Heading the cast of the 13-part series is 20-year-old newcomer Elliot Knight, alongside former Lost star Naveen Andrews as Sinbad’s nemesis, Lord Akbari, Elliot Cowan (Marchlands) as Norwegian sailor Gunnar, Dame Janet Suzman (Nicholas And Alexander) as his grandmother, Marama Corlett (The Devil’s Double) as agile jewel-thief Rina and Estella Daniels (Thorne) as the aristocratic Nala.

Completing the cast is Junix Inocian (The 51st State) as the eccentric Cook and Dimitri Leonidas (Grange Hill) as the ship’s cerebral doctor, Anwar.

Guest stars will include Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda) as Razia, Queen of the Water-Thieves, and Timothy Spall (Harry Potter) as Anicetus, The Old Man of the Sea.

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Elliot Knight commented: “I was thrilled when I heard I’d got the role of Sinbad. This is exactly what I have wanted to do since I was big enough to run around the garden waving a toy sword! Sinbad is a great character for any actor to be able to play: impulsive, adventurous, passionate, loyal and brave; a true hero. His story is packed with action, adventure and fantasy and I am looking forward to the exciting challenge of bringing him to life for a new generation.”

Huw Kennair-Jones, Sky’s Drama Commissioning Editor, added: “As our biggest original drama commission to date, Sinbad is a hugely exciting project for Sky 1 HD, and the casting of the lead role was always going to be crucial. But from the first moment we saw Elliot we knew that we’d found someone really special who sums up everything that our Sinbad should be – contemporary, spirited, full of life, wit and charm – he’s a truly exciting new talent for the channel.”