The legend of King Arthur and Excalibur has been depicted dozens of times both on the big and small screen over the last hundred years or so. And just when you thought the story was done to death, in comes another legend himself. Guy Richie, of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch and Sherlock Holmes fame is bringing the this medieval king back, in ‘King Arthur Legend of the Sword.’
The movie has managed to pull in some big names at both ends of the camera. It will star Charlie Hunnam as King Arthur, Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey as Guinevere, Jude Law as Vortigern, Djimon Hounsou as Bedivere, and Eric Bana as Uther Pendragon. Katie McGrath who has previously appeared in the Camelot universe as Morgana Pendragon in the TV show ‘Merlin’ has been cast as Elsa in the film. If whispers are to be believed another legend, this time from the sports world, David Beckham is slated to make a cameo appearance in the film. The screenplay has been penned by Joby Harold, who previously sat in the producer’s chair for Edge of Tomorrow.
The movie originally titled ‘Knights of the Roundtable: King Arthur’ has kept fans waiting for a long time. After the release of the first teaser at the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con in July, the film faced a few changes in release dates. Originally slated for July 22, 2016, it was moved to February 17, 2017, then moved again to March 24, 2017, and finally to May 12, 2017 where it now stands.
Word on the streets is that the studio hopes the film will put into motion their six-part King Arthur saga. The first film will revolve mainly around King Arthur’s journey from street rat, to the throne once he pulls Sword from Stone. For fans of the legend, be aware that the first film won’t get into Lancelot or Grail territory. Merlin’s presence will be mentioned, but he isn’t to be a major player yet. Sadly only time and box office results will tell if there are more movies to follow.
Along with the trailer, Warner Bros also released a synopsis of the film for fans scrapping for more information.
When the child Arthur’s father is murdered, Vortigern, Arthur’s uncle, seizes the crown. Robbed of his birthright and with no idea who he truly is, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword from the stone, his life is turned upside down and he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy… whether he likes it or not.
The trailer has it all swords, stones, prophecies, Mages with magic, vengeance, greed, revenge, war and off course ladies in lakes.
Look out for the movie hitting theaters, on May 12, 2017.