Netflix has ordered a six-episode adventure period drama, “Frontier,” with helmer Brad Peyton, who directed the box office hit “San Andreas,” and Jason Momoa attached to star. The drama is slated for a 2016 debut on Netflix everywhere except Canada. Commissioned by Discovery Canada, the first season of “Frontier” will premiere on the cabler in Canada and will then come to Netflix Canada in 2018.
“Frontier” is a drama following the chaotic and violent struggle to control wealth and power in the North American fur trade in the late 18th century. Told from multiple perspectives, the series takes place in a world where business negotiations might be resolved with close-quarter hatchet fights, and where delicate relations between Native tribes and Europeans can spark bloody conflicts.
Peyton will exec produce along co-creators Rob Blackie and Peter Blackie whose shingle Take The Shot Productions is behind the drama. Jeff Fierson, Alex Patrick and and John Vatcher are also EPs. Peyton and Fierson’s Factory Backwards shingle is also producing.
Momoa, known for “Game of Thrones” and his multiple “Aquaman” feature film roles coming up, will lead the series. Alongside Momoa, the cast is rounded out by Alun Armstrong (“Braveheart”), Landon Liboiron (“Hemlock Grove,” “Degrassi”), Zoe Boyle (“Downton Abbey,” “Sons of Anarchy”) and Allan Hawco (“Republic of Doyle,” “The Book of Negroes”) and Canadian newcomer Jessica Matten.
“’Frontier’ presents an outstanding opportunity for our company and we are thrilled to be in business with Netflix and Discovery on this exciting project,” said Patrick, president of Take the Shot.
“We jumped at the opportunity to bring this action-packed series to our global viewers” said Erik Barmack, vice president of local originals at Netflix. “The creative team behind the series has a very exciting vision for Jason and the show, and we’re thrilled to be working with Discovery Canada on getting a vast, worldwide audience to enjoy it.”
The Netflix project marks a reunion for Take The Shot and Peyton who all worked on the Canadian CBC comedy series “Republic of Doyle.” Peyton and Fierson are also working together on the feature film adaptation of video game “Rampage” with Peyton directing and Fierson exec producing. That project brings Peyton back together with star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who lead “San Andreas.
