In recent years, Syfy has become better known for shlocky creature features like Sharktopus and Sharknado than high-quality sci-fi/fantasy programming, but the channel has been taking steps over the past few weeks to reclaim its title as the resident channel for sci-fi aficionados. Hot on the heels of ordering a TV adaptation of the Bruce Willis classic 12 Monkeys, green-lighting miniseries Ascension and drama Dominion, and renewing series Helix, Continuum, Lost Girl, Defiance and Haven, Syfy has ordered a miniseries rooted in Greek mythology, titled Olympus.
The 13-episode series will tell the story of a group of brave men and women who banished the gods to “the realm of the unconscious: a place they called the Underworld, or the Kingdom of Hades,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. Olympus follows a man named Hero, who grows from a young boy into a brilliant leader capable of taking on the gods themselves. Along the way, he encounters love, fury, war, exile and empowerment. Concept art featuring the character can be seen above.
Chris Regina, who serves as the Senior Vice President of Programming at Syfy, voiced enthusiasm for the project, stating:
“Olympus is a fantastic blend of action, intense thrills, creatures and great storytelling. It will feature characters from mythology in a way never before imagined… It’s an excellent complement to our roster of programming, and we can’t wait to share the adventures of Hero with the Syfy audience.”
The same team behind Syfy miniseries Tin Man, Alice and Neverland is taking on Olympus. Nick Willing is set to pen the first episode and direct, while Robert Halmi Sr., Robert Halmi Jr., Jim Reeve, Matthew O’Connor and Lisa Richardson will all serve as executive producers.
“I’m thrilled that the team of Willing, O’Connor and Halmi are together on another exciting Syfy project. With the success of Tin Man, Neverland and Alice, we are confident that this will be another epic adventure of television,” said Halmi Sr.
Olympus will arrive in 2015. We’ll keep you posted when more news becomes available.
