The cast of Sky’s A Discovery of Witches made the trek to the San Diego Comic Con to host a panel in support of the television adaptation of Deborah Harkness’ popular book series. In addition to discussing the upcoming first season, cast members, along with author Deborah Harkness and executive producer Lachlan MacKinnon, were able to share the news that the series has been acquired by Sundance Now and Shudder.
Season one of A Discovery of Witches stars Matthew Goode (Downton Abbey) as vampire Matthew Clairmont and Teresa Palmer (Hacksaw Ridge) is historian Diana Bishop. The cast also includes Owen Teale as Peter Knox, Trystan Gravelle as Baldwin, Sorcha Cusack as Marthe, Daniel Ezra as Nathaniel Wilson, Edward Bluemel as Marcus Whitmore, Alex Kingston as Sarah Bishop, Valarie Pettiford as Emily Mather, Tanya Moodie as Agatha Wilson, and Lindsay Duncan as Ysabeau de Clermont.
“This captivating story is filled with intrigue, romance and magic and set in spectacular locations that underscore those very qualities,” stated Jan Diedrichsen, General Manager, Sundance Now. “We are thrilled to see Deborah Harkness’ books brought to life in such an inspired way with such a charismatic cast and talented crew. The result is binge-worthy television at its best and we know that A Discovery of Witches will appeal to both the premium drama fans at Sundance Now and the genre fans at Shudder.”
“A Discovery of Witches is a big, bold series with witches, vampires and daemons caught up in an all-too human drama that’s enthralling from the opening minute. It’s unlike anything else on TV and we’re excited to bring it to Shudder members as part of this unique partnership,” said Craig Engler, General Manager, Shudder.
Sky Vision’s Senior Vice President US Sales and Acquisitions Gillian Rose added, “We’re delighted that A Discovery of Witches, a Sky Original production, will make its debut in the U.S. and Canada on Sundance Now and Shudder. It’s a moving, modern day love story, set in a world where a handful of witches, vampires and daemons secretly live and work alongside humans, and I’m sure it will be a huge success for them.”
Season one consists of eight episodes.
The Plot: A Discovery of Witches is a contemporary love story that begins against the backdrop of Oxford academic life, in a world where small numbers of witches, vampires and daemons live and work, unseen amongst humans, hiding in plain sight. Teresa Palmer is the brilliant historian Diana Bishop, a reluctant witch denying her heritage. The discovery of a bewitched manuscript in Oxford’s Bodleian Library throws her into the heart of a dangerous mystery – and into the path of the enigmatic vampire and geneticist, Matthew Clairmont (Matthew Goode), who hides a dark family secret.
As Diana and Matthew embark on a journey to understand the secrets of the ancient manuscript, their relationship develops, and events threaten to unravel the fragile peace that has long existed between witches, vampires, daemons and humans.