Merlin Star Rules Out Spin-Off
Merlin actor Bradley James has ruled out the possibility of him reprising his role in any possible spin-off.
The BBC fantasy drama came to a close at Christmas after five seasons following the corporation’s announcement there would be no sixth season. Merlin was a ‘re-imaging’ of the Arthurian legends with Prince Arthur and Merlin teenagers and with Merlin as a servant to the young prince.
Although Merlin has now finished reports – such as one on Broadcast – indicate that producers Shine are interested in a spin-off from Merlin. Although showrunners Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy have left Shine the company is reportedly still considering a possible spin-off. It such a spin-off were to happen though it wouldn’t feature Bradley James who, in a recent interview, has seemingly ruled out reprising his role of King Arthur.
“I think it’s time for me to hang up the chain mail, to be honest with you, and pass the mantle on to the next person who shall take on the throne of Arthur Pendragon. The post-Merlin era is an exciting time to look forward to… Variety is the spice of life. That’s the fantastic thing about acting is all the different challenges it can provide you with. To limit yourself just to one would be foolish, therefore I’m looking forward to different things that come my way.” – Bradley James in the LA Times
As well as spin-offs there have also been countless rumours of a possible film – or films – based on Merlin. It is unclear whether any film would be a continuation of the television series or a reboot with a new cast starting from the very beginning. Certainly producers of Merlin have talked about the possibility of a series of films being developed but with the television series now over its unclear whether the project will move on or not.
i am dissapointed to see that bradley would decline a role in a spin off, i mean, playing prince arthur has made him the actor he is today. people are going to look at there television and see bradley and say “wow, its prince arthur” that is who he is known as now. but, he still walks out when merlin was at its best. i honestly dont think they should of just put down the idea of a 6th series. i know that everyone wanted a 6th series and the internet has been blowing up with posts saying they want a 6th series. even if there was a spin off to merlin it would not be the same because there would be no bromance. I think we deserve at least something for the terrible ending that shocked and disturbed a lot of people. i was so disturbed i walked back and down the hall way in my house for 6 hours. think about it, arthur dies and merlin never returns to camelot instead he waits for arthur to rise at that place for years and years knowing deep down that all his friends in camelot are dying of age 🙁 if someone could contact bradley and tell him about this, he cant just drop the roll now that he has got the ball rolling. you dont even need to have him as a main character just make him appear every now and again as a guest star. it deeply saddens me to know that this is the end for merlin and from what i’ve seen from the coverage of the actors, that they don’t care. there are 8 million people out there in one country alone that watched the show and i can promise that people were crying because there was never going to be another episode of merlin ever. please shine, bradley, collin and alll the important producers and characters, please dont just give up on merlin now 🙁 this is the saddest i have been in years. ill be looking out for infromation about a spin off series or something but it would be a miracle if they turned around and said “merlin doesnt deserve to end like this, we are going to make another season” please let a miracle happen <3