[TRANSCRIPT BEGINS]

MAN

A boy… has done it…

A sword glimmers under the daylight that streams through a window.

MAN

He has pulled the sword from the stone.

The Netflix logo flashes before it fades into an image of a young man with short blond hair and bangs, ARTHUR, surrounded by courtiers. The sword lies limply in his lap.

COURTIER

What will your name be?

ARTHUR

My name?

COURTIER

The name that will be known throughout history, sire. The name you will take as king.

Arthur’s face reflects in the sword.

ARTHUR

Let’s not complicate it. My name is Arthur Pendragon.

The scene changes to Arthur in simpler clothes overlooking a meadow with his brother, KAY. Kay’s hair is darker, and he has a slew of freckles.

ARTHUR

Don’t you get sick of it all? All those people tripping over themselves to get in my good graces?

KAY

That’s why you need someone by your side.

ARTHUR

I have you. Why do I need someone else?

KAY

Because if it was up to me, I’d kick out the court in a heartbeat.

ARTHUR

Then who should I pick?

KAY

Him. Merlin.

The screen turns black. "Based on true events" appears on the screen before it cross-fades to a young man with black hair and light blue eyes. This is MERLIN.

KAY

That is my brother!

MERLIN

That is your King! And the King takes precedence!

The setting changes to a dark room. Arthur paces and Merlin stands solemnly beside his desk.

ARTHUR

Don’t you think I wanted to avoid this scrutiny? I wanted to do what was right!

MERLIN

The Crown is on the edge of catastrophe. Sometimes, there is no right.

ARTHUR

They were children, Merlin!

Merlin turns his head to face the sword, which hangs on a mantle behind Arthur’s desk. The words “A Netflix original series” passes by the screen. A black-haired woman, MORGAN, stares menacingly into the camera, and a wisp of green light flashes behind her.

MORGAN

I need to speak with Arthur. Now!

She forces her way through the guards. Arthur raises his head, and Merlin moves defensively to his side.

ARTHUR

How did you find me?

Morgan snorts.

MORGAN

You think it’s hard to find you? There’s only one castle in all of Camelot.

ARTHUR

Leave. Immediately.

MORGAN

I am with child.

A loud buzzing drowns out all noise until Arthur speaks again.

ARTHUR

Get her out of here.

The guards don’t move. Merlin slams his hand on the table.

MERLIN

The crown is on his head, and he said, get her out of here!

The guards move to Morgan, but she disappears in a flash of green. The scene returns to Arthur’s office, where Merlin stares at the sword above the mantle.

MERLIN

You were chosen first by a sword, then by a crown. You must rule with both to stay king.

ARTHUR

Then what do you suggest I do?

MERLIN

Hide it. Let no one know what we’ve done.

Only on Netflix, March 18. The screen fades to black.

[TRANSCRIPT ENDS]