Netflix’s Upcoming ‘Marco Polo’ Series To Feature Adventure, Betrayal, Lust & ‘Game Of Thrones’ Alum

Last summer, we learned that Netflix had acquired the rights to a new series, Marco Polo, about the famous explorer. The Weinstein production was originally going to air on Starz, but Netflix snatched...
Netflix’s Upcoming ‘Marco Polo’ Series To Feature Adventure, Betrayal, Lust & ‘Game Of Thrones’ Alum
Written by Chris Crum

Last summer, we learned that Netflix had acquired the rights to a new series, Marco Polo, about the famous explorer. The Weinstein production was originally going to air on Starz, but Netflix snatched it up while it was in limbo.

On Tuesday, Netflix formally announced the project, which is set to premiere in late 2014. The company describes it as “a kinetic tale of high politics, masterful manipulation and deadly warfare among clashing empires.” More from the official description:

The famed explorer’s journey takes him to the center of a brutal war in 13th century China, a world replete with astonishing martial arts, sexual intrigue, political skullduggery and spectacular battles and comes from directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg (Kon-Tiki, Max Manus: Man of War), executive producer and director Dan Minahan (Game of Thrones, True Blood) and executive producer and creator John Fusco (Young Guns, Hidalgo).

It will consist of nine chapters, and will begin shooting at the new Pinewood Studios in Malaysia.

Netflix content chief Ted Sarandos said, “John Fusco and his team have created a timeless tale of power, adventure, betrayal and lust that combines deft storytelling and cinematic ambition. It is a fantastic addition to our slate of original series, both because of its quality and because it is the kind of gripping action-adventure that Netflix members love.”

“With the glowing success of series like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black, it’s clear that Netflix is breaking tremendous ground in the realm of streaming original content,” said Harvey Weinstein. “We could not be more excited to partner with them on this project, along with the creative tour de force of John Fusco and his talented team.”

The content announcements are coming rapidly from Netflix this week. First, it was news that the streaming service would get the final episodes of Breaking Bad, the most popular show it provides, in February. Then, Netflix announced that it has renewed Lilyhammer, its first original series, for a third season.

On Sunday, Netflix got its first Golden Globe for an original series, as House of Cards star Robin Wright took home the award for Best Actress in a TV Drama.

The ball has only started to roll for Netflix. In addition to the upcoming second seasons of House of Cards, Hemlock Grove, Orange is the New Black, Mako Mermaids and Derek, and the third season of Lilyhammer, Netflix will debut new shows BoJack Horseman, Sense8 and Narcos in addition to Marco Polo this year. Dates are yet to be determined for Netflix’s first original season of The Killing and its untitled psychological thriller from the creators of Damages, as well as a handful of Marvel superhero shows. Daredevil, the first of those, is set to premiere in 2015.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

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