Ben Kingsley to Star in Spike TV's Event Series 'Tut'

Legendary actor Ben Kingsley will star in Spike TV's event series Tut, it was announced today by Sharon Levy, Executive Vice President, Original Series, Spike TV. Kingsley will bring his wealth of cinematic experience to the key role of "Ay," the Grand Vizier to King Tutankhamun who wields tremendous power and influence as the top advisor to the young Egyptian ruler.

"Tut is the biggest and most ambitious project in Spike's history. Who better to lead the cast than one of the greatest actors of our generation -- Ben Kingsley," said Levy. "The character he plays, Ay, is the true power behind the Tutankhamun throne. We are so fortunate to have an actor of Ben Kingsley's stature bring this character to life for Spike."

"We are confident that Ben Kingsley's talents will help elevate this fascinating six hour limited series to the highest international levels," says Michael Prupas, CEO of Muse Entertainment. "Kingsley's acting experience will enhance this drama about Tutankhamen, the boy-king of Ancient Egypt, in a way that has never been told before."

Ben Kingsley has earned an Academy Award, two Golden Globes and two BAFTA Awards for his riveting portrayal of Indian social leader Mahatma and three additional Academy Award nominations for his roles in "Bugsy," "Sexy Beast," and "House of Sand and Fog." Kingsley's film roles include "Schindler's List," "Ghandi," "Bugsy," "Sexy Beast," "House of Sand and Fog," "Shutter Island," and the recent films "Hugo," "Enders Game," and "Iron Man 3." His upcoming films scheduled for release include "The Walk," "Autobahn," "Night at the Museum 3," "Exodus," and "Selfless."

Tut will be shot entirely on location in Morocco and Canada this fall and will debut on the network in 2015. This will be Spike TV's first scripted event series in eight years and is another step in the network's move to reaching a more gender-balanced audience.

Tut will be produced for Spike TV by Muse Entertainment ("The Kennedys," "Being Human," "The Pillars of the Earth," "Bomb Girls") with Joel S. Rice and Michael Prupas as Executive Producers from Muse. The project is also executive produced by Greg Gugliotta ("The Fosters"), Michael Vickerman ("Impact"), Elice Island Entertainment's Jeremy Elice, Angela Mancuso ("Spartacus"), and Director David Von Ancken ("Hell on Wheels") and written by Michael Vickerman, Peter Paige & Bradley Bredeweg ("The Fosters"). Sharon Levy, Executive Vice President, Original Series, Spike TV will also serve as an Executive Producer. Producers are Irene Litinsky ("Being Human"), Guy Louthan ("The Call") and Gilles Perrault ("Being Human").