A new television series is set to bring the legend of King Arthur to life with a fresh perspective. “The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin” is a new fantasy drama based on the multi-award winning novels by Stephen R. Lawhead. The seven-part series will premiere exclusively on the DailyWire+ streaming service in early 2026.
The series moves the Arthurian legend away from the familiar medieval castles and shining armor. Instead, it is set in the turbulent period following the Roman occupation of Britain. This version of the story shows a land where barbarian invaders threaten its people and the seeds of Christianity are beginning to take root. The plot focuses on the early life of Merlin, portrayed here as a Christian hero who bridges Britain’s druidic past with its new spiritual future. He is the son of the druid Taliesin and Charis, an Atlantean princess. Merlin pursues his father’s vision of a united “Kingdom of Summer,” a mission that requires him to overcome ancient evils and find a king who can unite the “Island of the Mighty.”
Release Date and Streaming Information
Mark your calendars for January 22, 2026. This is the official premiere date for The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin on DailyWire+. Subscribers will be able to watch new episodes of the seven-part series every Thursday.
For All Access members of the streaming platform, there is an early holiday treat. They will get to watch the first two episodes nearly a month before the public premiere, on December 25, 2025. The series represents a major independent production for DailyWire+. Jeremy Boreing, a co-founder of the company and the series’ creator, described the project as the result of a ten-year vision. He stated the goal is to “create culture, not just to criticize it.”
The Cast Bringing the Legend to Life
The series features a large ensemble cast to populate its ancient world. The role of Merlin, the central prophet and guide, is played by Tom Sharp. He is joined by Rose Reid as Charis, Merlin’s mother and the Atlantean princess who becomes the Lady of the Lake.
The key figures from Arthurian legend who shape Merlin’s path include Myles Clohessy as Uther, Emree Franklin as Morgain (Morgan le Fay), and Finney Cassidy as Aurelius. Brett Cooper plays Ganieda, Merlin’s wife in this adaptation. The supporting cast includes Alex Laurence-Phillips as Pelleas, Daniel Fathers as the Atlantean King Avallach, and James Arden as Taliesin, Merlin’s father.
The Creative Team and Production
The series is built on the foundation of Stephen R. Lawhead’s acclaimed book series, The Pendragon Cycle. The show is created by Jeremy Boreing, who also serves as an executive producer and directed several episodes. He is joined by other executive producers including Ben Shapiro, Caleb Robinson, Dallas Sonnier, Daniel Kresmery, and Ryan Whitaker. Directing duties are shared between Boreing, Ryan Whitaker, and Jesse V. Johnson.
Filming for the ambitious project has already been completed. Production took place in Europe, with Hungary and Italy serving as the primary locations to create the look of post-Roman Britain. The scale of the production is significant, with behind-the-scenes footage showing extensive sets, detailed costumes, and large battle scenes.
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The Source Material and Story
The Pendragon Cycle book series is recognized as Lawhead’s most acclaimed work. It draws heavily on Celtic history and sources like the Mabinogion to present a version of the Arthurian legend set in the fifth and sixth centuries. The Rise of the Merlin season adapts material primarily from the first two books in the series, Taliesin and Merlin.
This adaptation highlights the spiritual themes present in the books. The official description for the series notes that in a world of spiritual and physical darkness, “only those with faith in the true God will prevail.” Boreing has explained that the series aims to explore deep questions, asking, “What is it to be a man? To have a mission? To believe in God and in Christ in a world not receptive to that?”
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