David Morrissey, Kelly Reilly to star in Amazon/Sky's 'Britannia'

SEATTLE, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Kelly Reilly, David Morrissey and Zoe Wanamaker are to star in writer Jez Butterworth's historical drama Britannia.

Set in 43 A.D., the series will premiere via Amazon in the United States and on Sky in the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2017.

"We're thrilled to be collaborating with Sky on this series entirely produced overseas," Roy Price, vice president of digital video and Amazon Studios, said in a statement Tuesday. "Our customers will experience a cinematic world with bold characters anchored in a ruthless period of history."

"This is one of the most ambitious dramas we've ever made and one of the most exciting," added Anne Mensah, Sky's head of drama. "Jez Butterworth has written an incredible drama that is entertaining and emotional but also asks important questions about what drives men and women to stand and fight; this is a battle for the heart of Britain like you've never seen before."

The story unfolds "as the Roman Imperial Army, determined and terrified in equal measure, returns to crush the Celtic heart of Britannia, a mysterious land ruled by wild warrior women and powerful Druids who can channel the powerful forces of the underworld," a synopsis said.