BBC America explores Atlantis

BBC America has come onboard a 13-part BBC fantasy drama from execs behind UK scripted series Merlin and Misfits set around the mystical city of Atlantis.

Misfit’s Howard Overman and Merlin’s Julian Murphy and Johnny Capps are all creators and executive producers on Atlantis, which will broadcast as part of US cablenet BBC America’s Supernatural Saturday programming block later this year.

BBC one announced the show in March for a broadcast TX in the autumn.

The 13x60mins series will bring to life “the vast store of Greek myths and legends reimagined for a new generation”, according to producers. It is set in ancient titular city, whose features include leaping bulls, snake-haired goddesses and palaces built by giants.

Mark Addy (Game of Thrones), Jemima Roper (One Man) and Juliet Stevenson (The Hour) are among the stars set for the series, which comes from Urban Myth Films, BBC America and BBC Cymru Wales.

BBC Wales Cymru’s Bethan Jones joins Overman, Murphy and Capps on executive production duties.

Production is underway in Wales and Morocco.

Richard de Croce, senior VP programming, BBC America, described the show’s scope as an “ambitious” and added: “Atlantis is the perfect series for our long-running successful Supernatural Saturday programming block.”

“It is both a privilege and a delight to have the opportunity to take audiences on a journey into the fantastical world of Atlantis,” added Overman. “Drawing on the Greek myths for inspiration, we aim to tell classic, action adventure stories in unexpected and exciting ways – weekly mini-movies that we hope will appeal to young and old alike.”