BBC’s fantasy ‘Merlin’ to end after 5 seasons

BBC confirmed on Monday their fantasy show Merlin will end when the current fifth season finishes, but there are spinoffs being considered.

According to the BBC the show’s creators say the show will have a "natural and dramatic end." There is a two-part finale planned for season 5.

Merlin airs on SyFy in the U.S. and stars Colin Morgan as Merlin, Bradley James as Arthur, Katie McGrath as Morgana, and Angel Coulby as Gwen.

"I think the show has run its natural course," says Morgan. "We've arrived at its strongest point and we've achieved what we set out to do."

The creators of Merlin, Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy, say "We always felt the story of the legend was best told across five series, leading to a spectacular finale that draws on the best-known elements of this much-loved story and brings to a conclusion the battle for Camelot."

Shine and FremantleMedia Enterprises are working on ideas for spinoffs set in the Merlin world, according to Deadline.

There are also plans for at least one movie. In July, Capps said they had plans for a trilogy after finishing season 5, according to Digital Spy. At that point, they were debating rebooting or doing a continuation of Merlin for the movies.

Digital Spy spoke with Murphy about the series and the possibility of a movie.

"There is definitely ongoing talk and work on a movie, that's true,” Murphy says. “Will it to some extent be a reboot? Yes, inevitably - any movie would be. Will it be with the same or different actors? It's miles too early to tell."

Season 5 of Merlin is premiering in the U.S. on Friday, January 4 at 10 p.m. ET on SyFy