Anthony Head isn't afraid of the 'Merlin' purists

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by: Tyrone.Warner
Date: 6/16/2009 11:51:00 AM ET

Remaking one of England's most beloved fables is bound to ruffle a few feathers, and for one of the stars of the TV series "Merlin," he's not going to sweat it.

"Of course there's been an outcry from purists. They wouldn't be purists if they didn't outcry," cries actor Anthony Head during a conference call with reporters.

"(This show) isn't the truth. It isn't history. It's myth and legend and therefore it is based on hearsay and on people's opinions."

The legend in question is that of King Arthur and chivalrous Knights of the Round Table, a story that has been told countless times with countless interpretations. The fable gets a new update with a young, sexy cast in "Merlin," which airs in Canada on CTV.

"We've seen him as a Roman Centurion" notes Head, who believes that "Merlin," which focuses the story on the magician as a young man, has finally found a new spin on the story.

"The bottom line is it actually tells a tale and it's entertaining, it's thrilling... If you want to go and read it then go and read it. It has to be said thankfully that the purists are far, far outweighed by the audience that have enjoyed it."

Last fall, "Merlin" was the most-watched drama of the fall season on BBC One, with a series average of 6.3 million viewers.

Here in Canada, the series kicks off with a two-hour premiere on Sunday, June 21 at 8pm ET, and begins with the introduction of the young wizard, Merlin, played by the "Dr. Who" star Colin Morgan, who meets his soon-to-be friend, Prince Arthur (Bradley James).

With the show's focus on the life of a young magician, viewers will likely see shades of "Harry Potter" in the series, with some elements of "Lord of the Rings" and "Chronicles of Narnia" thrown in for good measure.

"I think it's got that kind of appeal of 'magic' that's hot right now or something," says Morgan.

Head agrees, and has his own theory on why this Potter-esque rendering of the saga works.

"The idea of someone young and apparently innocent being able to do extraordinary things is incredibly palatable and, fascinating. But not just for kids to watch but for us all because it unleashes that innocence and that, you know, the spirit of anything can be done."

The first episode begins with Merlin's arrival in the Kingdom of Camelot, where he discovers that magic has been banned by the tyrant ruler Uther Pendragon (Head). While taking guidance from Uther's physician, Gaius (Richard Wilson), Merlin inadvertently makes enemies with the heir to Uther's crown, Prince Arthur (James).

"As soon as you hear the name Merlin, the immediate sort of image that will pop into most people's heads is a man little gut with a beard," says Morgan, who describes his take on the magician as "quirky," "clumsy," and "like it's never been seen before."

Morgan, who began his professional acting career in 2007, will be a new face to viewers in North America, while Head is known to cult audiences for his role as Rupert Giles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

The picturesque series was filmed in Wales, France and England. Shooting has already begun on a second season.