Ahead of its August 20 debut on MGM+, the Rotten Tomatoes Score and first reviews for the streamer's adaptation of Bernard Cornwell's rugged take on the King Arthur legend, The Winter King, has been revealed.
Does MGM+ have a fantasy hit on its hand?
Perhaps.
Currently, the show has a 100% critics rating, with an average score of 7.8 out of 10. However, only 5 critics have submitted advance reviews for the show.
The New York Post stated, "It’s no masterpiece but, despite its flaws, there’s nonetheless enough in it to captivate fans of shows such as “Vikings” and its spinoff, and “House of the Dragon.”
Collider's review stated, "Whether you are a fan of Arthurian legends or looking for the next great historical epic, The Winter King is a must-watch."
The Hollywood Reporter wrote, "Not without charms, chief among them a solid core cast. But a rocky start is bound to lose some potential fans before they get to them."
The series is based on Bernard Cornwell’s Warlord Chronicles series, which consists of three books:
- The Winter King (first published in1995)
- Enemy of God (first published in1996)
- Excalibur (first published in 1997)
The Saxon Chronicles, which the BBC and Netflix eventually adapted as The Last Kingdom, are another work by the English-American novelist. In that 13-book tale, the first 10 books were covered in that television series, which starred Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
Fans of the ABC superhero program Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. may know the principal actor portraying Arthur, Iain De Caestecker, who previously portrayed Fitz on the Marvel show.
The Winter King is set in the 5th century, when Britain was comprised of a vast variety of tribes all warring for land and resources. The novels tell the origin story of Arthur Pendragon in a more practical fashion with less of an emphasis on magic and the supernatural.
Other Arthurian legends such as Merlin, Nimue, Lancelot, and Galahad are all slated to appear on the show.
The Winter King premieres August 20th, 2023- only on MGM+.
The Winter King, based on Bernard Cornwell’s Warlord Chronicles series, is set in the fifth century, long before Britain was united, in a brutal land of warring factions and tribes, where lives were often fleeting. The series follows Arthur Pendragon as he evolves from outcast to legendary warrior and leader. The series stars Iain De Caestecker (The Control Room, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) as Arthur Pendragon, alongside Eddie Marsan (The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe, Deceit) as High King Uther, Ellie James (Giri/Haji, I May Destroy You) as Nimue, Nathaniel Martello-White (Small Axe, I Hate Suzie) as Merlin, Stuart Campbell (Rogue Heroes, Clique) as Derfel, Daniel Ings (I Hate Suzie, The Crown) as Owain, Valene Kane (The Fall, Gangs of London) as Morgan, Jordan Alexandra (Mammals) as Guinevere, and Simon Merrells (Good Omens, Knightfall) as Gundleus.