News round -up: RTS Switzerland picks up ‘Runes’; ‘Willow’ creator clarifies future; ‘Bel-Air’ renewed for S3

Runes

RTS Switzerland picks up ‘Runes’

RTS Switzerland has picked up Les Armateurs’ animated series Runes, following a deal with French production and distribution company, Prime Entertainment Group.

The 26 x 22-minute Runes follows the story of 12-year-old William, heir to the throne of Normandy. After his father’s death, William seeks refuge in the village of Baligan, incognito as a peasant boy called Hugo. After stumbling upon a cave, he discovers ancient runes that unleash mysterious magic… and a terrible threat, Loki, God of chaos.

Prime’s head of sales, Alexandra Marguerite, said: “We are proud to seal this new deal with such an important player as RTS and particularly glad that the young audience in Switzerland will soon discover the amazing adventures of Hugo and his friends.”

Willow

‘Willow’ creator clarifies future

Jon Kasdan, the creator of Disney+ series Willow has raised hopes that the fantasy adventure series will return.

Following last week’s report that the Lucasfilm show had been cancelled, Kasdan took to social media to clarify that a second season had been written but would not be streaming within the next 12 months.

“A decision was made last week to release our main cast for other series opportunities that may arise for them in the coming year,” wrote Kasdan, who added that he feels “fairly confident that, if asked, neither I, nor the folks at Lucasfilm, would or have actually characterized it” as a cancellation.

While Kasdan expects Willow to return in some form, there was no contractual hold on cast members from season one, he explained.

“With all the TV and movies in production around the world, it feels unfair to limit an actor’s availability without a clear sense of when you’re going to need them again,” wrote Kasdan. “It’s further trivialized by the simple reality that the scripts we’ve been working on require just as many actors (from our first season) with whom no such contractual hold exists.”

‘Bel-Air’ renewed for S3

Peacock drama series Bel-Air has been renewed for a third season.

The series from Westbrook Studios and Universal Television debuted on the service last year and is currently airing its second season.

The show, inspired by Morgan Cooper’s short film, is a dramatic reimagining of the ’90s sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Carla Banks Waddles serves as showrunner, writer and executive producer.

Marie Antoinette

Canal+ returns ‘Marie Antoinette’

Canal+ has ordered a second season of historical drama, Marie Antoinette.

Created by Deborah Davis (The Favourite), the new series will continue the story of the incredibly modern and avant-garde young queen, played by Emilia Schüle (Ku’damm 56/ 63), with Louis Cunningham (Bridgerton) as the king of France, Louis XVI.

At the height of their power, while Marie-Antoinette and Louis face an unprecedented financial crisis. The incessant attacks of Provence and Chartres against the royal couple stir up the hatred of the nobles while disastrous consequences are looming with The Affair of the Necklace. From Versailles to the Palais-Royal, the revolt rumbles.

The Canal+ Creation Originale, produced by Capa Drama and Banijay Studios France, will once again be distributed globally by Banijay Rights. The first series has been sold to over 70 territories, including PBS Distribution in the US, BBC First in Australia and BBC Two and iPlayer in the UK.