User blog comment:Ḡwẵine Ḹٍٍkƨ Ĺiĸe Ͼềлȑềd/MERLINIAN SALVATION!!!! (very good news!)/@comment-5819072-20121202195141

Hello! I'm not gonna start a new blog on the topic, but here are some quotes and further information about the spin-off you may consider adding to your post.

Looks like Merlin's production company, Shine Group and international distributor, FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) are indeed considering a spin-off show. It makes sense, since sold to 183 countries Merlin has been the flagship drama show of FME and and outstanding success for Shine which had a few flops in recent years (Outcasts, Hunted).

From the press:

"A spin-off is being explored by the Shine Group and Fremantle Media Enterprise, which holds the exclusive distribution rights, outside of the UK, to the property. If the spin-off development which is based on the characters in the Camelot universe becomes a full commission, Shine drama indie Kudos will produce it."

source: Broadcast (26 November, 2012)

Merlin producers Capps and Murphy also suggested plans for further stories. About leaving Shine Group:

"We do so with great memories, respect and best wishes for our Shine colleagues and in the knowledge that if there were to be any subsequent adventures, the world of Camelot is in safe hands."

source: Broadcast (26 November, 2012)

Shine Group chief executive, Alex Mahon: "Merlin has been an amazing success domestically and internationally, it goes out with an epic finale worthy of this amazing series and we are excited about potential future stories that could be told about the Camelot universe."

source: Broadcast (26 November, 2012)

"Shine and FremantleMedia Enterprises, which handles the show internationally, are in the early stages of developing potential Merlin spinoffs based around the world created in the current show.

Any future shows would be produced by Shine's Kudos label in partnership with FME, the duo said."

source: Hollywood Reporter (26 November, 2012)

"FME CEO David Ellender said possible spin-off opportunities inspired 'by the brilliant reimagining of Camelot' meant exciting times."

source: Hollywood Reporter (26 November, 2012)

Just a sidenote: I have nothing against Capps and Murphy. Of course you can criticize them, but their achievement with Merlin has been incredible. Also people easily jump on the conclusion that the duo lied to us about Series 6, but I think when they told that "there is talk about Series 6" and "talk about more Merlin", they were talking about the spin-off.

And I think it's the same with Bradley James, who was asked about Series 6 in a recent Fanhattan interview, and answered in great length. The interview was made mid november, so he clearly knew that Series 5 is the last one, still he was talking about the possibility of people coming back to do more, and I think he wasn't lying either, he was already talking about the spin-off:

"What would I wanna see is a great thing to tuch on. I would like to see - if we were to do it - passion and... the passion that sort of brought us to where we are now, the creativity that brought us to where we are now. I think they're crucial. The enthusiasm to do it needs to be there. And if the scripts are good, if what they wanna do with the show is good, then I think they'll find a lot of people jumping on board to do it. So we shall see. I think we are going to wait and see how series 5 does, which is, you know, it is doing very well so far, so yeah, I guess it is just a case of sit down having a chat, see if everyone is at the right place to do series 6."



source: Fanhattan SF (15 November, 2012) - you can watch it on Youtube

Bradley's opinion is most interesting, because it tells me that the actors have already been approached with the idea of a new show. Obviously, Bradley can't be sure about it as it is in early development, but all considered his answer is slightly positive.