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Kurt Sutter’s The Bastard Executioner Lands Matthew Rhys, Stephen Moyer And More

Sons Of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter is set to bring a whole new world of pain and torture to FX with his forthcoming show, The Bastard Executioner. So far only ordered to pilot, the medieval period drama is nevertheless steamrolling ahead with news of its extensive cast of characters.

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Sons Of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter is set to bring a whole new world of pain and torture to FX with his forthcoming show, The Bastard Executioner. So far only ordered to pilot, the medieval period drama is nevertheless steamrolling ahead with news of its extensive cast of characters.

A shift away from the sunny-but-bloody Californian locale of Sons, The Bastard Executioner will revolve around “a warrior knight in King Edward III’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.”

According to THR, Australian theater thesp Lee Jones has snagged the titular role of a man named Wilkin Brattle. Alongside him in the pool of new arrivals are True Blood star Stephen Moyer, who is set to star as Brattle’s go-to man Milus Corbett, who’s described as “street smart and noble.” Cropping up in a guest capacity is The Americans‘ Matthew Rhys as the leader of the Welsh rebels. Perhaps we’ll finally get to hear the actor speak in his genuine accent!

Besides the casting news, a stream of detailed character portraits have landed to offer insight into the goings-on behind all of those pretty faces. The best scrap of info is the mention of Sutter’s name in that list. By the looks of things, he’ll be appearing onscreen in a role that doesn’t sound too dissimilar to Sons‘ ill-fated SAMCRO member, Otto.

The Bastard Executioner will reunite Sutter with his Sons colleague, Paris Barclay. The pair are locked in to executive produce and write the series, with Barclay taking on directorial duties on the pilot, which begins filming March 19 in Wales.

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.

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.

In a guest-starring role, Matthew Rhys as “Gruffudd y Blaidd”: Smart, fearless, of noble blood. The Wolf. Leader of the Welsh rebels, Byth Encil. [Note: this role does not change his lead position in the FX drama series The Americans.]