Netflix Greenlights 'Marco Polo' Series After Starz Passes

15 Jan, 2014 By: Erik Gruenwedel

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Netflix has greenlighted production of nine episodes of oceanic period drama “Marco Polo,” which is set to begin streaming late this year.

Created by John Fusco (Young Guns, Hidalgo), produced by The Weinstein Co., and helmed by the directors of Oscar-nominated foreign film Kon-Tiki, “Marco Polo” chronicles the famed explorer's journeys, including war in 13th century China.

The series, filmed in Malaysia, is set to feature martial arts, sexual intrigue, political skullduggery and spectacular battles, according to Netflix, which picked up the rights to the series after Starz LLC decided not to greenlight the project.

No word yet on the cast or who will play Polo.

"John Fusco and his team have created a timeless tale of power, adventure, betrayal and lust that combines deft storytelling and cinematic ambition," Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer, said in a statement. "It is a fantastic addition to our slate of original series, both because of its quality and because it is the kind of gripping action-adventure that Netflix members love."

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