Actor Jeremy Renner is working with History television channel to develop a new scripted series titled "Knightfall," which tells the tale of how the Knights Templar were persecuted and eventually burned at the stake on Oct. 13, 1307, historically creating the "bad luck" curse of Friday the 13th. <sup>
Richard Rayner and Don Handfield initiated the project and will executive produce along with Renner and his production company, The Combine. A+E Studios will also spearhead the production for "Knightfall."
The lineup of executive producers also includes Midnight Radio's Jeff Pinkner, known for his work on shows like "Alias" and "Fringe"; and Josh Applebaum and Andre Nemec, who previously worked with Renner on "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol." They will also be joined by Scott Rosenberg whose previous work includes "Beautiful Girls."
No official director for the pilot episode has been announced and there is no word regarding the series' screenplay and cast. While Renner is often cast in the projects produced by The Combine and Midnight Radio, it has not yet been confirmed if he will be playing a role in "Knightfall."
According to historical studies, King Philip IV of France had the Templar Grand Master, Jaques De Molay, arrested along with 60 of his Knights Templar on a Friday, Oct. 13, 1307. They were tortured and forced to confess themselves as apostates before they were executed.
Historians believe King Philip did this to free himself of his debts against the Templar organization. The execution of the Grand Master also ended the 200- year reign of the Knights Templar.
"Knightfall" will be the channel's newest original series following "Vikings" which is now in the middle of its third season. History also produced the World War II mini-series, "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific." Prior to these shows, the network focused primarily on historical documentaries and educational specials as well as reality-TV programs such as "Counting Cars," "Pawn Stars," and "Outback Hunters."
