MTV has cast “Lord of the Rings” actor and “Indiana Jones” alum John Rhys-Davies on its upcoming fantasy series “Shannara.”
Based on a series of Terry Brooks novels that began in 1977, the fantasy drama is set in our world, but thousands of years after the destruction of civilization. It’s centered on the Shannara family, whose descendants are empowered with ancient magic and whose adventures continuously reshape earth’s future.
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Rhys-Davies will play King Eventine, Amberle’s (Poppy Drayton) grandgfather, who has ruled the Elvin kingdom of Arborlon for decades flanked by his sons Arion and Ander. Eventine has done questionable things to keep the Four Lands at peace, but when his beloved granddaughter is chosen to fulfill a dangerous destiny, his path is changed as well.
The veteran actor is best know for playing Gimli and the voice of Treebeard in the “Lord of the Rings” movie franchise and for playing Sallah in the “Indiana Jones” movies. Recently, he voiced Grand Pabbie during the “Frozen” storyline on ABC’s “Once Upon a Time.”
Aside from Drayton, Rhys-Davies also joins “Spartacus” actor Manu Bennett and “Carrie Diaries” alum Austin Butler on “Shannara.”
Ordered straight to series by MTV in July, “Shannara’s” first two episodes will be directed by Jonathan Liebesman (“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”), who also serves as an executive producer. Writers Al Gough and Miles Millar (“Smallville”) will executive produce, and Jon Favreau, Terry Brooks and Dan Farah will also executive produce. Sonar Entertainment is MTV’s producing partner and the international distributor.
Jeff Goldberg Management and Spring Management represent Rhys-Davies.
Editor’s note: A previous version of the article misreported Rhys-Davies’ as the voice of Gimli in the movie franchise, rather than in the video game. TheWrap regrets the error.