The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin
2026 American TV series or program
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The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin is an American historical fantasy television series created for DailyWire+. Based on the book series The Pendragon Cycle by Stephen R. Lawhead, namely the first two books Taliesin (1987) and Merlin (1988), the series is a retelling of Arthurian legend set in Roman Britain and especially its original milieu, Sub-Roman Britain.
by Stephen R. Lawhead
- Jeremy Boreing
- Ryan Whitaker
- Jesse V. Johnson
| The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin | |
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| Genre | Historical fantasy |
| Created by | Jeremy Boreing |
| Based on | The Pendragon Cycle by Stephen R. Lawhead |
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| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 7 |
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| Network | DailyWire+ |
| Release | January 22, 2026 – present |
The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin premiered on January 22, 2026.
Premise
The series follows Merlin, the immortal son of the bard Taliesin and Atlantean Princess Charis, chronicling his tragic upbringing, descent into madness and shocking disappearance that lead to the legend that surrounds him. Set before King Arthur's birth, Merlin, assumed dead or a myth, reemerges in Sub-Roman Britain to unite the fractured kingdoms under threat from Saxon invaders.[1][2]
Cast
- Tom Sharp as Merlin
- Rose Reid as Charis
- James Arden as Taliesin
- Emree Franklin as Morgian
- Finney Cassidy as Aurelius
- Myles Clohessy as Uther
- Brett Cooper as Ganieda
- Alex Laurence Phillips as Pelleas
- Colin Cunningham as Vortigern
- Nicholas Boulton as Morcant
- Daniel Fathers as Avallach
- Thor Rosland as Hengist
- Chick Allan as Gorlas
Episodes
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
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| 1 | "Island of the Mighty" | Jeremy Boreing | Jeremy Boreing | January 22, 2026 | |
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The age of the ancient gods comes to an end in post-Roman Britain, with tribes in chaos and invaders looming. A prince (Elphin) rescues a mysterious baby from a river—miraculously reborn—destined to be the great bard Taliesin. Meanwhile, in Atlantis, Princess Charis faces the destruction of her city, visions of the bull god Bel, and the collapse of her civilization. Years later, Taliesin (now an adult) crosses paths with Charis, beginning a forbidden love between different worlds. The episode introduces the conflict between ancient pagan beliefs, the arrival of Christianity, and the birth of the legend of Merlin. | |||||
| 2 | "The Vision of Taliesin" | Jeremy Boreing | Jeremy Boreing & Rose Reid | January 22, 2026 | |
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Taliesin possesses an intense prophetic vision, with biblical references (such as Moses and Sodom). His love for Charis (of Atlantean origins) generates a prophecy that will outlive the ancient world. There is betrayal, jealousy, magic, and a clash between pagan gods and the one true God. The couple faces family and cultural obstacles, culminating in a Christian marriage and Charis's baptism. The episode establishes the union that results in the birth of Merlin, with elements of redemption and prophecy. | |||||
| 3 | "A Fatherless Child" | Jesse V. Johnson | Jeremy Boreing | January 29, 2026 | |
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Fast-forwarding approximately 75 years, Merlin (now an adult, played by Tom Sharp) returns to civilization after years of isolation in the wilderness—transformed by trials, faith, and visions. He appears disheveled and prophetic, proving his visions by predicting events (such as approaching enemies and water sources). He confronts Vortigern, negotiates the release of Christian monks, discusses the "Sword of Britain," and helps prepare the ground for a king to unite the lands against Saxon invaders (like Hengist). There is a focus on punishing the wicked, emerging alliances (including with Uther Pendragon), and a poignant reunion with his mother Charis at the end, in the place where she lived in seclusion. The episode highlights Merlin proving his influence amidst the chaos of war. | |||||
| 4 | "The King of Maridunum" | Ryan Whitaker | Ryan Whitaker | February 5, 2026 | |
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Following Vortigern's fall, Britain bleeds in chaos and rival ambitions. Pascent (Vortigern's son) seeks revenge and allies himself with Hengist (a Saxon), sealing a deadly pact to overthrow Constance's sons (Aurelius and Uther). Merlin seeks unity, reuniting with his mother Charis and grandfather Avallach (king of Maridunum), who reveals a surprise (conversion or Christian support, testing loyalties). Aurelius and Uther are hosted; tensions between brothers arise (Aurelius more diplomatic, Uther impatient). Avallach emphasizes the need for a king with justice and mercy. Morgian deepens the betrayal; internal threats (faith tested, bad bargains) outweigh external ones. The episode focuses on the struggle for the High King's throne, lines drawn and loyalties tested, with Merlin forging alliances amidst the darkness behind kings and blades. Reviews highlight the emotional family reunion and fast-paced fighting. | |||||
| 5 | "The Price of Failure" | Ryan Whitaker | Josiah Nelson | February 12, 2026 | |
| 6 | "Ganieda" | Ryan Whitaker | Rose Reid | February 19, 2026 | |
| 7 | "The Last True Bard" | Jesse V. Johnson | Josiah Nelson, Ryan Whitaker & Jeremy Boreing | March 5, 2026 | |
Production
Development
In November 2022, The Daily Wire announced its intention to produce an adaptation of the series.[3] In July 2023, it was announced that The Daily Wire Co-CEO Jeremy Boreing would be taking a leave of absence from the company, to co-direct the series. It was also revealed that the series would source its filming and production in Italy and Hungary, and would premiere on DailyWire+.[4]
Casting
In September 2023, British actor Tom Sharp was announced to have been cast in the series' lead role as Merlin, as filming began in Europe.[5] Executive Producer Dallas Sonnier recalled Sharp independently auditioned for the title role “To discover Tom Sharp off of a casting tape that was self-submitted without an agent, direct to us, and to find a future movie star out of nowhere is such a cool thing”.[6][7]
The main cast later announced were Rose Reid as Charis, James Arden as Taliesin, Emree Franklin as Morgian, Finney Cassidy as Aurelius, Myles Clohessy as Uther, Brett Cooper as Ganieda and Alex Laurence Phillips as Pelleas.[8][9] Additionally cast in the series are Colin Cunningham as Vortigern, Nicholas Boulton as Morcant, Daniel Fathers as Avallach, Thor Rosland as Hengist and Chick Allan as Gorlas.[10][11]
Filming
Filming took place from September to December 2023 in Budapest, Trento, Priverno (at the Fossanova Abbey), in the Gran Sasso d'Italia mountains and at the Cinecittà film studio.[12][13]