Vanessa Morgan joins Season 2 of 'Shannara Chronicles' as warrior princess

Oct. 10 (UPI) -- My Babysitter's a Vampire and Riverdale star Vanessa Morgan says she underwent intense physical training for her role as a warrior princess in Season 2 of Spike's fantasy drama, The Shannara Chronicles.

"I've never done a project where we had one month of training -- sword fighting, horseback riding," the 25-year-old Canadian actress told reporters at New York Comic Con Saturday. "There were some weekends where I was just so drained I would just sleep the whole time, but then I was happy with the results because those times when I did have to grab a sword, I looked competent and my body was in good shape."

Morgan said she was sadly going to miss a planned Shannara screening party with the show's cast and creative team because she was due back on the Riverdale set this week in Vancouver.

Asked by UPI how she switches gears and goes from a magical epic to a contemporary, young-adult drama, she replied: "As an actor, I think that is kind of a dream. I've gone through where you are sitting for a year straight, not working and wanting to give up and having that call with your mom. So, the fact that I have two shows coming out this month is [good.]"

Based on the books by Terry Brooks and filmed on location in New Zealand, Shannara stars Austin Butler, Ivana Baquero, Manu Bennett, Aaron Jakubenko and Marcus Vanco, along with new cast members Malese Jow, Gentry White, Caroline Chikezie and Desmond Chiam.

"Season 2 takes place one year after the events of last season," a press release from Spike explained. "The Four Lands are in chaos. The re-emergence of magic has the populace terrified, and an organization called The Crimson is hunting down magic users, using fear and intimidation to sow discord among the races. Wil, scarred by the loss of Amberle and his separation from Eretria, has turned his back on his magical destiny to become a healer. But when a mysterious woman named Mareth saves Wil from a Crimson attack, he is forced to rejoin the fight."

Season 2 of The Shannara Chronicles debuts Wednesday on Spike.