Knightfall (Series)

Knightfall is a historical drama series developed by Don Handfield and Richard Rayner, broadcast on the History Channel between 2017 and 2019. The production explores the institutional structure political relationships and dissolution of the Knights Templar in the early 14th century. Comprising two seasons and a total of 18 episodes the series was filmed in the Czech Republic and Croatia.

Plot

The series focuses on the historical dissolution of the Knights Templar. The narrative centers on the persecution initiated in 1307 by King Philip IV of France which led to the order’s dismantling. The fiction revolves around the quest of Landry de Lauzon a fictional character seeking the Holy Grail a relic considered sacred within Christian tradition. This pursuit drives the character into a tense journey between his religious convictions and political conflicts. The series unfolds within the framework of the Knights Templar’s institutional structure their understanding of loyalty and the political and social pressures they faced.

Still from the Series (IMDb)

Themes

Knightfall examines themes such as faith loyalty betrayal and power relations within a historical context. Drawing on the tensions between religious orders and royal authority in 14th century Europe the production explores the strained relationships between individuals and institutions. Events unfolding in an environment where the boundaries between faith and political interest become blurred reflect individual and collective conflicts shaped by historical conditions.

Production Team

• Directors: Douglas Mackinnon Metin Hüseyin David Petrarca Rick Jacobson Roel Reiné Samira Radsi
• Writers: Don Handfield Richard Rayner Aaron Helbing Dominic Minghella Ethan Reiff Cyrus Voris
• Producers: Jeremy Renner Dominic Minghella Aaron Helbing Rick Jacobson Douglas Mackinnon Ethan Reiff Cyrus Voris Sonny Postiglione André Nemec Scott Rosenberg Josh Appelbaum Jana Bennett Barry Jossen Jeff Pinkner
• Directors of Photography: Christopher Manley Thomas Yatsko Boris Mojsovski
• Music: Andrew Price (Season 1) Natalie Holt (Season 2)
• Production Companies: A+E Studios Midnight Radio Island Pictures Motor The Combine Stillking Films PAKT Media

Cast

• Tom Cullen – Landry de Lauzon
• Pádraic Delaney – Gawain
• Simon Merrells – Tancrède de Hauteville
• Julian Ovenden – William De Nogaret
• Ed Stoppard – King Philip IV
• Jim Carter – Pope Boniface VIII
• Mark Hamill – Master Talus (Season 2)
• Tom Forbes – Prince Louis (Season 2)
• Genevieve Gaunt – Princess Isabella (Season 2)
• Olivia Ross – Queen Joan
• Bobby Schofield – Parsifal
• Sarah-Sofie Boussnina – Adelina
• Sabrina Bartlett – Princess Isabella (Season 1)

Production and Broadcast Information

• Air Date: 6 December 2017 – 13 May 2019
• Number of Episodes: 2 seasons 18 episodes
• Episode Duration: 40–45 minutes
• Broadcast Platform: History Channel
• Genre: Historical drama
• Language: English
• Country: United States Czech Republic

Technical Specifications

The series was filmed at various historical locations in the Czech Republic and Croatia. During production period-appropriate set and costume designs reflecting medieval architecture and attire were employed. The musical score composed by Andrew Price and Natalie Holt was structured to align with the pacing of scenes and narrative rhythm.

Broadcast and Impact

Knightfall premiered on the History Channel in 2017 and concluded after two seasons. Due to its fictionalized portrayal of the historical trajectory of the Knights Templar the series sparked debates and critical discussions in various countries. The relationship between the series and historical reality has been evaluated in both academic and popular culture circles.

Awards and Nominations

• 2018 Saturn Awards – Best Fantasy Television Series (Nomination)