BBC Merlin Vault

Collecting an archive of BBC Merlin content, mayhaps a few works from those involved outside of the show. Sideblog.

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BBC Merlin Vault Tags

For easier navigation if you're after something a little more specific. The tagging system for this blog isn't the best at the moment, but at the very least I won't be scrolling up and down for ages to try and double check what I've already put up.

BY CAST MEMBER: (in alphabetical order by surname)

Santiago Cabrera / Angel Coulby / Warwick Davis / Joe Dempsie / Adetomiwa Edun / Emilia Fox / Anthony Head / Tom Hopper / Bradley James / Adrian Lester / Eoin Macken / Katie McGrath Charlene McKenna / Will Mellor / Colin Morgan / Nathaniel Parker / Miranda Raison / Alexander Vlahos / Richard Wilson / Rupert Young

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CREW:

Rob Lane / Sébastien Quérité / Alice Troughton

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EVENTS:

London Toy Fair 2010

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INTERVIEWS:

Santiago Cabrera / Angel Coulby / Adetomiwa Edun / Anthony Head / Tom Hopper / Bradley James / Eoin Macken / Will Mellor / Colin Morgan / Julian Murphy / Rupert Young / Richard Wilson

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LOCATIONS:

Chateau de Pierrefonds

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POST TYPE:

advert / articles / audio / behind the scenes / blog post / cast events / conventions / downloads / facebook page / filming / instagram / locations / merchandise / music / press release / promotional / scans / twitter / video / youtube

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BY YEAR:

2008 / 2009 / 2010 / 2011 / 2012 / 2013 / 2014 / 2018 / 2024

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Incredible find by @imm0rtal-idi0t!

This is one of two promo booklets that were given out (possibly other places but I know this one for sure) at the 2010 San Diego Comic Con (photo below via smoonyc on Flickr).

This is the only image I've ever found of it - until now! One popped up on eBay and @imm0rtal-idi0t shared the link - which had photos of all 24 pages, I believe!

It's a good day for Merlin archivists *screams*

Of course, they'll be up on the Royal Library of Camelot asap!

The second booklet - this one...

...was also given out in 2009 at the "Inside the World of Merlin" BAFTA event. Scans were found here by the amazing @bbcmerlinvault and are also up on the library.

@sugar-coated-prat-dragon @dollopheadedmerlin @kateis-cakeis thought thought you folks might appreciate this as fellow merch enthusiasts <3

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What's an extra piece of fun is that the front cover and full pages of Arthur and Lancelot were also used as posters for the series 1 DVD launch event in Japan, which can be seen here: https://www.tumblr.com/bbcmerlinvault/698892970439639040/posters-from-the-love-and-magic-preview-and-talk

(also the text on the Kilgarrah and Gwen&Morgana pages were used in those posters as well, though the images differ)

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Behind the scenes filming of series 1 from Susan Forshaw (I think) as part of the Paul O'Grady Show, originally broadcast on October 16th 2008. She even got to film part of a quick scene for 1x10 The Moment of Truth which ended up making it into the episode, which you can see from the screencap I took from BBC iPlayer below. I just think that's pretty neat :)

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[Artile] "Merlin's Morgana speaks!"

Interview with Katie McGrath from Digital Spy's 'Tube Talk' posted November 30th 2008. I'm currently unable to find this on their website so the blog may have been removed, but this page can be viewed via the Wayback Machine here.

Merlin's Morgana speaks!

Sunday, November 30 2008, 16:21 GMT by Neil Wilkes, Editor

After spending most of the first half of the series cooped up in bed, dark horse Morgana is now starting to become a major player in Merlin. In recent weeks we've seen her lock horns with Uther over a young Mordred, assist Arthur in battle and begin to exhibit some magical abilities of her own. I gave Katie McGrath a bell to find out more about what's next for Morgana - and her impending switch to the dark side.

Have you been recognised much since the show has been on the air? "That's the one question everybody asks! I actually got recognised for the first time the other night, and I think it was possibly only because I was standing right next to Colin [Morgan, aka Merlin himself]. It doesn't happen often because [the character] is such a huge transformation for me. People don't expect to see you in normal clothes because they're so used to seeing you in the gowns and dresses."

Have you seen the cast much since filming ended? "We all had dinner with the producers last week to say congratulations and well done. We're all of a similar age and this is our first big job so we all grew along at the same time. It's hard to spend eight and a half months with people and then not end up being friends at the end of it!"

Do you think Morgana realises that she has these powers? "I think it's a very slow realisation. There's a lot of fear - she's afraid of her powers. Ultimately through the legend, we know she becomes very powerful. As the series goes on, you will start to see more and more of that come out. She's like the ticking timebomb in the show. She's a genuinely good character now and everybody's waiting for her to go bad!"

Have you thought about how you might play the evil side of her? "I've got so many ideas, I wake up every morning with something new! She could be doing the wrong thing for the right reasons - so she's evil, but you understand why she's being evil - or she could be completely way-out-there evil, spitting in a cage cackling. I don't know yet either! The journey makes it interesting. We know where all these characters are going to end up. You know Arthur's going to be King and Guinevere's going to be Queen, but it's about how they get there."

How would Uther react if he found out about Morgana's powers? "I think he fears magic because of his history with magic, not magic itself. If he did find out I was magical, I don't think he'd know what to do. I am sort of the daughter he never had, but I don't think it would be as cut and dry as people think. He wouldn't just send me off to be executed. Once you've seen next week's episode, it will become clearer to you why he would be torn."

In next week's episode, she butts heads with him again, doesn't she? "Yes! The episode is all based around alchemy and the turning of lead into gold, which Gwen's dad gets caught up in. He gets discovered practising magic and gets sentenced to death. The story is based on me trying to save Gwen's father, my relationship with Uther and how I can't forgive him for what he's done. Then it's about the steps I take to punish him for his actions. So it is really quite dark. There are some emotional scenes between me and Uther."

That's what makes her impending "evil" transformation more fascinating. At the moment, she has a very clear idea of what's right and wrong, doesn't she? "That's it. I hope she does become the character that does the wrong thing for the right reasons. From where she is now, I find it hard to believe she would become an out and out evil character. I think people will watch and say 'yeah, she's trying to kill him but I get what she's doing. I kind of see it.' It's a sympathetic evil. She's got an unbelievable character arc from where she starts to where she ends up, but in every script you can read in tiny little things. As early as episode two you can foresee that she's got magical powers, if you're watching closely."

Oh yes...? "In episode two I wake up from a nightmare where I see Arthur has died, then I'm the one that throws him the sword because I can see that he's going to need it. She's like a sleeper character that they've seeded all the way through!"

Finally, series two. Have you heard any news yet? "Obviously we hope it's going to go ahead. We don't know yet though, to be honest with you. For me I'll be very disappointed if it doesn't go ahead. We've left all of our characters on such a cliffhanger that you'd feel it wasn't finished unless you got a chance to see them through. Especially my character, because all her best stuff is yet to come. It's a show that's only going to get better!"

Merlin continues Saturday at 7.25pm on BBC One.

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Behind the scenes filming of series 1 video from BBC's Point of View, uploaded November 13th 2008.

You can still view the video here, though I decided to reupload it due to it also being unlisted plus overseas viewers may not be able to view the BBC YouTube account.

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Behind the scenes video taken while filming the series 3 finale in Puzzlewood. Originally by BBC Newsbeat, though I took it from this post on the Puzzlewood Facebook page.

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[Article] "Behind the screen magic of Merlin"

Posted to the BBC News Channel website on September 18th 2008 by Lizo Mzimba. Original link here

Behind the screen magic of Merlin

Actor Colin Morgan plays the titular hero of the new drama

Lizo Mzimba Entertainment correspondent, BBC News

The legendary story of Merlin is coming to our screens in a new BBC adaptation, starting on Saturday evening.

The tale of King Arthur and Merlin is well known - but how did their fabled friendship develop?

"We forget that Merlin at some point was a young guy, finding his place in the world," explains Colin Morgan, who plays the young magician in the new BBC One drama.

"I think that's what this series really deals with - how Merlin comes to terms with his powers, his destiny," the 22-year-old actor says, during a break from filming on set in Penarth, in the Vale of Glamorgan.

On-set fun

"And how he finds a place for himself in the world of Camelot, where he can't be himself."

In the show, Merlin must conceal his identity in Camelot, where magic is banned. Anyone caught practising magic is put to death, leaving him in constant danger.

Morgana's beauty is unparalleled throughout the kingdom

"You see a lot of how Merlin deals with those situations," Morgan says.

"There are elements of the Arthurian legend in there as well, that I think anybody who's a fan of that will enjoy."

Much of the time, the relationship between Prince Arthur - played by Bradley James - and the young Merlin is difficult, to say the least.

Viewers can also expect the unexpected when it comes to the characters of Morgana, played by Katie McGrath, and Guinevere, played by Angel Coulby.

In this latest incarnation, the four work together as they take on a cruel tyrant who is terrorising Merlin's home village.

James and McGrath, as Arthur and Morgana, are clearly having huge amounts of fun on set as they get involved in some good, old-fashioned swashbuckling swordsplay.

'Unexpected'

But is the sword being wielded by Arthur the legendary Excalibur?

James, smiling enigmatically, will only confirm that Excalibur does appear in the series.

According to producer and co-creator Johnny Capps, other elements of Arthurian legend are sprinkled throughout the series.

"It's really good fun to take the classic legends and say how they began" Capps explains.

"We see the very beginning journey of Excalibur, and Lancelot also turns up in a very unexpected way."

Lancelot is played by Santiago Cabrera, who plays Isaac Mendez in hit US TV show Heroes.

He is joined in the cast by stars including former EastEnders actress Michelle Ryan as wicked sorceress Nimueh, One Foot in the Grave star Richard Wilson and veteran actor John Hurt, who voices Merlin's mentor, the Great Dragon.

The production team have clear ideas for how they want the programme to develop over several series.

But at the moment, no-one can predict how well the show will perform in the ratings, and if it will return for a second run.

And that creates understandable nervousness. So what will Johnny Capps be happy with?

"A very large audience," he laughs. "And a recommission!"

The new series of Merlin begins on Saturday, BBC One at 1930 BST.

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Video interview clip of Colin Morgan from Whats On TV, posted October 2nd 2009.

Original link: Merlin Star Colin Morgan On Fame

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[Article] “Merlin reinvented”

by S. Indra Sathiabalan for The Sun Daily, first published 21:55 Tuesday 24th February 2009

(this was an article on a Malaysian ahead of the series premiering in the country. The following is a copy/paste of the article followed by screenshots from the Wayback Machine. The original article is no longer available.)

Merlin reinvented The legend of Arthur and his sorcerer is given a young, fresh look in this TV series S. Indra Sathiabalan STORIES about King Arthur, the knights of the round table and Merlin the magician have enjoyed numerous film, television and stage adaptations. Their tales of nobility, honour, romance and magic still appeal to many audiences.

Of all the characters from this popular English folktale, one of the most intriguing is Merlin, who often offers wise counsel to Arthur.

The character of Merlin has influenced many other popular fictional wizards and sorcerers in popular literature, including Gandalf in Lord of the Rings and Dumbledore of the Harry Potter series.

This character was also beautifully portrayed by Sam Neill in the highly-rated mini-series Merlin (1997), but other than that, not much is known about this enigmatic character who mysteriously disappears at a time when Arthur needs him the most.

Producers Julian Murphy and Johnny Caps came up with an idea to produce a series that revolve around Merlin during his younger days. BBC liked the concept and commissioned the series, which went into production in March last year. The first season boasts 13 episodes (shown in the UK on Sept 20) and the second season will begin production soon.

The difference in this series as compared to other Arthurian tales which have been adapted in the past is that Merlin is portrayed as a teenager and is about the same age as Arthur.

During a tele-conference interview, Colin Morgan and Bradley James, who play Merlin (top, right) and Arthur (left) respectively, shed some light about their roles.

The story begins with young Merlin arriving at the city of Camelot which is ruled by Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head) and where magic of any form is outlawed.

Taken in as an apprentice to the benevolent Gaius (Richard Wilson) who was once a sorcerer but now the court physician, Merlin later discovers from the last great dragon Albion (voiced by John Hurt) which has been imprisoned in the city, that it is his destiny to protect Uther’s arrogant son Arthur so that he may grow up and rule over a great kingdom.

Merlin is forced to hide his magical ability but manages to form a special bond with Arthur despite initial animosity.

Morgan, who had to master old English for the incantations of the spells, says he enjoyed a lot of freedom and was allowed to give his own interpretation of Merlin. "He was never presented this way before. We know him as an older man but not how he started out," he says.

As a young boy, Morgan was keen on magic and even had his own magic set. "I can still do a decent card trick," he enthuses.

Both actors were familiar with the Arthurian legends and playing the brash and athletic Arthur was a role James dove into easily. Brandishing a heavy sword and wearing heavy armour did not faze him as he is very much into sports and loves doing action.

At the same time, James has no qualms about the series portraying his character and Merlin as being about the same age. "You know their destinies are intertwined. When you make a series this way, it makes them both rivals," he explains.

He says that this aspect also adds elements of drama and turbulence in their relationship, not to mention some fun moments. "Being the same age also makes the relationship a bit of a brotherhood. As their relationship develops, they look out for each other and respect each other."

James also reveals that the way the character of Prince Arthur is depicted was initially inspired by Prince Harry and that he also added his own take to the role.

Many famous actors have played Arthur in the past, including Sean Connery and the late Richard Harris. When asked if he was initially intimidated, James says he was honoured at being given the role.

Other popular characters from the Arthurain tales such as Lancelot, Guinevere, Morgana and Modred will also be introduced in the series, which takes quite a few liberties from the original flow of the story.

Both Morgan and James are looking forward to season two and expect more drama as Merlin’s magical abilities are still unknown to Arthur.

Merlin boasts lots of CGI which will bring Camelot and its magic alive on the small screen. It will premiere on Hallmark Channel (Astro Channel 702) on March 1 at 9pm.

Updated: 09:55PM Tue, 24 Feb 2009

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[Press release] "The magic of Merlin"

BBC Press Release with an interview with Colin Morgan and Richard Wilson posted in the run-up to the series starting to air. While it doesn't seem to have a date attached, the link was shared to the merlinbbc LiveJournal community on September 14th 2008, so it was before the show started airing (post can be viewed here)

Press release link

The magic of Merlin

Colin Morgan stars as the young and gifted Merlin in BBC One's new drama

The mythical city of Camelot, in a time before history began, is a fantastical realm of legendary beasts and mysterious peoples. In this dangerous world, magic has been banned by the ruthless tyrant, Uther Pendragon.

When Merlin, a young man gifted with extraordinary magical powers, arrives in the kingdom, he quickly makes enemies, including the heir to Uther's crown, the headstrong Prince Arthur. But guided by Uther's wise physician, Gaius, Merlin is soon using his talents not just to survive but also to unlock Camelot's mystical secrets.

As he does so, he discovers that his destiny and that of the kingdom's young leader in waiting, Arthur, are inextricably linked.

Starring Colin Morgan as Merlin, Bradley James as Prince Arthur, Anthony Head as King Uther, Richard Wilson as Gaius, Katie McGrath as Morgana and Angel Coulby as Gwen, Merlin is an imaginative and enthralling new twist on an ancient legend.

Produced by the award-winning team behind Hex and Sugar Rush, Julian Murphy, Johnny Capps, Jake Michie and Julian Jones, and directed by James Hawes, this 13-part series is an epic, magical, adventure-packed drama certain to appeal to all the family.

COLIN MORGAN plays Merlin

You'd be forgiven for thinking Colin Morgan was born to play the part of history's most famous sorcerer. He was warming up for the role when he was just three. "Even when I was really young I wanted to perform and do shows. I also had this fascination with magic. I was doing magic tricks when I was three," explains the 22-year-old, who grew up in Armagh, Northern Ireland. "If I ever saw magic on television I would say: 'I want that. That's what I want from Santa Claus'. So the cupboard in my bedroom was full of boxes of magic tricks, cups and balls, cards and foam rabbits, all sorts of stuff."

It's little surprise, then, that Colin leapt at the opportunity of playing the young Merlin. "When they told me I'd been cast I was ridiculously delighted. I ran around my flat screaming," he admits.

Morgan's Merlin is a spirited but naive young man who, when he first arrives in Camelot, steps into a world more dangerous than he understands.

"When he first enters Camelot, Merlin is a loose cannon. He has this natural ability which he is aware of. He has the ability to do magic but he can't control it, it just happens," Colin explains.

"He believes he will be quite safe in that environment, that he will be able to use his powers in a free way. But, when he enters Camelot, he sees someone killed for using magic, so it becomes clear that using his God-given gift is a no go. And that's a big shock to him. A lot of the story deals with Merlin keeping his power a secret, even as he uses it to deal with situations," he adds.

Colin admits there are similarities between himself and Merlin that run deeper than their interest in magic. "They've very much cast this according to personality and a lot of aspects of Merlin's personality are quite similar to me, in a way," he explains. "For instance, I'm extremely enthusiastic about things and Merlin is like that. He gets involved in every challenge he faces and he always gives it his best shot, 100 per cent. During filming, I was asked to do some pretty outrageous stuff. Last week, for instance, I had to run full pelt into a freezing cold lake to rescue Arthur, in the rain," he explains.

"I also tend to look for the funnier, lighter side of things which Merlin does," he says. "At the same time, I am serious when I need to be, which is something Merlin also is when he slips into action-hero mode."

The two also share a natural inquisitiveness. "Merlin has a natural curiosity about things." Colin explains.

That curiosity was very much to the fore when Morgan was researching the "real" Merlin, no easy task given the lack of any real historical evidence about a figure whom some historians argue never existed. "There's very little written about him and his early life in particular. There is a bit about him growing up without a father and being bullied and persecuted because of that. There is also a bit that claims his father was a demon and his mother was made pregnant by a demon," he says. "There is a fair bit of strange stuff like that. One of the most bizarre things I've read about him is that Shakespeare knew where Merlin's tomb was and was murdered for knowing the secret."

Among the few pieces of hard information Morgan found, however, there were some that proved useful in creating the character of the boy wizard. "There are stories about Merlin as a boy having to deal with things that I found useful. He had a deep intelligence. He was not silly. He knew when he needed to stand his ground."

Colin was intrigued by the idea of a figure who became powerful without resorting to violence. "He is not a fighter at all. He would not know how to wield a sword to save his life," he explains.

Colin believes the enduring fascination with Merlin and the Arthurian legend is down to two main factors. "I think the simplest reason is that they are good stories. But they are also very intriguing and mysterious. The dark ages are called the dark ages for a reason; we don't know much about them so we can't separate fact from fiction.

"What's especially good about that from Merlin's perspective is that there is a lot written about Merlin as an old man. That's what you think of immediately – an old man, with a beard and a cloak. There is a bit written about him as a boy but then there's a huge gap that's not dealt with. That's what this series is dealing with, the period of Merlin's life that's not been dealt with before.

"The story is so fantastical and adventurous. We are not saying that this is the truth – what we are saying is that this is a version of his story that has not been written or seen before."

There is something fantastical about the way Morgan's life has gone in the past few years. Born and raised in Armagh, he came from a family with no background in acting whatsoever.

"My mother is a nurse and dad is a painter and decorator. So it was not an obvious choice of career for me," he smiles. But, as his early magic shows testified, he had a burning desire to perform from an early age. "From when I was really young, one of the first things I did was to perform. It was like a natural instinct."

After studying at the Belfast Institute, he went to the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. He was planning on taking some time off after graduating but, purely for experience, went for an audition for a role in Vernon God Little, the stage adaptation of DCB Pierre's Booker-winning novel.

"I was planning on travelling. All my friends were auditioning for something, so I thought I'd do it for experience," he explains. "I got offered the part, which was a surprise. I decided to do it. It was the best decision I've ever made.

"I left college three quarters of the way through my final year and got assessed on the play as part of my grade. After that, it happened very quickly for me."

Almost immediately, he was cast in two other plays. Television roles in The Catherine Tate Show and Doctor Who soon followed. He has been so immersed in filming Merlin for the past six months that he has had little time to dwell on the impact his latest – and biggest – role will have on his career and life in general.

With the show set to be aired in the US as well as here in the UK, he knows his face will soon be a familiar one on both sides of the Atlantic. Whatever happens, he will take it in his stride: "One of the most important things is to remind yourself of where you are from and be thankful. I don't, for a second, take anything for granted. That's a good way to start your day," he says.

RICHARD WILSON plays Gaius

Richard Wilson plays Merlin's guardian Gaius

Richard Wilson may be one of television's most familiar faces but it's a fair bet there will be many who won't recognise him as the Royal physician Gaius, the wisest old head in Camelot. "I knew I could not be a bald 70-year-old who looks like Victor Meldrew so I knew I had to do something, go for a new image. So we went for this," he says, proudly running his fingers through the salt-and-pepper coloured, shoulder-length wig that is obscuring half his face.

As Wilson explains during a break in filming at the spectacular Chateau de Pierrefonds, Gaius is Merlin's guardian and mentor. "My sister sends him to me because she can't control him any more. He comes as my sort of apprentice," he explains. "Merlin is a natural magician. But magic is banned in the kingdom. So I spend a lot of the early episodes saying: 'Don't do that. Stop it!'"

It is only as the story unfolds that Gaius himself reveals his own abilities as a magician.

Wilson confesses that, his wig aside, the most challenging aspect of the production has been the arcane and colourful language he finds himself having to deliver on camera. "The only thing about doing magic is that you have to speak a lot of old English. I just find it so difficult to learn," he admits. "I just try to believe in Gaius and to take care of Merlin and give it as much respect as possible. It would be easy to muck about with something like that," he adds.

Working on Merlin has only deepened his admiration for actors including David Tennant, who play long-running roles in fantasy and science-fiction series. "That's where I admire David Tennant in Doctor Who. He has had such a steely dedication to mumbo jumbo really. All these knobs, you don't know what they are for but you believe he does," he explains.

Wilson reveals that he came close to turning down the role because of the pressure of work. A successful theatrical director, he was involved in a number of productions in London and was also at work on a new BBC series, Britain's Best Drives, in which he drives vintage cars along some of the country's most picturesque routes. "When I was offered that, I thought that's a nice little summer job and accepted it. Then Merlin came along and I thought: 'Do I want to turn this down?'" he explains.

Producers Julian Murphy and Johnny Capps were determined to cast him, however, and offered to organise the shooting schedule to suit Wilson. "They said they would work around me. But working around me has meant it's non-stop," he smiles. "But I have enjoyed it. I've realised that, no matter how old I am, I enjoy working and I'm still learning. This is a great experience. I'm very lucky to have been asked," he says.

If the Merlin magic works and the series becomes a staple of the Saturday night schedules, he may be willing to return to the part – and the wig.

One thing is certain, however. Having been so strongly associated with a single role for so long, Wilson is looking forward to having a new generation recognising him as someone other than Victor Meldrew. He admits he gets irritated by the reviewers' habit of always referring to his landmark role – even when he is directing rather than acting: "The fact that they keep showing it means I know I will never escape him. In a sense, it's a compliment, I suppose. But, when you direct, you would think people would give it a break. I bet you when they review me in this they say it's Victor Meldrew in a wig," he laughs.

His hope is that Merlin will make television viewers know him better as Merlin's Gaius than the irritable Mr M. "Wouldn't that be great? To be able to go out and have youngsters not able to recognise me in the street because I'm bald," he laughs.

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[Press release] Merlin's Secrets Revealed

Press release from 23rd July 2008 announcing more cast members, following up from their first which can be viewed here. This is a notable one because I /think/ this was with one of the first promo images for the show.

Original link here

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Merlin's secrets revealed

Category: TV Drama; BBC One; Wales Date: 23.07.2008

Merlin is a thrilling fantasy drama set to enchant family audiences in a brand new 13-part series on BBC One this September.

Every Saturday night audiences are destined to experience a series of magical adventures, as they follow the unlikely friendship of a would-be wizard (Merlin) and the future King (Prince Arthur).

The drama brings together a cast of acclaimed British actors (Richard Wilson as Gaius, Anthony Head as King Uther Pendragon) as well as exciting new faces.

Colin Morgan is the young wizard Merlin, Bradley James is the arrogant but brave Prince Arthur, rising star Angel Coulby is Guinevere and newcomer Katie McGrath is Morgana.

Multi-award-winning actor John Hurt has just been cast as the Voice of the Great Dragon. Enigmatic and powerful, he alone knows Merlin's true destiny.

Julie Gardner, Head of Drama, BBC Wales, says: "In this new version, Merlin and Arthur are young contemporaries for the first time ever, bringing a much-loved tale to a whole new generation with a fresh, youthful new look and approach for Saturday nights this autumn on BBC One.

"I am thrilled to announce John Hurt has just been cast as the voice of the Great Dragon. He is Merlin's mythological mentor and the only dragon left with magic powers.

"It is an absolute privilege to be working with him, as he brings real gravity to the series, alongside a strong core cast and brilliant guests."

He will be joined by Heroes star Santiago Cabrera as Lancelot and Bionic Woman Michelle Ryan as the wicked sorceress Nimueh.

Further guest stars include Eve Myles (Torchwood, Doctor Who) as Mary Collins (episode one), Will Mellor (Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps) as Valiant (episode two) and Julian Rhind-Tutt (Green Wing) as Edwin Muirden (episode five).

The eagerly anticipated series begins long before Arthur becomes King.

Arthur's father is Uther Pendragon, the tyrannical King of Camelot who has outlawed magic in the mythical city.

Gaius is the court physician who takes Merlin under his wing and helps guide him with his magical powers.

It's a rites of passage story which sees Merlin and Arthur on the cusp of adulthood – both on their journey to greatness in a time before history began.

Merlin is created and produced by Shine Television – the International Emmy Award-winning production team behind Hex and Sugar Rush – Julian Murphy, Johnny Capps, Jake Michie and Julian Jones.

Johnny Capps, Shine Television, says: "It's a privilege to be given the opportunity to reinvent a classic British legend for this important family slot.

"We have a wonderful cast and fantastic locations, which we hope will bring alive the magic and myth of Camelot for a new audience."

Merlin is being filmed in Wales and France for transmission on BBC One in September.

Spectacular CGI effects are being created by The Mill, the Oscar-winning visual and special effects team behind Gladiator and Doctor Who.

BBC Executive Producers are Julie Gardner for BBC One and Bethan Jones for BBC Wales.

Merlin was commissioned by Jane Tranter, Controller, BBC Fiction.

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Timelaspse video of Katie McGrath having her prosethetics makeup applied for old!Morgana.

Originally posted to Vimeo by Shaune Harrison. The original video can be viewed here (requires log-in)

Colin Morgan video

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Timelapse video of Colin Morgan having his prosthetic makeup applied for filming the final scene of the show. (There are a few seconds of just empty chair, but hang tight because they do come back. I decided to keep it in to present the video as it was originally posted.)

Originally posted to Vimeo by Shaune Harrison. The original can be viewed here (requires log-in)

Katie McGrath video

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Get Merlin book/magazine scans here! (plus a short ramble on archiving)

Oh while I'm here, I'd also like to direct BBC Merlin fans to this other archive project:

The Royal Library of Camelot

A BBC Merlin fan resource!

This is a really great place to find scans of all the Merlin books (which have now been out of print for over a decade), magazines, some versions of the games you can play, even that one Arthur and the Unicorn book with the audio CD, and a bunch more. This is very handy because I had been planning to do it myself but my scanner is very very naff so I'm glad they've inadvertently gone and taken that off my hands. They're currently working to recover as many images as they can from farfarawaysite after it suddenly went offline (sorry if this post is how you found out that farfarawaysite is currently gone - we don't know why the site went away but I recall that sometime in the early/mid 2010s they almost shut down due to legal threats so I imagine it's something similar)

On a general archiving note, if you can might I please suggest that if there's something you really like it is worth it to download things and make your own offline archive if you can. Farfarawaysite going away and that incident where Internet Archive went down for a bit a little while ago really shows that the internet isn't always as forever as we might like to think. If you can (if you can't then fair enough) make offline copies, get external harddrives, back things up, have multiple copies, etc, etc (I know it costs money and not everyone can spend the amount it takes, hence why I say only if you can.)

And shoutout to Royal Library of Camelot in general for creating this archive and making a lot of out of print media more accessible. While you *can* buy physical copies second hand if you're willing to wait for listings to pop up, it will likely cost you a decent amount of money, take a long time and be even more difficult if you're not in the UK, so now people can at least get the pdfs. It's just a very cool thing for them to decide to do. These people are working really hard to make something really neat and frankly the more preserved material we have the better. Go to their site, download their stuff, give them all the love in the world.

[bbcmerlinvault]

Hello everyone, looks like this blog gained a few new followers off the back of the Eoin Macken blog post photos from a little while ago. Just wanted to drop in and say I really appreciate that and I hope to have the time to post more stuff soon. Thank you for the love for the posts so far <3

[bbcmerlinvault]

Scans of a promotional booklet for series 2. These come from LJ user theocrox331 who received the booklet as part of a goody bag they won at the "Inside The World Of Merlin" BAFTA event in London which took place November 21st 2009. They share some initial photos of the booklet here and the hi-res scans here (the second link which went to a folder download no longer works but the first which takes you to a gallery still does)

If anyone does want to download the folder all at once, I've uploaded it here

[bbcmerlinvault]

Source found and information updated!! \0/ Found it while looking for something completely different but good to know where the heck it came from.

[bbcmerlinvault]

Update Eoin made to his Merlin photo post, featuring behind the scenes images of the episode Lamia.

Blog post can be viewed in the Wayback Machine here