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MTV’s tapped Arrow’s Manu Bennett (The Hobbit) to co-star in the network’s new fantasy drama Shannara.
Shannara explores a world set thousands of years after the destruction of civilization as we know it. The 10-episode drama explores the Shannara family, whose descendants are empowered with ancient magic and whose adventures reshape the future.
Bennett will play the series regular role of Allanon, a druid and the last of his kind in the world of Shannara. Described as “wise, perceptive and serious,” Allanon realizes the magnitude of what’s about to affect their world when the wise-tree Ellcrys begins to die.
The network issued a straight to series order for the adaptation of Terry Brooks’ Shannara novels last December. Smallville’s Al Gough and Miles Millar wrote the script. The first season is based on the second book in the series, The Elfstones of Shannara. Published in 1982, the novel spent 16 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list.
Bennett joins the previously cast Austin Butler (The Carrie Diaries) as hero Wil Ohmsford, Poppy Drayton (When Calls the Heart) as Princess Amberle and Aaron Jakubenko (Neighbours, Spartacus) as Prince Ander. Butler plays main character Wil, a half human/half elf with a self-conscious complex who learns he’s a member of the legendary Shannara family and destined for more than his ordinary life has shown. Allanon serves as Wil’s guide and mentor as he leads his young charge to a greater destiny.
Gough and Miller will serve as show runners and executive produce the series alongside Jon Favreau, Jonathan Liebsman (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Terry Brooks, Dan Farah and David Blocker.
Liebsman will helm the first two episodes.
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