Netflix Orders King Arthur TV Series 'Cursed' Based On Tom Wheeler, Frank Miller's Work
Netflix orders a new original drama series, Cursed, which focuses on a mysterious character from the King Arthur legend: the Lady of the Lake.
The streaming service will be teaming up with comic book legend Frank Miller and writer-producer Tom Wheeler for the project, which not only includes the original show, but also an illustrated novel also titled Cursed.
Cursed On Netflix
According to Deadline, it's believed to be the first instance of a single creative team simultaneously creating an illustrated young adult novel and the television adaptation based on it.
Netflix has already issued a 10-episode order for the show.
Unlike other King Arthur stories that follow the adventures of the king or his knights, this re-imagining will be a coming-of-age story that is focused on the Lady of the Lake. It will trace her origins to a 16-year-old heroine named Nimue, who will eventually become the powerful yet inevitably tragic Lady of the Lake that helps out King Arthur.
"After her mother's death, she finds an unexpected partner in Arthur, a young mercenary, in a quest to find Merlin and deliver an ancient sword," the description on Deadline continues. "Over the course of her journey, Nimue will become a symbol of courage and rebellion against the terrifying Red Paladins, and their complicit King Uther."
The story will be taking place in the Dark Ages.
Miller and Wheeler, who are both credited as creators of the show, will executive produce.
The Novel
As for the young adult novel, it will be written by Wheeler and illustrations will be provided by Miller. It is expected to be published in fall of 2019.
"I have always been entranced by the mythological Arthur story — and by Nimue, in particular," Miller says in an official release for the book, calling the project a dream come true. He added that there are countless of interpretations on the famous legend, from kid-friendly adaptations to more mature and terrifying re-tellings.
"This tale represents an incredible opportunity and an exciting challenge for me as an illustrator, and I'm excited to collaborate on the story with Thomas Wheeler."
Wheeler seconds his partner's excitement, saying he is humbled and honored to work with the renowned artist and writer.
"Together we hope to shake the foundations of this beloved mythology and in the process create a new hero for a new age," he adds.
The book will be published by Simon & Schuster.
