Syfy is continuing its push to expand its original programming lineup, with a 12-episode series order to drama The Magicians based on Lev Grossman's best-selling fantasy book series.
The Magicians stars Jason Ralph (Aquarius, Madam Secretary) as Quentin Coldwater, a brilliant grad student who enrolls in Brakebills College for Magical Pedagogy, a secret upstate New York university specializing in magic. He and his 20-something friends soon discover that the magical fantasy world they read about as children is all too real - and poses grave danger to humanity.
The cast for the drama also includes Sosie Bacon (The Closer), Stella Maeve (Chicago P.D.), Arjun Gupta (Nurse Jackie), Hale Appleman (Teeth) and Summer Bishil (Lucky 7).
From Universal Cable Productions, John McNamara (Prime Suspect) and Sera Gamble (Supernatural) wrote the pilot and will serve as showrunners on the first season. Mike Cahill directed the pilot. Groundswell Productions' Michael London and Janice Williams also executive produce. Production on the first season will begin in July in Vancouver.
"The Magicians pilot beautifully delivers a world filled with wonder, fantasy and intrigue," said Dave Howe, President, Syfy. "We can't wait to delve deeper into the lives of Quentin and his college friends, as they struggle with the enormity of their burgeoning powers - and unleash them upon the world."
"Ever since The Magicians was published I've wanted to see this story on screen," said Lev Grossman. "The people, the school, the other worlds, the magic. I'm so thrilled that it's finally happening, and I'm beyond thrilled that we found the right people to do it. Get ready; you've never seen anything like this."
"Lev is a visionary world-creator. It's an awesome responsibility to honor the novels' core audience and also to translate that vision to the screen," said Jeff Wachtel, President and Chief Content Officer, Universal Cable Entertainment. "We are lucky to have Sera Gamble, Michael London, John McNamara and Janice Williams as the team bringing this series to life."
"Ever since The Magicians was published I've wanted to see this story on screen," said Lev Grossman. "The people, the school, the other worlds, the magic. I'm so thrilled that it's finally happening, and I'm beyond thrilled that we found the right people to do it. Get ready; you've never seen anything like this."
"Lev is a visionary world-creator. It's an awesome responsibility to honor the novels' core audience and also to translate that vision to the screen," said Jeff Wachtel, President and Chief Content Officer, Universal Cable Entertainment. "We are lucky to have Sera Gamble, Michael London, John McNamara and Janice Williams as the team bringing this series to life."
