Austin Butler and Manu Bennett are set to join MTV’s new fantasy drama Shannara, a program based on the popular book series by Terry Brooks.
The two casting announcements come from The Hollywood Reporter, and give us a new look into just what to expect from the series.
Austin Butler’s character, Wil Ohmsford, is described as an elf human hybrid who seems to be self conscious of his elvish heritage – spending his entire life trying to cover up his distinguishing pointed ears. He’s also “kind, thoughtful, and likable, he has an appealing self-deprecating manner, but his easygoing life is about to be turned upside down when he learns that he is the last of the legendary Shannara family.” Apparently Will is “charged with finding the Druid who will guide him to his destiny, [and along the way] he realizes his dangerous journey is just beginning.”
Butler acts as the male lead opposite Downton Abby’s Poppy Drayton.
Related: Downton Abbey’s Poppy Drayton cast in MTV fantasy series Shannara
Manu Bennett’s character, Allanon, is the last druid in the fictional world of Shannara. He’s depicted as being a “wise, perceptive and serious man who knows something incredibly important has begun when the wise tree Ellcrys starts to die.” His story coincides with Ohmsford’s when he enlists him “to fulfill his destiny and save the four lands.”
‘Shannara’ has author’s seal of approval
Novelist and creator of the Shannara world, Terry Brooks, took to the Internet earlier this month to quiet fears and show his support for MTV’s adaptation.
He shares in his blog post, “First, everything is coming along fine. The initial scripts for the episodes are all written and in final drafting, pending last minute changes. All are looking great, the presentations and language and storylines strong and interesting.”
Brooks then goes on to share his support for Butler’s and Drayton’s casting, as well as clue everyone in on future plans. “I will be traveling over to New Zealand in February to be on set and meet everyone personally and thank them for their hard work and dedication to this effort.”
Rounding off the post with a caution to his loyal readers, he says, “There are going to be claims and rumors along the way that are not entirely or even a little true. Beware of getting all incensed about stuff you hear or read.”
He then went on to warn everyone that they can’t always believe everything they read. “Some of what I have read online about the show and its storyline and the way the characters are portrayed is just not so. Some of it is way overstated. So don’t get your underwear in a bundle until you’ve checked in with us, and even then you might have to wait for the show to air to be sure.”
Valuable advice to any fan that is following the adaptation of a book series. The final product is all that counts.
We want to hear your thoughts on this topic!
Write a comment below or submit an article to Hypable.