There has been much speculation and hope among fans that Merlin, the beloved BBC fantasy TV series that aired from 2008-2012, could potentially return for new episodes or some kind of revival down the line. The show, which put a fresh spin on the legends of King Arthur and Camelot by focusing on the young wizard Merlin as he protects and mentors Arthur in a kingdom where magic is outlawed, quickly became a global hit and fan favorite. Its poignant ending left many viewers wanting more adventures with Merlin, Arthur, Guinevere, and the Knights of the Round Table. So is there any real chance of the show coming back in some form, and what are the factors involved? Let’s take a look.
Popularity and Impact of Merlin
There’s no question that Merlin made a huge cultural impact during its initial 5 season run. Some key facts about the success and popularity of the original series:
– Averaged 7 million viewers per episode when it originally aired on the BBC.
– One of the most popular BBC shows worldwide, available in over 180 countries.
– Strong DVD sales and streaming viewership on Netflix.
– Won multiple awards including National Television Awards and BAFTAs.
– Beloved cast led by Colin Morgan (Merlin), Bradley James (Arthur), Angel Coulby (Gwen), and Richard Wilson (Gaius).
– Active, passionate fanbase that continues to grow.
– Combination of humor, adventure, drama, and magic that appealed to broad audience.
Clearly there is still great love for Merlin and interest in seeing more stories set in its vivid, well-realized fantasy world. The popularity and acclaim enjoyed by the original series provides a strong foundation for potential future installments.
Previous Attempts at Revival
Merlin’s original creators and cast have hinted over the years that they’d be interested in revisiting the show in some form if the opportunity arose. There have been some notable attempts to get the ball rolling on a Merlin revival:
– In 2015, co-creator Julian Murphy stated that a potential movie set years after the events of the series finale could happen. But further details never materialized.
– In 2016, a fan petition circulated calling for a new season of Merlin or revival movie. It gained over 30,000 signatures but no tangible results.
– In late 2018, Murphy again raised the possibility of a Merlin movie focused on Arthur’s return, and said the cast was interested. But again no solid plans came to pass.
– In 2020, Merlin showrunner Johnny Capps said he’d had recent discussions with the BBC about potentially reviving the show or doing a spinoff set in the same universe. But this too has yet to yield any official announcements.
So while there has been consistent chatter and some development talks, firm plans for new Merlin stories have failed to coalesce so far. But the recurring conversations indicate ongoing interest and possibility.
Challenges in Reviving Merlin
Reviving a beloved series many years later poses inherent challenges, and Merlin would be no exception. Here are some of the major hurdles facing potential new Merlin stories:
– Securing the involvement of key original cast members like Colin Morgan and Bradley James, who may have busy schedules or be reluctant to revisit old roles.
– Pulling together the creative team, such as original writers and producers, who have scattered onto other projects in the decade since Merlin ended.
– Crafting stories that live up to the magic (figuratively and literally) of the original series for both nostalgic fans and new viewers.
– Establishing whether there would be enough interest in Merlin’s return to justify the costs of high-quality production.
– Deciding on the right format, whether a mini-series, full reboot or movie version. Each would require different resources and levels of commitment.
– Navigating shifts in TV economics and distribution models since Merlin first aired, from streaming services to binge-watching.
Overcoming all these hurdles is difficult but not insurmountable given Merlin’s enduring popularity. With care and effort, they could potentially align the stars for Merlin’s magic to capture viewers once again.
Factors Supporting Merlin’s Return
Despite the challenges, there are also several factors that make the prospects of new Merlin adventures hopeful:
– Continued high demand from fans to see the story continue, which increases the financial incentives.
– Advances in CGI allowing for more dazzling visual effects than on the original series, to portray epic magic battles or mythic beasts.
– The cast themselves have signaled they’d be on board for a reunion if the circumstances are right.
– Nostalgia for classic fantasy series remains a strong draw, as seen by the success of revivals like Doctor Who.
– Opportunity to refresh the legend of King Arthur for a new generation, keeping the enduring characters and archetypes relevant.
– Momentum from renewed interest in Celtic mythology and ‘Britannia’ settings in shows like The Green Knight.
– Potential for expanded roles for female and diverse characters, bringing modern sensibilities to the classic legend.
– New streaming platforms like Disney+ or Amazon Prime looking for compelling fantasy content as such shows become more mainstream.
With these favorable conditions, many of the obstacles could be overcome if someone steps up to champion Merlin’s cause and bring back everyone’s favorite wizened wizard.
Most Likely Scenarios
Taking into account Merlin’s history and the current entertainment landscape, the following are plausible scenarios that could bring the series back in some form:
Limited Revival Series
– 6-10 episode limited series released on BBC, Netflix or other platform.
– Focused storyline simplifies casting logistics rather than full reboot.
– Budget constrained compared to original but allows reunion of key cast.
Feature Film
– Theatrical or streaming movie with big name cast.
– Effects-driven plot focused on epic spectacle over character development.
– Self-contained story makes production more feasible than series commitment.
Next Generation Sequel
– Series focused on new characters decades after Merlin finale.
– Original cast could appear in supporting roles or cameos.
– Allows new mythologies while tapping into Merlin nostalgia.
CGI Animated Version
– Animated show with original cast voicing their roles.
– No live action logistics and easier to align cast schedules.
– Lower risk way to gauge interest before investing in live action.
Each of these options comes with pluses and minuses, but any could potentially extend Merlin’s story in a way that satisfies fans.
Fan Theories on Merlin’s Return
Dedicated Merlin fans have plenty of their own theories and desires for potential new iterations of the show. Popular fan concepts include:
– Arthur returning from Avalon with Merlin’s help to restore Camelot.
– Focus on Morgana’s backstory and her twisted relationship with Merlin.
– Gwaine and other fallen knights resurrected by Merlin’s powerful magic.
– Quest to reunite the surviving Knights of the Round Table.
– Merlin living through centuries fighting evil sorcerers through history.
– Revealing Merlin had a secret apprentice who continues his magical legacy.
– Return of fan-favorite villains Mordred and Morgause.
– New threats emerge from Celtic myth like the Sidhe or Questing Beast.
– Merlin encountering other legendary figures like Robin Hood.
Fans have no shortage of ideas, showcasing the rich possibilities that still exist in the world first brought to life in BBC’s beloved series. Whether any of these specific concepts would come to fruition remains to be seen, but the potential is there for fresh Merlin stories faithful to the original canon but also expanding it in exciting new directions.
Conclusion
In summary, while there are substantial challenges, the prospects for Merlin rising again seem hopeful. Its magic continues to endure in the minds of passionate fans waiting for its return. The ideal alignment of cast availability, producer interest, network support and funding could yet materialize. Much may depend on how loudly fans make their voices heard for new Merlin adventures. If the stars align as they did when Merlin first stepped into Camelot, the story’s next chapter could be just beginning rather than fading to end. For now fans will surely continue dreaming, watching old episodes, and keeping the spirit of Merlin alive as they wait hopefully for signs that the future for Merlin may still be bright.