Netflix said today that it will distribute Marco Polo, a mini-series produced by The Weinstein Company. The nine episodes will appear on the streaming service later this year.
The series, about the famous 13th century explorer’s adventures in China, will be filmed at Pinewood Studios in Malaysia, reports Variety. Although casting hasn’t been set, most of the creative team has been put together, with directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg (Kon Tiki, the upcoming fifth Pirates of the Caribbean film) on board. Dan Minahan (Game of Thrones) is an executive producer, along with creator John Fusco (Hidalgo).
“John Fusco and his team have created a timeless tale of power, adventure, betrayal and lust that combines deft storytelling and cinematic ambition,” Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said in a statement.
If a series about Marco Polo sounds familiar, it’s because this project was first announced back in January 2012 as a project on Starz, which eventually passed on the project. (Instead, its series on the high seas will be Michael Bay’s Black Sails.) Netflix then stepped in and will distribute the series worldwide.
“With the glowing success of series like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black, it’s clear that Netflix is breaking tremendous ground in the realm of streaming original content,” Harvey Weinstein said in a statement, notes TheWrap. “We could not be more excited to partner with them on this project, along with the creative tour de force of John Fusco and his talented team.”
Orange is the New Black, House of Cards and Arrested Development were all nominated for Golden Globes. House of Cards’ Robin Wright won for Best Actress in a TV series - Drama.
image: Wikimedia Commons
