Ed Sheeran has made his mark on music, and now he’s ready to dive into the acting pool. The 24-year-old singer whose popularity on streaming services like Spotify puts him in small company, is set to take on a recurring role on FX’s The Bastard Executioner, according to THR. He’ll play Sir Cormac, a knight who is described as “ambitious and deadly.”
The Bastard Executioner is an upcoming drama from Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter. Set during the reign of Edward I in the 14th century, it will follow a warrior knight who vows to lay down his sword. His good intentions are unfortunately challenged when he’s forced to become an executioner. Sheeran will fit into the story as the protégé of a high-ranking church elder, and it sounds like he’ll be stirring up trouble.
In getting involved with the show, Sheeran will join a cast that includes well-known actors like Stephen Moyer (True Blood) and Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy). He’ll be directed by another Sons of Anarchy vet, executive producer and director Paris Barclay. Brian Grazer, Francie Calfo, and Sutter will also executive produce.
In case you hadn’t gleaned from the title, we can expect the show to be pretty bloody for a cable offering. Sutter previously said in a statement regarding his role, “I love history. I love theology. I love blood. It’s been very satisfying weaving fact and fiction to create a new mythology that combines all these elements.”
As a Sons of Anarchy fan, the British musician previously lent his vocals to the show. He also had a cameo role as himself on NBC’s Undateable, but this will be his biggest acting challenge to date. Conveniently, the epic period drama is being filmed in his native U.K., so he won’t have to travel far.
The Bastard Executioner is set to premiere this fall.
