BBC’s new family drama Atlantis, helmed by former Merlin and Misfits producers, has cast its first lead character.

Now that Merlin has finished, the BBC is looking to launch a new Saturday night family drama which retells classic myths and legends for a modern audience.

This time it’s not Arthurian legends, however, but rather Greek mythology: Atlantis follows the young Jason who arrives in the magical, fantastical (but ultimately doomed) city where he encounters familiar figures from the myths we know so well.

Now, TV Wise has learned that actor Robert Emms (who can also be seen in the upcoming Kick-Ass 2) has been cast as a young Pythagoras, a famous mathematician and philosopher. If you think the name sounds familiar, you’re right: most of us have probably had to learn his theorem in school!

Atlantis is set to begin production in Wales and Morocco in April, and has so far been optioned for one 13-episode season. It is created by Misfits showrunner Howard Overman, while Merlin creators Julian Murphy and Johnny Capps serve as executive producers.

No actor has yet been announced for Jason, but we shall keep you posted. While we are sure Merlin fans will not be happy to see their series replaced, it will be interesting to see how Capps, Murphy and Overman will spin the classic story of Atlantis into a family drama.