Wizards vs Aliens is a science fantasy television series aimed at children. It is produced by BBC Wales and FremantleMedia Enterprises for CBBC[1] and created by Russell T Davies and Phil Ford. The series focuses on 16-year-old wizard Tom Clarke (played by Scott Haran) and his scientist best friend Benjamin "Benny" Sherwood (played by Percelle Ascott) as they battle the forces of the alien Nekross, who have invaded Earth with the intent of consuming anything and anyone connected to magic.[2] The series, consisting of twelve 28-minute episodes, premiered in the autumn of 2012.[1]
In production terms, Wizards vs Aliens is, in effect, the replacement for The Sarah Jane Adventures, also created by Davies, which was ended due to the death of its lead actor Elisabeth Sladen.[3] Other writers working on the show include Gareth Roberts, Joseph Lidster and Clayton Hickman.[4] Originally announced as Aliens vs Wizards, the title was changed to "Wizards vs Aliens" on legal advice.[5]
Don Gilet and Nina Sosanya have recurring roles as Benny's parents. The cast includes Annette Badland as Tom's Grandmother Ursula, Michael Higgs as Tom's Dad Michael, Jefferson Hall as Varg and Gwendoline Christie as Lexi.[2] Brian Miller, Elisabeth Sladen's husband, appeared in the first story. The second series of the show, shortly entering production, will include an adaptation of The Thirteenth Floor, a script written by Phil Ford for the fifth series of The Sarah Jane Adventures but left unproduced due to Sladen's death.[6] Jennifer Hennessy features as "Helen" in one story,[7] along with Tom Bell as "Jathro".[8] Production for series 1 ran from November 11, 2011 to June 12, 2012.[9]