With the huge popularity of Game of Thrones and Spartacus on HBO and Starz respectively, it would appear that sword and sandals genre is poised to make a comeback on the small screen. Now a couple of other shows are trying to jump on the bandwagon by tapping into similarly epic and pseudo-historical material. According to THR, a new series based on the Scottish hero William Wallace is in the works courtesy of STV Productions. Tentatively titled Wallace, it will not be directly connected to the movie Braveheart nor will it use the Braveheart name, but it is based on an idea by Seoras Wallace, who served as an adviser on the film. The History Channel has also picked up their very first scripted series, a project from MGM Studios called simply Vikings. More details after the jump.

The William Wallace series is being written and executive produced by Mick Davis (Eleventh Hour, The Invisible) and will focus on Wallace’s back story, including “his years spent attempting to unify Scotland, his loves and losses as well as his legendary battles with King Edward the Longshank and rival Robert the Bruce.” It will be shopped around to networks starting next month, and STV director of content Alan Clements had this to say:

“This was a turbulent time in Scotland’s history, in which William Wallace had a starring and pivotal role… We plan to delve deep into his character and explore his passions, bringing parts of history to life in a spectacular and raw depiction. With all eyes on Scotland in the current political climate, this also seems to be a very appropriate time to tell this story in more depth.”

As for The History Channel’s Viking show, The Wrap reports that it will be headed up by Michael Hirst, a writer and producer on The Tudors and screenwriter for Elizabeth and its sequel Elizabeth: The Golden Age. It is described as a “family saga” that centers on Ragnar Lothbrok, “a real-life Norse hero who became the king of the Viking tribes and was reputed to be a direct descendant of Odin, the god of war and warriors.”

What do you think, could either show recreate the success of Game of Thrones? Are you interested in a William Wallace or Viking-related TV series?