Ed Sheeran has made a name for himself as a musician, and has never strayed too far from his comfort zone. That's about to change as FX’s new series The Bastard Executioner presented a unique opportunity to Sheeran.
The controversial epic drama is set in the early 14th century and revolves around the retired knight, Wilkin Brattle, who has to take up his sword again and become an executioner, according to the International Business Times.
Sheeran spoke to Entertainment Weekly about how he got the part.
He was a fan of the hit show Sons of Anarchy and befriended show runner Kurt Sutter through Twitter. Sutter is also the creator/show runner of The Bastard Executioner. Sheeran contributed to SOA when he covered the song, “Make it Rain” by Foy Vance for the episode “Red Rose”.
He wanted to do more. Sheeran talked to Kurt Sutter about wanting a part on one of his shows in the future. Sutter has a history of casting musicians. On SOA he cast Marilyn Manson, Courtney Love and Dave Navarro.
Landing a recurring role on a new show on FX is a huge opportunity for Sheeran. It will also be a challenge, but that is something Sheeran says he likes about the show.
Executioner is one of the most anticipated shows of the fall and Sheeran’s star power only adds to that.