Kurt Sutter’s post-“Sons of Anarchy” project “The Bastard Executioner” has lined up a pretty killer cast.
The FX period drama pilot, which begins production next month in Wales, has cast “True Blood” alum Stephen Moyer, “Sons of Anarchy” star (and Sutter’s wife) Katey Sagal, “Snow White and the Huntsman” actor Sam Spruell and Sutter himself.
Matthew Rhys, who stars with Keri Russell in the FX drama “The Americans,” will also guest star.
“The Bastard Executioner” revolves around Wilkin Brattle (played by Australian theater actor Lee Jones, 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. Brattle is described as tall, dark and imposing, as well as emotionally deep and spiritually tortured.
Sagal, meanwhile, will portray Annora of the Alders, who’s described as prescient, mystical and beautiful, and who provides predictions, cures and potions.
Sutter has been cast as The Dark Mute, Annora’s mate and guardian. He rarely speaks, and no one’s ever seen his face.
The drama, which is created, written and executive produced by Sutter, is produced by Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions. Brian Grazer, Francie Calfo and “Sons of Anarchy” alum Paris Barclay are also executive producing, with the latter directing the pilot episode.
Read below for the full cast and character descriptions.
Lee Jones, a newly discovered Australian theater actor, will take the lead as “Wilkin Brattle”: Tall, dark, imposing. Emotionally deep, spiritually tortured. Former knight in the charge of King Edward I. He now lives a simple agrarian life.
Stephen Moyer (“True Blood”) will star as “Milus Corbett”: Street smart and noble savvy. He was one of Ventris’ marshals in the army. Now, serves as his Chamberlain, Chancellor and Justiciar. Friend and drinking mate.
Katey Sagal (“Sons of Anarchy”) will star as “Annora of the Alders”: Prescient, mystical and beautiful. She offers predictions, cures and potions.
Flora Spencer-Longhurst will star as “Baroness Lowry ‘Love’ Aberffraw Ventris”: As cunning as she is kind and beautiful. From a wealthy Welsh family, she married Ventris at 17 to protect her family’s land. Her noble duties always in conflict with her Welsh pride. Spencer-Longhurst is represented by United Agents.
Kurt Sutter (“Sons of Anarchy,” “The Shield”) will star as “The Dark Mute”: Mate and guardian of Annora. Speaks rarely, no one’s ever seen his face.
Sam Spruell (“Snow White and the Huntsman,” “The Hurt Locker”) will star as “Toran Prichard”: Fierce, tenacious. An archer under Madog Llywelyn in the last major Welsh rebellion. He put down the bow and picked up the hoe. Wilkin’s best mate.
Darren Evans (“Galavant”) will star as “Ash y Goedwig”: Wiry, smart. A trapper. An orphan “of the woods”. Friend of Wilkin.
Danny Sapani (“Trance,” “Penny Dreadful”) will star as “Berber the Moor”: A large, educated man. Converted Muslim. A farmer. Friend of Wilkin.
Timothy V. Murphy (“Sons of Anarchy,” “The Lone Ranger”) will star as “Father Ruskin”: A Brawny. Gentle, with bottled fury. Former soldier. Left the military for the seminary. Priest, rector and teacher of the court.
Sarah White will star as “Isabel Kiffin”: Tall, slight. Awkward and innocent. Lady Love’s handmaiden and trusted confidant.
Sarah Sweeny as “Jessamy Maddox”: Pretty, hardened by abuse. The executioner’s wife.
Matthew Rhys as “Gruffudd y Blaidd”: Smart, fearless, of noble blood. The Wolf. Leader of the Welsh rebels, Byth Encil.