History Channel’s new Knightfall drama rides into Titan Comics

By John Freeman on May 25, 2017

Image A+E Network/History Channel

A+E Networks has partnered with Titan Publishing to develop original novels and an eight-part comic book series based on History’s new historical drama, Knightfall.

Titan Comics has already successfully published comics based on another History Channel drama series, Vikings. Vikings: Godhead, released as a collection in February, written by Cavan Scott with art from Staz Johnson sold out of its debut issue and went back to press. (Vikings: Uprising will be released as a collection in September).

Knightfall Image A+E Network/History Channel

Knightfall is the latest drama series to join the History slate and is produced by A+E Studios in association with Oscar and Golden Globe nominee Jeremy Renner’s and Don Handfield’s production company The Combine and Midnight Radio. The ten-episode series, filmed in the Czech Republic and Croatia, centres on the elite and mysterious military order, The Knights Templar.

Tom Cullen (Downton Abbey) stars as Landry in the drama, a veteran warrior of the Crusades, who becomes the leader of the Templars and serves as the driving force behind their quest to retrieve Christianity’s most prized relic: The Holy Grail.

Knightfall Image A+E Network/History Channel

Also in the cast are Bobby Schofield (Black Sea, Our World War) as Parsifal, a young man of ordinary birth who will join the Knights Templar seeking revenge, but ultimately finds a higher purpose; Sabrina Bartlett (DaVinci’s Demons, Poldark) as Princess Isabella, Queen Joan and King Philip’s daughter, her upcoming wedding stands to forge a powerful political alliance for France; Julian Ovenden (Downton Abbey, Person of Interest, The Colony) as De Nogaret, King Philip’s Machiavellian lawyer and right hand man; Sarah-Sofie Boussnina (The Bridge, The Absent One) as Adelina, as a child she was rescued in the Holy Land by the Templar Knights, but now in her early 20s, she lives on the streets of Paris as a thief; Padraic Delaney (The Wind That Shakes the Barley, The Tudors) as Gawain, once the greatest swordsman of the Templar Order whose role with them is at a crossroads; Simon Merrells (Spartacus, Dominion ) as Tancrede, a Templar Knight fanatically devoted to the cause and Olivia Ross (War and Peace, Blowing Louder than the Wind, Father of My Children) as Queen Joan of Navarre, Queen of France and Queen Regnant of Navarre, a devoted mother, warrior, and a formidable diplomat and strategist. Executive producer Jeremy Renner is expected to guest star.

Under the licensing agreement deal, announced yesterday at Licensing Expo 2017, Titan will work closely with history and series creators to craft original stories that expand the world of Knightfall into new adventures and crossover storylines.

The first of two novels and comic book series will debut alongside the upcoming series launch, and will be available online and at comic and independent bookstores everywhere. Collections of the comic series will of course follow.

“We are excited to be partnering with Titan Publishing to expand the Knightfall universe at the same time enthusiasm for the series builds,” said Jill Tully, vice president of brand licensing at A+E Networks.

“The publishing category is a key part of our early licensing program for Knightfall, as books and comic books will help accentuate the mythology featured in the series while enhancing the viewing experience for fans throughout the season.”

• For more on the Knightfall TV series visit www.history.com/shows/knightfall

• Titan Comics is at titan-comics.com

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.