Sutter, who penned the pilot, will also serve as exec producer, alongside Brian Grazer, Francie Calfo and Paris Barclay who will direct. The project hails from Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions. In a surprising move, Sutter himself is set to play a major role in the potential series. Additionally, Aussie newcomer Lee Jones has snagged the title role, and The Americans‘ Matthew Rhys will guest-star in the project.
The Bastard Executioner, which will be directed by Sutter’s Sons of Anarchy collaborator Paris Barclay, tells the story of a warrior knight in King Edward I’s charge who is broken by the ravages of war and vows to lay down his sword. But when that violence finds him again he is forced to pick up the bloodiest sword of all.
Moyer plays the street smart and noble Milus Corbett, one of Ventris’ marshals in the army. Now, serves as his Chamberlain, Chancellor and Justiciar. Sagal, meanwhile, will play Annora of the Alders. Prescient, mystical and beautiful, she offers predictions, cures and potions.
Other Executioner casting deets below:
- Matthew Rhys as Gruffudd y Blaidd: Smart, fearless, of noble blood. The Wolf. Leader of the Welsh rebels, Byth Encil. [Note: An FX rep notes that this gig will not impact his starring role in The Americans.]
- Lee Jones as Wilkin Brattle: Tall, dark, imposing. Emotionally deep, spiritually tortured. Former knight in the charge of King Edward I. He now lives a simple agrarian life. Jones is represented by Emery Entertainment.
- Flora Spencer-Longhurst as Baroness Lowry ‘Love’ Aberffraw Ventris: As cunning as she is kind and beautiful. From a wealthy Welsh family, she married Ventris at 17 to protect her family’s land. Her noble duties always in conflict with her Welsh pride. Spencer-Longhurst is represented by United Agents.
- Kurt Sutter as The Dark Mute: Mate and guardian of Annora. Speaks rarely, no one’s ever seen his face. Sutter is represented by WME.
- Sam Spruell (Snow White and the Huntsman) as Toran Prichard: Fierce, tenacious. An archer under Madog Llywelyn in the last major Welsh rebellion. He put down the bow and picked up the hoe. Wilkin’s best mate. Spruell is represented by ICM and Silver Lining Entertainment.
- Darren Evans (Galavant) as Ash y Goedwig: Wiry, smart. A trapper. An orphan “of the woods”. Friend of Wilkin. Evans is represented by Troika.
- Danny Sapani (Trance, Penny Dreadful) as Berber the Moor: A large, educated man. Converted Muslim. A farmer. Friend of Wilkin. Sapani is represented by Gordon and French.
- Timothy V. Murphy (Sons of Anarchy, The Lone Ranger) as Father Ruskin: A Brawny. Gentle, with bottled fury. Former soldier. Left the military for the seminary. Priest, rector and teacher of the court. Murphy is represented by SDB Partners.
- Sarah White as Isabel Kiffin: Tall, slight. Awkward and innocent. Lady Love’s handmaiden and trusted confidant. White is represented by Gendler & Kelly, and APC.
- Sarah Sweeny as Jessamy Maddox: Pretty, hardened by abuse. The executioner’s wife. Represented by Lou Coulson Associates.
Production on the pilot begins on March 19 in Wales.
Congratulations Stephen!