Unveiled NBC Drama Lands 'Spartacus' Star Liam McIntyre

Kieran Lockhart

From Gladiator to Guardian Angel: Liam McIntyre’s Next Move

When Liam McIntyre stepped onto the set of Starz’s Spartacus: War of the Damned, he cemented his place as a modern action hero. Now the Australian actor swaps swords for wings, signing on to NBC’s upcoming one‑hour drama Unveiled. The network gave the pilot the green light in January 2015, and McIntyre’s casting marks his first foray into network television.

In Unveiled, McIntyre will portray Michael Hunter, a brooding yet compassionate guardian angel tasked with protecting humanity during its darkest moments. The series leans heavily into the idea that angels aren’t flawless beings of light; they’re flawed, relatable, and often conflicted, making their interventions feel both dramatic and emotionally resonant.

Behind the Scenes: Burnett, Downey, and a Faith‑Driven Vision

Executive producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey are the driving force behind the project. The duo previously teamed up for The Bible and its sequel A.D. The Bible Continues, both of which proved that large‑scale, faith‑centric storytelling can draw sizable audiences. With Unveiled, they aim to blend that spiritual gravitas with contemporary, high‑stakes drama.

Joining McIntyre are a roster of seasoned performers: Connie Nielsen takes on the role of Joan McAllen, a senior angel serving as a mentor to the younger team; Dana Davis appears as Garnet, a street‑wise guardian with a sharp tongue; Mouzam Makkar brings depth to Gabrielle Horne, an angel struggling with doubts; Stephan James is Daniel Shepard, the tech‑savvy operative who uses modern tools to aid missions; and Will Kemp rounds out the cast as Lucas, the comic relief whose optimism often saves the day.

The pilot will be directed by Yves Simoneau, a veteran known for his work on shows like Heroes and Vikings. Simoneau also serves as executive producer, ensuring the visual tone matches the series’ lofty ambitions. Production is being handled by Lightworks Media in partnership with Universal Television, bringing together a blend of independent creativity and major‑studio resources.

While details about specific episode plots remain under wraps, the show’s premise revolves around angels stepping into real‑world crises—natural disasters, personal tragedies, and moral crossroads—to restore faith and, when possible, save lives. The series hopes to explore the gray areas of divine intervention: what happens when angels make mistakes, or when their actions clash with human free will?

Industry insiders note that NBC’s decision to extend the pilot’s cast options in June 2015 suggests the network sees potential in the concept, despite the competitive landscape of supernatural dramas. If picked up, Unveiled could become a fresh entry in the growing lineup of faith‑infused, character‑driven series that aim to appeal to both religious audiences and mainstream viewers.

For McIntyre, the role offers a chance to showcase a different side of his talent. Moving from a historical gladiator to a celestial protector could broaden his appeal and open doors to further network work. As the pilot moves through development, fans of both the actor and the producers will be watching closely to see whether the heavenly team gets its chance to shine on primetime television.