The Letter for the King, based on the classic Dutch book by Tonke Dragt, was commissioned as a Netflix Original for their family & kids division, adding to the growing roster of kids and family original shows.
After a 6 month shoot on location in New Zealand and the Czech Republic, the show launched into Netflix top ten lists across the globe on 20th March 2020. On launch, it became the most watched programme on the platform in New Zealand, Australia, Benelux, Czech Republic, Russia, and Africa, and reached no. 4 in the UK and no. 6 in the US.
Will Davies (“How to Train Your Dragon”, "Puss in Boots” ) adapted the novel and showran the series for the SVOD service; Paul Trijbits ("Saving Mr. Banks") and Will Davies executive produced.
Tonke Dragt’s medieval adventure novel was first published in 1962. Combining elements of classic fairy tales and legend, it has since been published in 25 languages, sold over a million copies, and won numerous awards including the only once awarded Griffel of Griffels. This classic medieval adventure novel, its universal themes and Tonke Dragt’s compelling style of storytelling continues to enthrall readers of all ages. In 2014, the book was translated into English and published by Pushkin Press in the U.K. to great critical acclaim.
Set across three kingdoms, the story follows a teenage squire, Tiuri, who embarks on a perilous mission to deliver a secret letter to the king. The task takes him on an epic and dangerous adventure as the fate of the kingdoms lie on his shoulders.
"'Game of Thrones’ for young adults... Packed with quests, prophesies and plucky characters, this new fantasy series is tremendous fun. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" - The Financial Times. Read the review here.
"Netflix's new YA epic" - MTV. Read the review here.
Read the IGN review here.
Cast includes: Amir Wilson as Tiuri (His Dark Materials, The Secret Garden), Ruby Serkis as Lavinia (The Serpent), Thaddea Graham as Iona (The Irregulars), Islam Bouakkaz (After Life) as Arman, Jack Barton (Grantchester) as Foldo, Jonah Lees as Jussipo (Tale of Tales), and Nathanael Saleh as Piak (Mary Poppins Returns).
With: Emilie Cocquerel (The New Legend of Monkey), Yorick van Wageningen (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Gijs Blom (Suspects), Jakob Oftebro (Lilyhammer), David Wenham (Lord of the Rings), Kemi-Bo Jacobs (McMafia), Ken Nwosu (Sticks & Stones), Peter Ferdinando (Ghost in the Shell), Tawfeek Barhom (The Looming Tower), David Wilmot (The Crown), Omid Djalili (His Dark Materials), and Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings).
Executive Producer and Showrunner
Will Davies (How To Train Your Dragon, Puss in Boots)
Executive Producer
Paul Trijbits (Sing Street, Saving Mr Banks, Fish Tank )
Series Producer
Chris Clark (All the Money in the World, Legend)