The Musketeers writer Adrian Hodges has revealed that the new season takes the show in a “surprising direction”.

BBC One’s action adventure drama is back at 9pm on Friday 2 January, with Luke Pasqualino (Skins) returning as D’Artagnan, alongside Tom Burke (The Hour) as Athos, Santiago Cabrera (Merlin) as Aramis and Howard Charles (Royal Shakespeare Company) as Porthos.

> Order the Season 2 boxset on Amazon.

Hodges commented: “Some things have changed, some things remain the same – the four boys, d’Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis are still very much at the centre of the action, but now they have a new and deadly opponent – The Comte De Rochefort, played by Marc Warren.”

He added: “We’re obviously thrilled to add an actor of Marc’s experience and quality to our brilliant cast and we think you will enjoy the dangerous journey he takes us on. His interaction with Tom, Luke, Howard and Santiago has been a pleasure to watch for me, as I hope it will be for you.”

The Primeval creator teased: “So, what can you expect from The Musketeers this time? More stunts, more action, a little humour and wit, and some romance in the mix, as before; but I think this is a more demanding journey than before, as we’ve upped the serial element and taken the show in a slightly tougher and perhaps more surprising direction.”

He continued: “It’s everything you might expect but taken a degree or two further than last time. The tone remains the same but this is a darker and sexier Musketeers. I really hope you enjoy the ride.”

> Buy the Season 1 boxset on Amazon.

Watch the Season 2 trailer…

Are you looking forward to Season 2? Let us know below…