Finally, we may get a chance to see plenty of Ivan as the lead in a new original high fantasy TV series in development by the title Magician’s Blood described as “Prince of Persia meets Game of Thrones – with flying carpets”.
Ivan has agreed to support this ambitious indie project by playing the main role of the regent minister and magician Artat-Shâr.
More Info on the Show
As the German news article on myFanbase.de explains, it
is a story that takes the audience on a magical adventure journey – “to powerful magicians and impressive warriors, strong women and sophisticated courtiers, tragic kings, rich politicians and demonic powers”
Catherine Bühnsack on myFanbase.de (20th December 2023)
According to the official website, the show explores the meaning of life and death, identity and prejudice, maturing and family, and the pitfalls of desire.
The Story and the Character
When the mad king of the magician realm Dashet starts to wage war on the neighbouring Kingdom of Sakhar, its ageing regent minister Artat-Shâr is forced back to his homeland to face the shadows of his past.
Raised as the orphan of a prince of Dashet and a merchant lady of Sakhar by his paternal uncle in Dashet, Artat had to flee in his youth from the king’s wrath and sought refuge in his mother’s homeland Sakhar where magic and magicians have for long been feared and despised.
Against all odds, he has risen to power, but despite this position, he feels lonely, tired, and trapped between two cultures. The king of Dashet has branded him a traitor, and the people of Sakhar view him with resentment because he is from Dashet.
Artat-Shâr is a proud and powerful man and magician, as well as a competent leader, but he is also described as a
villain-turned-hero in a world that, like ours, lacks both: villains and heroes.
Official Website
When Artat sets out on his risky mission, accompanied by the mysterious young head of his intelligence service, his aim is to claim his right to supreme power. Little does he know that he will be pushed to his limits and take centre stage at the dawn of a new era beyond clash of civilizations.
In this conflict between cultures, belief systems, and long-believed truths will also be questioned, especially by a younger generation.
The character sounds like a perfect fit for Ivan and would certainly provide an incredible treat to all his fans, since, as the main character in a series, he would have substantial screen time in every episode and plenty of opportunity to develop the character and show all his layers.
According to the news article, Magician’s Blood will have some dark and violent aspects reminiscent of pre-pandemic shows like Vikings and Game of Thrones, but the series is intended to be colorful and in a lighter tone. It opens up a perspective of hope for a brighter future.
The plan is to shoot a proof-of-concept pilot first to gain funds for the series. Jane Sanger is set to direct. Concepts for the first three seasons of the series exist already.
Sources
German news article on myFanbase.de (Catherine Bühnsack, 20th December 2023)
Official website for the show
Article on Ivan’s official website (21st December 2023)
Ivan Kaye Source 