Casting News - Shannara Casts its King

We haven't heard a whole lot yet about MTV's foray into epic fantasy television, Shannara, but today they announced the casting of a sci-fi/fantasy legend, John-Rhys-Davies!

The 10-episode mini-series takes place in a world set thousands of years after the destruction of civilization as we know it. The adaptation of Terry Brooks' book series follows the Shannara family, whose members can tap into ancient magic to help reshape the world's future. 

Season one will follow the plot of the second book in the series,  The Elfstones of Shannara.

Rhys-Davies will play King Eventine, Amberle's (Poppy Drayton) grandfather, who has ruled the Elvin kingdom of Arborlon for decades, flanked by his sons Arion and Ander. Eventine has done questionable things to keep the Four Lands at peace, but when his beloved granddaughter is chosen to fulfill a dangerous destiny, his path is changed as well.  
He joins a cast that also includes Ivana Baquero (Pan's Labrynth) as Eretria, a human described as being from the wrong side of the tracks. Raised by a group of thieves called The Rovers, she has had to use her good looks to survive. After rescuing Wil (Austin Butler, The Carrie Diaries) from danger, she stumbles into being part of Amberle's journey to save the Four Lands. Other previously announced castmembers include Arrow alum Manu Bennett as the druid Allanon and Aaron Jakubenko (Spartacus) as the Elven prince Ander.

Ivana Baquero

Manu Bennett

Poppy Drayton

Aaron Jakubenko

The Shannara book series launched with 1977's The Sword of Shannara and now includes more than 25 books made up of multiple trilogies and a prequel. The books are estimated to be the highest-selling unadapted fantasy series in the world, and Brooks is considered the second-highest-selling fantasy author, trailing only Harry Potter's J.K. Rowling.

Source - The Hollywood Reporter