The 13th century Scottish legend, played by Mel Gibson in the 1995 blockbuster, is to the the subject of a new serial drama. The project is being developed by STV Productions, in association with Digital Rights Group and Los Angeles based Nine/8 Entertainment, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The series will focus on Wallace's back story, his years spent attempting to unify Scotland, his loves and losses as well as his legendary battles with King Edward the Longshank and rival Robert the Bruce. The original idea comes from Seoras Wallace, an adviser on Braveheart.
Announcing the news, STV director of content Alan Clements said: "This was a turbulent time in Scotland's history, in which William Wallace had a starring and pivotal role. We plan to delve deep into his character and explore his passions, bringing parts of history to life in a spectacular and raw depiction. With all eyes on Scotland in the current political climate, this also seems to be a very appropriate time to tell this story in more depth."
The show will apparently be in the vein of current genre hits Spartacus and Game Of Thrones, and will be shopped to channels imminently. Creative Scotland will invest in the project through the Development Fund agreed with STV in 2011.
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