Steel yourself for a gripping and brutal journey through the Late Middle Ages as FX has ordered a 10-episode first season ofKurt Sutter’s new seriesThe Bastard Executioner, it was announced today byJohn Landgraf, CEO, FX Networks and FX Productions.Kurt Sutterand an impressive cast recently completed production of the pilot in Wales, where production will resume this summer before airing on FX this fall. A period drama,The Bastard Executionertells the story of a warrior knight in King Edward I’s charge who is broken by the ravages of war and vows to lay down his sword. But when that violence finds him again he is forced to pick up the bloodiest sword of all. Here’s what FX CEOJohn Landgrafhad to say about the series in a statement.
“From his important contributions toThe Shieldto his epic run onSons of Anarchy, Kurt has been one of FX’s most visionary artists, and we are proud to get him back on the air so soon after the unquestionable success of Sons.The Bastard Executionerhas lined up an extraordinary creative team, withBrian Grazer, Francie Calfo andParis Barclayjoining Kurt as Executive Producers and an amazing cast led byKatey Sagal,Stephen MoyerandLee Jonesin the signature role as the Executioner himself. We knew they could deliver something special and, under the expert direction of Paris, they did just that. The fans can’t wait for the first season, and neither can we.”
Fox Television Group Chairmen and CEOs Gary Newman and Dana Walden, whose Fox 21 TV Studios will produce the project with FX Productions, also offered the following statement.
“Kurt SutterandBrian Grazerhave been spectacular creative partners – and dear friends – to our studio for years, and their collaboration has resulted in a fantastic and epic new series.The Bastard Executioner, written by Kurt and directed by the talentedParis Barclay, is dangerous, brilliant, emotional and undeniable. This is the perfect follow-up to Sons and another huge event series for FX from Fox 21TVS and FXP. Viewers are in for a wild and spellbinding ride.”
Series creator and executive producerKurt Sutteralso released his own statement.
“I love history. I love theology. I love blood. It’s been very satisfying weaving fact and fiction to create a new mythology that combines all these elements. And with this extraordinary cast –Stephen Moyer,Katey Sagaland newcomer,Lee Jones– this world explodes on screen. I love working with FX and Fox21TVS. They’ve been my family for 15 years. They not only tolerate me, they embrace my extremely disturbing storytelling sensibilities.”
The Bastard Executionerfeatures series regularsLee Jones,Stephen Moyer,Katey Sagal, Flora Spencer-Longhurst,Kurt Sutter,Sam Spruell, Darren Evans, Danny Sapani, Timothy V. Murphy, Sarah Whitee, Sarah Sweeney, Elen Rhys,Ethan Griffithsand guest star Matthew Rhys.
The Bastard Executionerwas created byKurt Sutter, who will serve as Executive Producer along with award-winning producersBrian Grazer, Francie Calfo andParis Barclay. Sutter wrote the script for the pilot ofThe Bastard Executioner, which was directed by Barclay. The project is being produced by Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions.
Sutter was the Creator/Showrunner ofSons of Anarchy, which concluded its seven-season run on FX in December with the most-watched season in its entire run in both Total Viewers and Adults 18-49 (11.7 million average total viewers, and 7.5 million Adults 18-49). FX has also released the first photo fromThe Bastard Executioner, featuring series starLee Jones, which you may check out below. Stay tuned for more onThe Bastard Executioner, debuting this fall on FX.
