For our readers in the UK…. if you aren't already aware, you should know that the BBC/Sky 1 HD production of Sinbad – a TV series that will feature performances from the likes of Elliot Knight, Sophie Okonedo, George Harris, Ashley Walters and Estella Daniels – is scheduled to begin airing this Sunday, July 8, at 9pm.
And while French network Canal+ and Canadian broadcaster Bell Media were both pre-sold local rights to air Sinbad when it finally does premiere, no word (yet) on if/when it'll reach North American shores.
When Sky 1 HD announced the creation of the series back in 2010, they promised "a 21st century take on the classic 8th century iconic hero, Sinbad, reinvigorating the hero’s adventures for a contemporary audience."
A press release from Sky 1 HD's Head of Drama read:
Our Sinbad is 21, reckless, utterly charming and cursed. Mysticism, magic, monsters and high octane action adventure, this Sinbad is always exciting and sometimes challenging. This unique series will have the ambition of Lost, the pace of 24, and take the viewer to visually stunning locations on both sea and land. Sky’s Sinbad will be a multi-layered series for today’s prime time audience.
And the series' official synopsis reads:
On the run from his home town of Basra and under a curse for a killing that led to the death of his much-loved brother, the streetwise Sinbad finds himself cast out to sea. Surviving a violent and magical storm, both Sinbad and his intriguing fellow ship-mates are forced to band together to face their inner demons, hopes, loves and fears. Our flawed hero embarks on an epic and emotional quest to rid himself of the curse and embrace his destiny. When mystical meets muscle anything can happen.
Elliot Knight stars as the legendary Sinbad, while Lost star Naveen Andrews will play Sinbad's nemesis Lord Akbari; Okonedo plays Razia, Queen of the Water-Thieves; Walters is Abdul-Fahim; Harris stars is Zalelew; and Daniels (in the photo above with Knight) portrays a character called Nala.
Watch the trailer below for a refresher:
