15 Surprising Facts About The Cast Of The Atlantis Tv Series

Ah, the magic of Atlantis, a fantasy-adventure series that aired from 2013 to 2015. The show brought together an ensemble cast whose backgrounds, trivia, and on-screen chemistry created a viewer experience filled with wonder and intrigue. Here are 15 surprising facts about the cast that might leave you in awe:

Mark Addy as Hercules

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Mark Addy, who plays the laid-back, occasionally comedic Hercules, brought more than his acting chops to the role:

• Before his role in Atlantis, Addy was known for playing King Robert Baratheon in HBO's Game of Thrones, showing his versatility in fantasy genres.
• He is an accomplished artist and used to attend life drawing classes while studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
• During his time on Atlantis, Mark had to get in shape to portray Hercules, even though the character's strength was often played for laughs.

<p class="pro-note">📝 Note: Mark Addy's comedic timing and ability to portray a lovable, if somewhat lazy, demi-god is a testament to his acting versatility.</p>

Jack Donnelly as Jason

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The lead protagonist Jason, played by Jack Donnelly, was an unknown to many before Atlantis:

• Jack was spotted for the role after attending an open audition held by the BBC. He had previously trained at RADA but had not yet hit the big time.
• He prepared for the role by studying Greek mythology and swordsmanship, as Jason's character involved a lot of physical action.
• Donnelly’s athleticism was put to good use, with many of his own stunts performed on screen, showcasing his physical capabilities as Jason.

Robert Emms as Pythagoras

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As the scholarly genius Pythagoras, Robert Emms brought a different sort of charm to the show:

• Emms studied at Oxford University before pursuing acting, showing his intellectual side which perfectly suits his character.
• Interestingly, his namesake in the series, Pythagoras, was famous for the Pythagorean Theorem, which Emms admitted to not being very good at in school.
• Robert's real-life smarts and calm demeanor were a direct parallel to his character's analytical and logical approach to problems.

Aiysha Hart as Ariadne

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Ariadne, the love interest for Jason and the princess of Atlantis, was portrayed by Aiysha Hart:

• Hart is of mixed heritage with a Moroccan and British background, enriching the cultural representation on screen.
• Her acting career began with Atlantis, but she quickly moved on to more significant roles in shows like Line of Duty and Dickensian.
• Before her television debut, Aiysha Hart graduated from RADA, just like her co-star Jack Donnelly.

Sarah Parish as Pasiphae

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The antagonist Pasiphae was portrayed by the talented Sarah Parish:

• Parish was involved in many high-profile UK dramas before Atlantis, including Cutting It and Monroe.
• She underwent significant physical training for Atlantis to perform her own stunts, including sword fighting.
• Sarah Parish had a personal connection to the show, as her husband, actor James Murray, played the character Lord Castor.

The Bonding of the Cast

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Behind the scenes, the chemistry was as real as it was on-screen:

• The cast quickly bonded over shared experiences, training, and the unique demands of portraying ancient characters.
• They often held pub quizzes and team-building activities to strengthen their on-set camaraderie.
• There were impromptu music sessions on set, with many of the cast members showcasing their musical talents.

Guest Stars and Cameos

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Atlantis had its share of guest stars, bringing more depth to the show:

• Actors like Ian McNeice (Winston Churchill in Doctor Who) and John Hannah (of The Mummy fame) made guest appearances, adding star power.
• Many of these guests had connections with the lead actors or the show's creator, showcasing the tight-knit nature of British television acting circles.

The Tragic Premature End

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Unfortunately, Atlantis met an unexpected fate:

• The show was originally commissioned for three series but was canceled after the second due to a decline in ratings.
• Cast members expressed their disappointment through social media, with many calling it a bittersweet experience.
• There was a significant fan campaign to bring back Atlantis, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to revive the show.

In conclusion, the Atlantis TV series had a cast whose diverse backgrounds and talents came together to create an enchanting world filled with myth, legend, and adventure. Their commitment to their characters, the genuine friendships formed, and their shared journey through the fantastical realm of Atlantis left a lasting impact on viewers. Whether through their surprising personal histories, their dedication to their craft, or their regret at the show's premature end, the cast of Atlantis remains a fascinating group to learn about.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Did Mark Addy train in martial arts for his role as Hercules?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>No, Mark Addy focused more on physical conditioning and comedic timing rather than martial arts for his portrayal of Hercules.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How did Jack Donnelly prepare for his role as Jason?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Jack Donnelly prepared by studying Greek mythology and participating in intense physical training, including swordsmanship, for his role as Jason.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What made Aiysha Hart a good fit for Ariadne?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Aiysha Hart's mixed heritage provided a unique cultural dimension to Ariadne, and her RADA training gave her the acting prowess to portray the character effectively.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why was Atlantis canceled?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Despite being commissioned for three series, Atlantis was canceled after the second due to declining viewership and ratings.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>