Sam Raimi’s syndicated series “The Wizard’s First Rule” has cast the two lead characters, THR reported today. Craig Horner and Bridget Regan will star in the hour-long, twenty-two episode series based on the Terry Goodkind novel of the same name.

Horner (ABC’s “Blue Water High”) will take on the roll of Richard Cypher, a simple woods guide who is swept up in an intriguing journey of magic and violence when he meets the beautiful and enigmatic Kahlan, played by Regan (Broadway’s “Is He Dead?”).

The weekly series, from Disney-ABC Domestic Television and ABC Studios, is based on the first book from Goodkind’s best selling “Sword of Truth” eleven book fantasy series. The first twenty-two episode season, will follow Richard as he meets Kalhan while investigating the death of his father. Together they seek to stop the wizard Darken Rahl before he releases an ancient magic that will either allow him to dominate the world, or destroy it.

Using the “Journey Book“, the forums hosted on Goodkind’s official website, as a gauge, fans are generally satisfied with the casting choices. Most posts point to a trust in Raimi and belief that Goodkind’s input will protect the integrity of the stories they love.

Sam Raimi is executive producing with Robert Tapert, Joshua Donen, Ned Nalle and John Shiban. The production is set to begin this month and will be filming in New Zealand.