More cast announced for ITV supernatural drama
David Harewood (Homeland) and Ed Speelers (Downton Abbey) will guest star in ITV’s new drama Beowulf.
They join the previously announced cast including, Kieran Bew as the lead character and hero of the story Beowulf, William Hurt and Joanne Whalley.
David will play Scorann, a born warrior, fearsome fighter and man of great honour, in the 13-part supernatural series based on the literary classic. Ed Speleers (Downton Abbey) has been cast in the role of Slean and David Ajala (Black Box) will play Rate.
Produced by ITV Studios and created by James Dormer, Tim Haines and Katie Newman, the drama is set in the mythical Shieldlands, a place of spectacle and danger populated by both humans and fantastical creatures. After wandering as a mercenary warrior, Beowulf returns to Herot following the death of the man who raised him – and at the same time saves Herot from a terrifying monster. Beowulf then begins a personal journey that sees this mighty and capable man slowly reconnect with the notion of family and home.
Further casting includes Ian Puleston- Davies (Coronation Street), Ellora Torchia (Indian Summers), Gisli Orn Gardarsson (Spooks and Spirits), Susan Aderin (The Last Detective), Kirsty Oswald (Ripper Street), Laura Donnelly (Outlander), Edward Hogg (Indian Summers), Alex Price (Father Brown), Jack Rowan (Silent Witness) and Itoya Osagiede (Okora: The Prelude).
Writer and executive produce James Dormer, said: “Hundreds of years ago our ancestors listened to the story of Beowulf because it was a great adventure story – it scared them, thrilled them, made them laugh and cry. But they also listened because they recognised themselves and their fears in it. By holding a mirror up to them this story helped define them and thus – us. So it’s incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to make it relevant again for a wide audience – to let them own it again. To let them see themselves in it.”
ITV’s Director of Drama Steve November said: “Beowulf is a series with a charismatic protagonist at its heart. Equally it’s a spirited and fascinating ensemble drama with each character taking their own emotional and sometimes perilous journey.  We’re delighted to be commissioning Beowulf and to be working with Tim Haines and his production team.”
Beowulf is currently filming in County Durham and Northumberland.
