Starz and BBC Worldwide Productions' upcoming original series Da Vinci’s Demons sounds like it has real potential to be another must-watch series for Starz. The actor who takes on the role of the title character could prove to make or break the drama. Word is, the role has been cast.
We learned last fall that Starz and BBC were moving forward on a joint venture for an original drama series titled Da Vinci’s Demons. Described as a historical fantasy, the drama will follow a young Da Vinci, known for his passion and brilliance, inventions, art and ability with the sword. With a “character” like that, the series has plenty of places to go.
According to Deadline, British actor Tom Riley has been signed on to play Leonardo Da Vinci in the series and from the sound of it, series showrunner David S. Goyer is pleased with the selection:
“Given that da Vinci was the model for the ‘Renaissance Man,’ these were incredibly large shoes to fill,” Goyer said of the search to cast the role. “Leonardo had to be smart, witty, and incredibly confident – without coming across as arrogant. He also had to be tormented, because, as a true visionary and polymath, he was ostracized for his ideas as much as he was celebrated. Tom came in and was able to effortlessly combine all of those elements. As soon as he finished his audition, we knew we’d found our man.”
Riley’s most recent credit was for a British TV series called Monroe, and his earlier credits seem to be comprised mostly, if not completely of U.K. credits. So, while those of us in the States may not be all that familiar with his work just yet, it sounds like we’re about to get more than a sample of it when Da Vinci’s Demons premieres on Starz.
