As Discovery is in production prepping its first original scripted miniseries, the cable network is already eyeing a second.
The cable network is reteaming with Ridley Scott's Scott Free Productions banner for a second original mini based on the historical books by Nigel Tranter, Discovery announced Tuesday.
The untitled William Wallace and Robert the Bruce Project will be based on Tranter's The Wallace and The Bruce Trilogy and explore Scottish patriots William Wallace and Robert Bruce as well as the Scottish unrest and turbulence in 1296 after King Edward I of England invaded Scotland and imposed English rule. Edward I’s reign over Scotland was never peaceable and Scottish discontent was widespread. In 1297, the country erupted in an open revolt as national resistance developed into a war of independence during which William Wallace and Robert Bruce played leading roles.
Wallace spearheaded Scotland’s offensive against the English and his martyrdom paved the way for eventual success. Since his brutal death at the hands of the English in 1305, he has gained a worldwide iconic status and has been the subject of numerous literary works.
The project marks the latest to explore the character, who was the center of 1995 Oscar-winning Mel Gibson feature Braveheart.
The Discovery entry is a co-production between the network and Scott Free Productions with Scott and David W. Zucker on board to executive produce. It marks the second project for the banner at Discovery, joining Chris Cooper starrer Klondike. That series, from Entertainment One and Nomadic Pictures, tells the story of six strangers and their fight for survival and wealth in a frontier town in the remote Klondike. Prison Break's Paul Scheuring will write and produce alongside Scott and Zucker. Production on the entry started in March in Alberta, Canada.
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