The Legend of William Tell
Encyclopedia
The Legend of William Tell is a 16-part television fantasy/drama series produced in 1998 by Cloud 9 Productions in New Zealand
. The basic premise of the series — a crossbow-wielding rebel defies a corrupt governor — and the name of the title character were adopted from the traditional story
, but the series was set in a fantasy world
and featured supernatural themes.
Described by executive producer Raymond Thompson as "Star Wars
on the planet Earth", this is a fantasy saga of bravery, magic, myth and romance. William Tell is the youthful leader of a band of young, ‘brat pack' outlaws, forever hunted by the forces of darkness, led by Xax and Kreel, who have usurped power in their homeland. The series of self-contained stories follows Will's quest to restore young Princess Vara to her rightful place on the royal throne and defeat Xax and Kreel's forces — and by doing so, bring back peace and order to the Kingdom of Kale.
There is action and adventure along the way, magic, creatures, mystery, intrigue — but also much human drama and interplay among Will's rebel band who must support each other in their quest. The group encounter a diverse range of people and situations on their journey — some help the resistance movement, others are cohorts of Xax and Kreel.
Filmed on location throughout New Zealand, the series makes use of natural scenery and has high production values.
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
. The basic premise of the series — a crossbow-wielding rebel defies a corrupt governor — and the name of the title character were adopted from the traditional story
William Tell
William Tell is a folk hero of Switzerland. His legend is recorded in a late 15th century Swiss chronicle....
, but the series was set in a fantasy world
Fantasy world
A fantasy world is a fictional universe used in fantasy novels and games. Typical worlds involve magic or magical abilities and often, but not always, either a medieval or futuristic theme...
and featured supernatural themes.
Described by executive producer Raymond Thompson as "Star Wars
Star Wars
Star Wars is an American epic space opera film series created by George Lucas. The first film in the series was originally released on May 25, 1977, under the title Star Wars, by 20th Century Fox, and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, followed by two sequels, released at three-year...
on the planet Earth", this is a fantasy saga of bravery, magic, myth and romance. William Tell is the youthful leader of a band of young, ‘brat pack' outlaws, forever hunted by the forces of darkness, led by Xax and Kreel, who have usurped power in their homeland. The series of self-contained stories follows Will's quest to restore young Princess Vara to her rightful place on the royal throne and defeat Xax and Kreel's forces — and by doing so, bring back peace and order to the Kingdom of Kale.
There is action and adventure along the way, magic, creatures, mystery, intrigue — but also much human drama and interplay among Will's rebel band who must support each other in their quest. The group encounter a diverse range of people and situations on their journey — some help the resistance movement, others are cohorts of Xax and Kreel.
Filmed on location throughout New Zealand, the series makes use of natural scenery and has high production values.
Cast
- Kieren HutchisonKieren HutchisonKieren Robert Hutchison is a New Zealand actor. He was born in Auckland, New Zealand.-Career:Hutchison is best known for playing the roles of Jonathon McKenna in the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, Andy Hargrove on One Tree Hill, Kerry Connelly on Wildfire and Jake Preston on Monarch Cove...
as William Tell - Andrew BinnsAndrew RoberttAndrew Robertt is a New Zealand actor. He is well known for his role as Nurse Steve Mills in the long running New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street and the voice of Morticon in Power Rangers: Mystic Force...
as Xax - Nathaniel LeesNathaniel LeesNathaniel Lees is a New Zealand born actor and theatre director of Samoan descent. He is known for his role as Captain Mifune in The Matrix trilogy and his role as "Uglúk" in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. He has also had roles on the TV series Young Hercules, Hercules: The Legendary...
as Leon - Katrina Browne as Aruna
- Ray Henwood as Kreel
- Sharon Tyrell as Kalem
- Beth AllenBeth AllenElizabeth "Beth" Allen has been acting since an early age and has appeared in several small productions and commercials since 1993. Her first major role was in Cloud 9's The Legend of William Tell in 1998, in which she played Princess Vara...
as Princess Vara - Drew NeemiaDrew NeemiaDrew Neemia is a New Zealand television personality and singer.-Early career:Neemia has been involved in the New Zealand entertainment industry since the age of three, doing television advertisements which lead the way to various children’s television drama series.Most notably his first major...
as Drogo
Season 1 (1998-1999)
| # | Title | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shaytana's Eye | |
| 2 | The Fifth Column | |
| 3 | Escape into Fear | |
| 4 | Darkness and Light | |
| 5 | Hidden Valley | |
| 6 | The Challenge | |
| 7 | The Spirit of Kale | |
| 8 | Swarm | |
| 9 | The Sorcerer's Apprentice | |
| 10 | Master of Doubt | |
| 11 | The Lotus Eaters | |
| 12 | The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior | |
| 13 | The Labyrinth | |
| 14 | Dobbelganger | |
| 15 | Combat | |
| 16 | Resurrection |