Ben Kingsley to Lead 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").

Muse Entertainment is a leading film and television production and international distribution company known for its well-crafted and high-quality productions. Since its founding in 1998, Muse has won over 100 awards and garnered over 300 award nominations. Muse Entertainment's 8-hr. historical drama "The Kennedys"; which was sold to networks around the world by Muse Distribution International, earned 10 Emmy Award nominations, winning four, as well winning the DGA award for best director. Its "Pillars of the Earth" also won an Emmy and many other awards. Muse's most recent television series are "Being Human", "Bomb Girls" and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered". Muse Entertainment President is Executive Producer Michael Prupas. Muse U.S.A. President is Executive Producer Joel S. Rice.

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. SPIKE TV's Internet address is www.spike.com.