Is The Winter King based on a true story? We discuss the 2023 MGM+ series, which contains minor spoilers.
It’s strange how many shows and movies these days start with the caption “based on a true story.” There are probably two reasons for this, and one is it is based on actual events. The trouble is, there is no precedent for how much of the show or movie is based on real happenings.
No percentage states you can use the true story caption if at least sixty-seven percent of your narrative can be verified by an independent governing body. No, you can whack that label on the front of your show if even one person in the screenplay existed in some shape or form.
So, if screenwriters can play fast and loose with the facts and call it true, why would they do it in the first place? Well, it might encourage more people to watch your project if there is a chance that what they are watching is real.
People like the idea that as well as being entertained by a movie, they are also being educated. However, Hollywood has no qualms whatsoever about fluffing the pillows of history to make for a better product.
The MGM+ series The Winter King is an epic historical story that covers the history of a brutal and chaotic fifth-century Britain, where warring factions and tribes vie for control. However, it seems that fans of the show are wondering about the premise of the series, so this article will answer the question: Is The Winter King based on a true story?
What is The Winter King about?
The show, created by Kate Brook, Ed Whitmore, and Bernard Cornwell, is based on a trilogy of novels by Cornwall and re-imagines the Arthurian legends.
The 10-episode series is set during the Dark Ages of the 5th century and features characters such as Arthur and Merlin that you may recognize from other books, films, and TV shows.
Britain is split into various clans, and there is a constant battle for power while the illegitimate and ostracised son of King Uther, Arthur, tries to find a way to unite his world and increase his power within the kingdom.
Is The Winter King based on a true story?
No, the series is not a true story. The novels that the series is based on are fictitious. It is a re-telling of the Arthurian legends.
Is The Winter King based on the Bernard Cornwell books?
Yes, there are three novels in this series by Bernard Cornwell, and they are the text on which this series is based.
The series of books is known as The Warlord Chronicles.
Is The Winter King related to The Last Kingdom?
In some ways, they are, as Bernard Cornwell wrote both series, and there are similarities in style and setting.
However, that is pretty much as far as the relationship goes between the two stories.
