Kurt Sutter and FX have set a cast of familiar faces and newcomers for its period drama pilot The Bastard Executioner
The Bastard Executioner centers on a warrior knight in King Edward II's charge who is broken by the ravages of war and vows to lay down his sword. But when the violence finds him again, he's forced to pick up the bloodiest sword of all.
Newcomer Lee Jones, an Australian theater actor, will star as Wilkin Brattle, the imposing and emotionally deep yet spiritually tortured former knight in charge of King Edward I. He now lives a simple agrarian life. He's repped by Emery Entertainment.
True Blood alum Stephen Moyer will co-star as Milus Corbett, a street-smart and noble savvy who was one of Ventris' marshals in the army. He now serves as his chamberlain, chancellor and justiciar — and friend and drinking mate. The actor, who memorably had a role in NBC's live Sound of Music, is repped by WME.
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Katey Sagal, who was Sutter's leading lady in Sons of Anarchy, will star as Annora of the Alders, a woman described as prescient, mystical and beautiful who offers predictions, cures and potions. Sagal, who also happens to be married to Sutter, is repped by WME.
Flora Spencer-Longhurst is set as Baroness Lowry "Love" Aberffraw Ventris. As cunning as she is kind and beautiful, the character hails from a wealthy Welsh family and married Ventris at 17 to protect her family's land. Her noble duties always in conflict with her Welsh pride. Spencer-Longhurst is represented by United Agents.
Sutter, as he did with Sons of Anarchy, will also have an on-screen role and play a The Dark Mute, the mate and guardian of Annora (Sagal). The character rarely speaks and no one's ever seen his face. Sutter is represented by WME.
Sam Spruell (Snow White and the Huntsman, The Hurt Locker) is set as Toran Prichard, an archer under Madog Llywelyn in the last major Welsh rebellion. He put down the bow and picked up the hoe and is Wilkin's best mate. Spruell is with by ICM and Silver Lining Entertainment.
Darren Evans (Galavant) will star as Ash y Goedwig, a trapper and orphan "of the woods" who is a friend to Wilkin. Evans is with by Troika.
Danny Sapani (Trance, Penny Dreadful) will portray Berber the Moor: A large, educated man who is a converted Muslim and farmer as well as a friend to Wilkin. Sapani is with Gordon and French.
Timothy V. Murphy (Sons of Anarchy) will play Father Ruskin, a brawny yet gentle man with a bottled fury who is a former soldier that Left the military for the seminary. He's a priest, rector and teacher of the court. Murphy is represented by SDB Partners.
Sarah White will play as Isabel Kiffin, Lady Love's handmaiden and trusted confidant. White is represented by Gendler & Kelly and APC.
Sarah Sweeny rounds out the cast as Jessamy Maddox, described as pretty but hardened by abuse, she's the executioner’s wife. Sweeny is with Lou Coulson Associates.
Additionally, Matthew Rhys (The Americans) has booked a guest starring role as Gruffudd y Blaidd, the leader of the Welsh rebels, Byth Encil. The role is not expected to impact his co-starring role on FX's The Americans. Rhys is with WME and Management 360.
Sutter will write and exec produce alongside his Sons of Anarchy director/exec producer Paris Barclay, who will helm the pilot. The Fox 21, Imagine TV and FX Productions drama also will be exec produced by Imagine's Brian Grazer and Francie Calfo.
Production begins March 19 in Wales.
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
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