How ‘The Pendragon Cycle’ Took Its Epic Scale Beyond The Screen

“The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin” is a masterpiece for so many reasons, including casting, storyline, scope, and scale. But some of the most impressive elements of the newly launched DailyWire+ fantasy series are the heart-pounding stunts.

From idyllic European landscapes to sets filled with horses, armor, and elements of the ancient world, the adaptation of Stephen R. Lawhead’s Arthurian saga is done at a scale rarely attempted in modern television. The result is a show that’s truly extraordinary to behold.

In keeping with the scope of the production, The Daily Wire launched two real-world stunts designed to reflect the overall feeling of “The Pendragon Cycle,” bringing its imagery and themes into public spaces across multiple cities.

The first stunt centers on one of the most striking symbols: the bull.

Across Amsterdam, Spain’s Rotunda, New York City, Durham, and Miami, models posed alongside prominent bull statues, creating visual representations of Pendragon’s ancient symbolism.

The global bull statue stunt reflects the show’s commitment to scale. Much like the production’s emphasis on practical locations and real environments, the stunt relies on a physical presence rather than CGI. There’s a reason why several “Pendragon Cycle” cast members praised the authenticity of the series and noted how it contributed hugely to their performances.

A video documenting the bull statue stunt is available now. There’s also a second stunt that takes the immersion one step further.

In Miami, The Daily Wire installed an interactive AR booth that allows participants to see themselves transformed into characters from “The Pendragon Cycle.” The experience converts real-world photos into Pendragon-inspired portraits, placing fans directly into the series.

Those images aren’t just on social media. They’re also being displayed on Miami billboards, turning everyday participants into part of the show’s hype.

Together, these stunts reinforce that “The Pendragon Cycle” is a fantasy series unafraid to be bold and present in the real world. In an entertainment landscape often defined by run-of-the-mill premieres, “The Pendragon Cycle” chose to create a spectacle, and it chose well.

Watch the 7-part series “The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin” now — only on DailyWire+. New episodes every Thursday.

Patagonia Sues Drag Queen ‘Pattie Gonia,’ Says He’s Caused ‘Irreparable Harm’ To Brand

Outdoor apparel brand Patagonia is suing a drag queen who sells merchandise under a name very similar to their company name, saying it causes customer confusion.

The lawsuit was filed in a California federal court against an individual named Wyn Wiley, who uses the stage name Pattie Gonia. The company argued that matters were further complicated by the fact that Wiley is also an environmental activist who promotes activities very similar to what the brand does, such as “motivational speaking services in support of environmental sustainability” and “organizing, arranging, and conducting trail and hiking events,” per Reuters.

“We want Pattie to have a long and successful career and make progress on issues that matter – but in a way that respects Patagonia’s intellectual property and ability to use our brand to sell products and advocate for the environment,” Patagonia said in a statement, the outlet noted.

The company stated in the lawsuit that Wiley agreed in 2022 not to use the name on any branded merchandise that may confuse consumers, but claims that promise has since been violated as the drag queen and LGBT activist has sold apparel with phrases like “Pattie Gonia Hiking Club.”

Attorneys representing the brand sent an email to Wiley last February, the lawsuit noted. “Patagonia remains supportive of your work but must insist that the Pattie Gonia persona not be commercialized and continue to adhere to the commitments made in 2022,” the email says.

“Unfortunately, these latest product sales force Patagonia’s hand and so I’m asking that you discontinue sales of t-shirts and stickers (or any product) using Pattie Gonia branding or designs substantially similar to Patagonia’s logos,” it said.

Wiley and his business partner said in reply that they “have never and will never reference the brand Patagonia’s logo or brand,” and claimed there was room for Patagonia and Pattie Gonia to “play in this box.”

Patagonia noted that the lawsuit was filed in response to Wiley trying to trademark “Pattie Gonia.” They are seeking $1 in damages and court orders to prevent Wiley from continuing to use the name.

“While Patagonia seeks only nominal monetary damages, the harm Pattie Gonia has caused and will cause to the Patagonia brand is irreparable and cannot be remedied by money damages or other remedies short of an injunction,” the lawsuit says.

While Patagonia has not had any professional relationship with Wiley, he has worked with other major brands in the past. In 2022, the non-profit organization Audubon Society promoted a video of Pattie Gonia dressed as an elaborate bird while performing an interpretive dance to promote climate change awareness, as The Daily Wire previously reported.

Then in 2023, the outdoor sports gear brand The North Face debuted an over-the-top “Summer of Pride” promotion on social media, which included Wiley performing as Pattie Gonia.

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