews as bad guy Lord Akbari, with guest star appearances for Sophie Okonedo and Timothy Spall. The Providence’s crew features Norwegian Gunnar (Elliot Cowan), jewel thief Rina (Marama Corlett), the aristocratic Nala (Estella Daniels), the Cook (Junix Inocian) and the doctor, Anwar (Dimitri Leonidas).
"I was thrilled when I heard I'd got the role of Sinbad," says Knight. "This is exactly what I have wanted to do since I was big enough to run around the garden waving a toy sword! Sinbad is a great character for any actor to be able to play: impulsive, adventurous, passionate, loyal and brave; a true hero. His story is packed with action, adventure and fantasy and I am looking forward to the exciting challenge of bringing him to life for a new generation.”
“As our biggest original drama commission to date Sinbad is a hugely exciting project for Sky 1 HD, and the casting of the lead role was always going to be crucial," adds Sky's drama commissioning officer Huw Kennair-Jones. "But from the first moment we saw Elliot we knew that we’d found someone really special who sums up everything that our Sinbad should be – contemporary, spirited, full of life, wit and charm - he’s a truly exciting new talent for the channel.”
Sinbad is due to air on Sky1 HD in 2012. You've seen the pictures... Are you excited? Let us know below!
