ATLANTIS: Alexander Siddig to Co-Star in New Series from MERLIN Creators

We’re pleased to announce that Alexander Siddig has joined the cast of Atlantis, the new fantasy drama series in production for BBC One.

From the minds that brought us Merlin (which Sid guest-starred in back in season 1), Atlantis is set in the legendary city of Atlantis: a mysterious ancient place; a world of bull leaping, of snake haired goddesses and of palaces so vast it was said they were built by giants. It’s into this strange, compelling realm that the young Jason arrives and an amazing adventure begins, bringing to life the vast store of Greek myths and legends.

Sid plays King Minos, leader of the Minoans, Europe’s first great civilization. Based on the island of Crete, the Minoans were at the height of their power when the empire was wiped off the planet approximately 5,000 years ago. Archaeologists now believe that a major volcanic eruption and a devastating tsunami were the civilization’s downfall. Although debate continues over whether Plato’s account of Atlantis was history dressed up as fiction or pure philosophy, there is some evidence to support the claim that he was referring to the Minoans and Crete.

The 13-episode first season is currently filming in Wales and Morocco for an Autumn 2013 debut on BBC One. Although US and other international airdates have not been announced, we fully expect the series to air internationally.

Atlantis is being produced by Little Monster Films & BBC Cymru Wales and stars Mark Addy (Game of Thrones), Juliet Stevenson (White Heat), Sarah Parish (Mistresses), Jemima Rooper (Lost In Austen), Aiysha Hart (Honour), Jack Donnelly (Dancing On The Edge) and Robert Emms (War Horse). Justin Molotnikov (Merlin) and Alice Troughton (Merlin) are directing.

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