Sam Raimi's 'Wizard's First Rule' Casts Leads

Zap2It.com | May 21, 2008

Craig Horner

Craig Horner will be the hero who joins forces with Bridget Regan

Let the magic begin.

Relative unknowns Craig Horner and Bridget Regan have been cast to star in Sam Raimi's syndicated series "Wizard's First Rule," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Named for the first book in author Terry Goodkind's "Sword of Truth" book, the adaptation centers on young woods guide Richard Cypher (Horner) who begins an extraordinary journey in which he seeks a nameless Wizard and slowly discovers his own magical abilities. On the way, he teams up with the mysterious Kahlan (Regan) to take down a bloodthirsty tyrant.

Raimi is teaming with ABC Studios to produce the hourlong weekly syndicated series, which has been cleared in 95 percent of the country for its fall launch.

"Wizard's First Rule" marks a return to television for Raimi. He was an executive producer of "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" and "Xena: Warrior Princess," which both enjoyed long runs in syndication in the 1990s.

Production on the 22-episode first season is scheduled to begin in this month in New Zealand. Raimi, Robert Tapert, Joshua Donen and Ned Nalle will serve as executive producers.

Horner is an Australian actor who rose to fame in the country's kiddie sci-fi show "Cybergirl." He recently co-starred in the Australian youth drama series "Blue Water High," set in a high-performance surf academy for teens.

Regan has appeared on "New Amsterdam," as Trish on the brief run of "The Black Donnellys" and on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."f She also played Cecile Leroux in Mark Twain's Broadway comedy "Is He Dead?"