History has picked up the drama series “Knightfall” from producers Jeremy Renner and Don Handfield, the network announced Wednesday.
The network has ordered a 10-episode first season, which will premiere in late 2016 and be produced by A&E Studios in association with Renner and Handfield‘s production companies The Combine and Midnight Radio. It is expected that Renner will guest star in “Knightfall,” with additional cast and production details to be announced.
The original scripted drama will follow the true accounts of the Knights Templar, the elite warriors of the Crusades. The Knights Templar’s exploits in the Crusades have fascinated people for centuries, inspiring popular stories from Knights of the Round Table to the Jedi Knights of “Star Wars.”
“Knightfall” reveals the great secrets protected by the Templars and tells the story of faith, loyalty and brotherhood that helped sustain them on the battlefield. It also details the dark events that would forever sear the infamous date of Friday the 13th into the world’s psyche.
“Knightfall” was created and will be executive produced by Handfield and Richard Rayner, with Renner also serving as executive producer from The Combine.
Executive producers from Midnight Radio are Jeff Pinkner, Andre Nemec, Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg. Jana Bennett, Arturo Interian and Russ McCarroll are the executives in charge of production for History. “Knightfall” will be distributed internationally by A&E Networks.
Renner is represented by Untitled, CAA and Patti Felker.