The fall of the BBC, from global broadcasting powerhouse that set the standards for all to follow, to something of a standing joke in its own country, is almost complete. There are, however, still some areas where it excels.
It has the best Natural History unit on the planet, and it is not even close, and it is no slouch in the field of historical epic and costumed drama when it puts its mind to it. Will King and Conqueror keep up what is left of their record?
The upcoming eight-part TV series will tell the story of the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This stands as one of the most important battles in human history. The fallout from this battle shaped an entire continent, and by extension, the world, for nearly a millennium. Both World Wars, the Napoleonic era, and even the American Revolution, all have a dotted line weaving through history back to this battle.
This version of events stars Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as William, Duke of Normandy, who would become known as William the Conqueror, and James Norton as King Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon King of England.
Co-stars include Emily Beecham as Edith, Clémence Poésy as Matilda, Jean-Marc Barr as King Henry, Elliott Cowan as Sweyn, Bjarne Henriksen as Earl Siward, Oliver Masucci as Baldwin, Indy Lewis as Margaret, Jason Forbes as Thane Thomas, Ingvar Sigurdsson as Fitzosbern, Ines Asserson as Judith, Sveinn Ólafur Gunnarsson as Hardrada, and Léo Legrand as Odo.
King and Conqueror was created by Michael Robert Johnson. Baltasar Kormákur directs the first episode.
King and Conqueror was made in conjunction with CBS Studios, and launches next month on the BBC. Paramount will handle the US release.
