Spike TV is bringing the saga of one of history’s most extraordinary rulers, Tutankhamun (King Tut), to television in a new landmark six-hour scripted event series.

Tut will tell the story of the Egyptian Pharaoh in what the network calls an ambitious special-event series, which will follow Tut’s rise to power and his struggle to lead Egypt to glory, while his closest advisors, friends and lovers scheme for their own nefarious interests. 

More from the press release:

“Tut” opens up a fascinating window into a world filled with heart-breaking romance, epic battles, political backstabbing, conspiracy, jealousy, and even murder — proving his world was not far removed from our own — and that his reign as the youngest Egyptian king played out as a real-life drama for the ages.

This will be Spike TV’s first scripted event series in eight years, and is another step in the network’s move to reaching a more gender-balanced audience.

“We are thrilled to join forces with MUSE Entertainment and this incredible writing team to bring the amazing story of one of history’s legendary leaders to life,” said Sharon Levy, Executive Vice President, Original Series, Spike TV. “Tut is the perfect addition to our slate of distinctive originals that appeal to a broad audience.”

Tut will be shot entirely on location in Morocco and Canada this fall, and will debut on the network in 2015.

The project is written by Michael Vickerman along with Peter Paige & Bradley Bredeweg (The Fosters). 

Now we wait for casting announcements, which, I’m sure, will cause some contention.