Colin Morgan, Katie Leung To Narrate BBC Horror Podcast

Actors Colin Morgan, known for his role as Merlin, and Katie Leung, recognized for her portrayal of Cho Chang in the Harry Potter film series, are set to narrate a new podcast drama titled 'The Haunted Library.' This gothic horror series is being produced and funded by BBC Studios Audio. The podcast's central concept involves Morgan and Leung reading classic horror stories, with the narrative framework suggesting they will access these tales by opening the doors to a fictional Gothic library. The series is scheduled to premiere on September 21. BBC Studios Audio is the production entity behind the project, indicating a significant investment in audio drama from the British broadcasting corporation's commercial arm. The choice of Morgan and Leung suggests an effort to attract a broad audience, leveraging their established fan bases from popular fantasy and film franchises. 'The Haunted Library' aims to immerse listeners in the atmospheric and suspenseful world of classic gothic horror literature. The specific titles to be featured in the initial episodes have not yet been disclosed, but the genre implies a focus on authors and stories that define the gothic horror tradition, potentially including works by Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, or Sheridan Le Fanu. The production by BBC Studios Audio signifies the growing importance of podcasting as a medium for storytelling and the continued investment by major media organizations in original audio content. BBC Studios is the commercial arm and trading subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), responsible for creating and distributing content across various platforms globally. Its audio division focuses on producing a wide range of audio programming, including dramas, documentaries, and factual series for both broadcast and digital distribution. The collaboration with established actors like Morgan and Leung is a common strategy in the podcasting industry to generate buzz and secure early listenership. The launch date of September 21 positions the podcast to potentially capitalize on autumnal themes often associated with horror and the lead-up to Halloween. The 'gothic library' premise offers a unique framing device that could allow for diverse narrative structures and thematic explorations within the horror genre. Further details regarding the specific stories to be adapted and the creative team involved are expected to be released closer to the premiere date. The project underscores the BBC's ongoing commitment to producing high-quality narrative content across multiple formats, adapting its rich heritage of storytelling for contemporary audiences.