Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands (ITV 2016, Kieran Bew, William Hurt)

Based on the Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf: Return to the Sheildlands takes us back to the dark ages for an epic battle of good versus evil.

According to the press release Beowulf was essentially, a Western set in Britain’s mythic past, the story unfolds on a huge canvas, filmed amongst the breathtaking beauty of England’s north east.

When the series begins Beowulf is returning to his childhood home of Herot, hoping to set right past wrongs.

Having left the rugged frontier town twenty years earlier, warrior come mercenary Beowulf, returns to pay his respects to ailing ward and Thane of Herot, Hrothgar (William Hurt). However, his gesture of goodwill soon opens old wounds. Beowulf is met with cold steel leaving him no choice but to fight his way into the Great Hall to be heard by new Thane Rheda (Joanne Whalley), wife of Hrothgar, whose appointment has caused controversy within Herot and afar.

With its defences fast fading, Herot falls under attack from within and when Rheda’s loyal servant is killed, Beowulf vows to remain until the enemy is routed out, justice is served and Herot is safe once more. It’s a race against time for Beowulf as he seeks to protect the town and catch the killer, be it human or beast…

production details
UK / ITV / 12×45 minute episodes / Broadcast 3 January – 20 March 2016

Writers: James Dormer, Michael A. Walker / Music: Rob Lane, Jonny Sims, Will Rice / Producer: Stephen Smallwood

cast
Kieran Bew as Beowulf
Lee Boardman as Hane
David Bradley as Gorrik
Lolita Chakrabarti as Lila
Elliot Cowan as Abrican
Laura Donnelly as Elvina
Gísli Örn Garðarsson as Breca
David Harewood as Scorann
Edward Hogg as Varr
William Hurt as Hrothgar
Ian Puleston-Davies as Lagathorn
Edward Speleers as Slean
Ellora Torchia as Vishka
Joanne Whalley as Rheda
David Ajala as Rate
George Kent as Young Slean
Emmett J. Scanlan as Skellen
Richard Brake as Arak
Jack Smith as Red