Netflix has officially made a deal to produce nine episodes of the drama series Marco Polo created by John Fusco. Oscar nominees Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg as well as Dan Minahan (Game of Thrones) have signed on to direct the series.
Marco Polo was originally developed at Starz - garnering a straight-to-series order in January 2012. The cable network released the project back to producers The Weinstein Co. and Electus after its attempts to film the series in China fell apart. The Netflix version of the series will begin shooting at the new Pinewood Studios in Malaysia. The series will feature a global cast, with talent to be announced later. The streaming service is eyeing a late 2014 premiere date.
Marco Polo focuses on the famed explorer's journey, which 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.
"John Fusco and his team have created a timeless tale of power, adventure, betrayal and lust that combines deft storytelling and cinematic ambition," Netflix's Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said. "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."
TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein added, "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. 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."
