Netflix to launch new original series

Netflix has commissioned a new original series based on the adventures of Marco Polo, due to premier at the end of the year.

Set in 13th century China, the explorer’s journey will centre around politics and warfare among clashing empires, with the production promising “astonishing martial arts, sexual intrigue, political skulduggery and spectacular battles.”

Produced by the Weinstein Company, the nine-chapter series will begin shooting in Malaysia with a “global cast”.

Those involved in the production include directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg, executive producer and director Dan Minahan and executive producer and creator John Fusco, who have a combined portfolio of shows including Game of Thrones, True Blood and Young Guns.

Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer, said that the show is a “fantastic addition” to Netflix’s original programming, “both because of its quality and because it is the kind of gripping action-adventure that Netflix members love.”

At last week’s annual Consumer Electronics Show, Netflix announced that the second series of its exclusive programming, House of Cards, will be the first of its shows to be streamed in 4K to LG Smart TVs.