Weinstein Company Begins Production on Marco Polo for Netflix

Posted on April 8, 2014

The Weinstein Company announced that it has started production on Marco Polo, an original series for Netflix based on the adventurers of the famous explorer. Shoot locations for the ten episode first season include Italy, Kazakhstan and the new Pinewood Studios in Malaysia. The series is set to air on Netflix in late 2014.

Marco Polo journeys to 13th century China in the series. Weinstein says China at this is "a world replete with exotic martial arts, political skullduggery, spectacular battles and sexual intrigue." Actor Lorenzo Richelmy (pictured above) has the lead role of Marco Polo. Other stars include Benedict Wong, Zhu ZHu, Tom Wu, Remy Hii and Rick Yune. Joachim Roenning and Espen Sandberg are directing the first two episodes in the series.

Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company, says in the announcement, "Marco Polo is a figure all have heard of, but few truly know, and we are excited to introduce him to the world. And we are shooting all over the world. From the sweeping vistas of Kazakhstan which act as backdrop for the wars and conquests of Kublai Khan to the intimate moments within the alleys and canals of Marco's hometown of Venice, Italy, this is spectacle in the truest sense of the word."

This could be a very interesting series if done right. At a minimum it will showcase some great scenery and spotlight an important time in human history.

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