This spring Showcase entices viewers into the ultimate conspiracy theory with the new drama series XIII, starring Stuart Townsend (The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Queen of the Damned). The all-new suspense thriller centres on XIII (Townsend), a skilled and lethal former secret agent who can’t remember his past and sets out on a quest to uncover his true identity. XIII premieres Wednesday, April 20 at 10 p.m. ET/PT exclusively on Showcase.
Hunted by a dark anti-government organization, XIII quickly realizes that the closer he gets to uncovering the riddle of his past life, the more complex and deadly his mission becomes. Alongside Townsend, XIII stars Aisha Tyler (24, CSI, Friends) as Jones, a top CIA operator, Virginie Ledoyen (The Beach) as Irina, a mercenary hired by the former U.S. President to track XIII, and Caterina Murino (Casino Royale) as Sam, XIII’s trustworthy ally and love interest. The cast is rounded out by Greg Bryk (Saw V, Cra$h & Burn) as Amos, a national security officer, Stephen McHattie (Happy Town, 2012) as President Carrington and Ted Atherton (The Border) as Wally Sheridan, the former U.S. President and a possible traitor. Tom Berenger (Inception, Training Day) guest stars as Gerhardt, a mysterious European industrialist who wields power from the shadows.
“XIII delves into a genre previously uncharted by Showcase Originals. Its high-impact action, and remarkable performances from the cast result in an explosive series that continues to propel the channel’s reputation as a top destination for diverse dramatic entertainment,” said Barbara Williams, Senior Vice President, Content, Shaw Media.
“Shot on location in Toronto and Paris, XIII is an ambitious production that delivers on all fronts. Filled with suspense, intrigue and outstanding performances, the audience is in for an action packed thrill ride,” said Jay Firestone, Executive Producer.
XIII was developed and produced by Prodigy Pictures and French production company, Euopacorp Television, the television division of Luc Besson’s Europacorp (La Femme Nikita). In addition to airing in Canada on Showcase, the series will air on Canal Plus in France.
The creative forces behind XIII include Prodigy Pictures’ Jay Firestone, Executive Producer, along with Cipango’s Edouard De Vésinne and Thomas Anargyros. Frederic Bruneel co-produced the series. Gil Grant (NCIS: Los Angeles, 24) wrote the pilot and is the series’ Showrunner and Executive Producer. Peter Mohan (Lost Girl, The Bridge) is the Co-Executive Producer for the series along with Damien Couvreur. The series is produced by Wanda Chaffey.
XIII is based on Jean Van Hamme’s popular graphic novel of the same name, which has sold more than 13 million copies worldwide since the first volume was published 25 years ago. Filmed in Toronto, the series features 13 one-hour episodes of high-octane action.
