MTV has turned to The Carrie Diaries alum Austin Butler for the lead role in Shannara, its adaptation of Terry Brooks' bestselling fantasy epic.

Debuting in 1977 with The Sword of Shannara, the novels are set hundreds of years after the destruction of our civilization, in a world that’s reverted to a medieval state. There the Shannara family, Elven nobles empowered with an ancient magic whose adventures continuously reshape the future of the planet. The first season of the TV series will be based on the second novel, The Elfstones of Shannara.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Butler will star as the half-human, half-elf Wil Ohmsford, who has spent his life self-consciously trying to hide his pointed ears. When Wil learns he's the last of the legendary Shannara family, he sets off to find the Druid who will guide him on the dangerous path to his destiny.

Butler, who has a recurring role on Arrow as Thea Queen's romantic interest Chase, is joined by When Calls the Heart's Poppy Drayton as the Elven princess Amberle.

Smallville creators Al Gough and Miles Millar are writing Shannara and executive producing alongside Jon Favreau, Jonathan Liebesman, Dan Farah and Brooks. Liebesman (Wrath of the Titans, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) will direct the first two episodes.