New Sky Original Production A Discovery of Witches coming to Sky 1 and NOW TV

A major new TV adaptation of Deborah Harkness’ bestselling novel A Discovery of Witches is coming to Sky 1 and NOW TV. Starring Matthew Goode (Downton Abbey) and Teresa Palmer (Hacksaw Ridge) and this Sky Original Production from Bad Wolf will begin shooting in September at the new Wolf Studios in Wales.

A Discovery of Witches is a contemporary love story set in our world, but one which humans share with the declining species of witches, vampires and daemons – creatures existing and working amongst us, but hiding, unknown to most humans, in plain sight.

Teresa Palmer will star as brilliant academic and historian Diana Bishop, a reluctant witch denying her heritage. The discovery of a manuscript in Oxford’s Bodleian Library throws her into the heart of a dangerous mystery – and into the path of enigmatic geneticist Matthew Clairmont (Matthew Goode), an ancient vampire hiding dark family secrets.

As Diana and Matthew embark on a journey to understand the significance of the mysterious manuscript and as their relationship develops and their heritage comes in to play, events threaten to unravel the fragile peace that has long existed between humans, witches, vampires and daemons.

Based in South Wales and filming on location, the drama is set in Oxford, Lapland, Scotland, Venice, London, France and Madison NYC and Bad Wolf’s first major UK production promises a stunning visual treat to audiences all over the world.

Commenting on the television adaptation, novelist and executive producer Deborah Harkness said: “Teresa and Matthew perfectly capture my characters – I’m so excited by the casting and how they will bring the books to life.”

A Discovery of Witches was commissioned for Sky 1 by Sky’s head of drama Anne Mensah and director of Sky 1, Adam MacDonald. It has been adapted for screen by writer Kate Brooke (Mr Selfridge), the director is Juan Carlos Medina (Painless) and Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner are the Executive Producers for Bad Wolf.

Commenting on the commission Anne Mensah, Sky’s head of drama, said: “A Discovery of Witches is a proper love story for grown-ups. However, the fact that it also examines science, magic and being ‘other’ in the modern world makes it a must watch. Kate Brooke and Deborah Harkness have given us a drama that packs both an emotional and thought-provoking punch. With the breathtaking vision of director Juan Carlos Medina and the Bad Wolf team, I feel very confident we are offering our customers something truly magical.”

Screenwriter Kate Brooke added: “The show is a relationship drama, grounded in emotional truth. Diana and Matthew, like all couples who meet and fall in love, at times struggle to understand each other and come to terms with their differences. And if you’re a vampire and a witch – those differences are huge.”

Jane Tranter, Executive Producer, Bad Wolf added: “A Discovery of Witches is a bold contemporary love story beautifully adapted by Kate Brooke from the books by Deborah Harkness. We can’t wait to introduce fans of the novels to our cast and to bring in a whole new audience to these extraordinary stories.”

The international distribution rights for A Discovery of Witches will be handled by Sky Vision, Sky’s international production and distribution arm.