Executive Producers Julie Gardner and Laclan MacKinnon discuss MGM+’s The Winter King

MGM+ is presenting The Winter King, a captivating tale that follows the life of King Arthur. This story offers a realistic portrayal of his journey, showcasing his transformation from an outcast to a renowned warrior and eventually a respected leader. The series is adapted from Bernard Cornwell’s Warlord Chronicles series. The setting of the scene takes place in the fifth century, in a unified Britain that is characterized by numerous warring factions and tribes.

After reviewing episodes one through four, I had the incredible opportunity to speak with executive producers Julie Gardner and Laclan MacKinnon. They provided me with valuable insight into the reasons why audiences will love this fresh interpretation of a timeless classic.

In the introduction to episode one, you are introduced to King Arthur, who is unfamiliar to you. This is not the same king who possesses a round table and knights. Instead, you encounter a man who is deemed illegitimate by his father and criticized for his lack of prowess as a warrior. “When it comes to attracting an audience, our goal as producers is to find compelling material that tells a captivating story in an interesting way,” MacKinnon responded when I inquired about their objective for this show. He expressed that he found Bernard’s interpretation of the Arthurian legend to be “especially innovative and captivating.” Laclan stated that the novel was written from the perspective of a devil. One reason why the audience will love the series is because of the inclusion of newer interpretations of classic characters, such as Morgan Le Fey.

Gardner stated, “The goal is to ensure that the audience enjoys what they see while also encouraging them to reflect on their own lives and contemplate the essence of being human.” She believed that in order to truly make the show enjoyable for the audience, it was important to delve deeper into their emotional, mental, and spiritual experiences. In the transition between episodes 1 and 2, we witness Arthur’s transformation from being a bastard son to becoming an exile. During this period, we become curious about various aspects of his family, culture, and community. Julie stated, “He begins from a position of being disenfranchised and marginalized, with no access to power.” Although she mentions his earlier experiences, she later highlights that his ability to be a leader will ultimately stem from his unique perspective on the world.

As the executive producer of the show, I have always been curious about their nonnegotiables when it comes to bringing the script to life. Laclan emphasized the importance of two nonnegotiable aspects: creating a world that felt fresh and authentic to the fifth century. Laclan informed me that they had to spend money on building sets and settings to accurately reflect the time period in which everything takes place. He explained that due to the team members’ expertise in setting up sets, they were able to strategically construct sets that seamlessly connected with each other, resulting in cost-effective solutions.

This refers to the period immediately following the departure of the Romans. “It was a melting pot,” stated Gardner. One aspect of the show that she considered important was ensuring that the cast was diverse in order to accurately represent the time period. The viewers of the show not only enjoyed the legends of King Arthur and the series it was based on, but also had a deep understanding of the historical events that took place during the era of British history.

Without a doubt, it is clear that this series was created with the audience in mind. Julie, Laclan, and the entire team put a lot of effort into immersing us in a different era of British history and the legendary tales of King Arthur.