The Shannara Chronicles is an epic television series based on the best-selling fantasy books by Terry Brooks.

The series, which wrapped in June 2015, was shot on location around Auckland, New Zealand and at Auckland Film Studios. The Shannara Chronicles premiered with a two-hour special on MTV in the US on January 5, and in New Zealand on Sky's The Zone on January 6.

Set thousands of years in the future, the story follows three heroes, Elf-Human hybrid Wil, Elvin Princess Amberle, and Human Rover Eretria, as they embark on a quest to stop an evil Demon army from destroying the world.

The Shannara Chronicles is written and executive produced by Al Gough and Miles Millar. Jon Favreau, Jonathan Liebesman, Terry Brooks and Dan Farah also serve as executive producers. The first two episodes were directed by Jonathan Liebesman (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). MTV is producing with Sonar Entertainment.

Introduction to the Four Lands

Introduction to the Four Lands

The Shannara Chronicles is set in the Four Lands, a world that has sprung up from the ruins of our own civilization. Here is a brief introduction to the world and its people.

The Shannara Chronicles is set thousands of years after the destruction of our civilization, on an Earth divided into what is known as the Four Lands. As the story begins, dark and terrible forces thought to have been confined for years, begin to escape. When Amberle, a young elven princess, Wil, the last descendant of the Shannara family, and Eretria, a human rover, learn that only they have the power to stop the advancing evil, they form an uneasy alliance.

Their seemingly impossible quest to save the world becomes a voyage of self-discovery as they find the inner strength to overcome self-doubt and fear, and embrace their destinies.

 

The Shannara Chronicles -Official Trailer

The Shannara Chronicles - NYCC Official Trailer - MTV

Launched during the 2015 MTV music awards, this is the trailer for The Shannara Chronicles.

The Cast

The series stars genre favourites, John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings) and Manu Bennett (Spartacus), along with young Hollywood stars-on-the-rise, Austin Butler (The Carrie Diaries), Poppy Drayton (When Calls The Heart) and Ivana Baquero (Pan's Labyrinth).

Eventine Elessedil

Eventine Elessedil - John Rhys-Davies

Wil Ohmsford - Austin Butler

Wil Ohmsford - Austin Butler

Amberle Elessedil - Poppy Drayton

Amberle Elessedil - Poppy Drayton

Allanon - Manu Bennett

Allanon - Manu Bennett

Eretria - Ivana Banquero

Eretria - Ivana Baquero

Ander Elessedil - Aaron Jakubenko

Ander Elessedil - Aaron Jakubenko

Elf Ears

Elf Ears

Elf Ears

Making elven ears that look authentic and are not too uncomfortable is a big job.

The Ellcrys Tree

The Ellcrys Tree

The Ellcrys Tree

Designing and building the mythical Ellcrys Tree - a centerpiece of the Four Lands - created a challenge for New Zealand production designer Rob Gilles.

 

Terry Brooks

Terry Brooks, author

Terry Brooks is a prolific writer of epic fantasy fiction. He has written 23 New York Times best-sellers and is one of the biggest-selling living fantasy writers with over 21 million copies of his books in print.

The 26 books that make up the Shannara series are among Terry Brooks' many best-sellers.


Terry Brooks

Seeing your book come to life on screen can be a dream-come-true....Or a nightmare. Terry Brooks talks about his experience.