Spike TV's 'Blade: The Series' Based on Marvel's Renowned Super Hero to Feature Harley-Davidson VRSCD Night Rod Motorcycle

Series Star Kirk 'Sticky' Jones to Ride Night Rod

MILWAUKEE, March 27 -- In the upcoming Spike TV original production "Blade: The Series," inspired by Marvel's popular Super Hero, the immortal lead character will ride a motorcycle from Harley-Davidson, one of the world's most enduring legends. "Blade: The Series" premieres on Spike TV Wednesday, June 28 (10:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT).

"Blade: The Series" stars Kirk "Sticky" Jones ("Over There," "The Shield") as the title character who is half-man, half-vampire and employs his extraordinary powers in a crusade to save mankind from the demonic creatures who walk the night. Episodes will feature Jones, as Blade, in action riding the Harley-Davidson VRSCD Night Rod motorcycle.

"Blade: The Series is a thrilling action-adventure, filled with heart-pounding tension and suspense," says Dario Spina, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Promotions, Spike TV. "As a character-driven series, Harley Davidson's Night Rod motorcycle has a powerful attitude of its own, adding dimension to both the series and our lead character."

Spike TV and Harley-Davidson worked closely on the logistics of integrating the Night Rod into "Blade: The Series" and are considering several joint promotions for the project. The series is produced by New Line Television and is currently in production in Vancouver, Canada.

"The Night Rod is a raw, hot rod-inspired motorcycle with the latest in styling and performance," said Paul James, Harley-Davidson Product Communication Manager. "It has a menacing look and feel, which makes it a great motorcycle for the 'Blade' character. We hope Spike TV viewers enjoy the motorcycle and how it fits into the show."

"Blade: The Series" is Spike TV's first original scripted series. In addition to the two hour premiere episode on June 28, 11 one-hour episodes will premiere weekly starting Wednesday, July 5 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT). In Spike TV's adaptation, Blade (Jones) sets up shop in Detroit and investigates the vampire house of Chthon. Along the way he forms an uneasy alliance with Krista Starr (Jill Wagner), a military veteran who becomes entrenched into the world of vampires while investigating the murder of her twin brother. In addition to Jones and Wagner, series cast members include Neil Jackson ("Stargate SG-1"), Nelson Lee ("Traffic," the TV mini-series) and Jessica Gower ("Blurred").

New Line Television is a division of New Line Cinema (http://www.newline.com), the most successful independent film company in the world. The division develops, produces and distributes TV projects for the broadcast networks, cable and first-run syndication, as well as distributes New Line feature films across the television landscape. In addition to the production, marketing and distribution of theatrical motion pictures, New Line Cinema has divisions devoted to home entertainment, music, theater, merchandising and international. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line's Oscar-winning "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy is one of the most successful film franchises in history. New Line is a division of Time Warner, Inc.

With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. More information about Marvel can be found at http://www.marvel.com.

Marvel, Blade and related characters names and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc. TM & 2006 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark.

Spike TV is available in more than 89 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc.

Harley-Davidson Inc., is the parent company for Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company, and Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. Harley-Davidson Motor Company the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport and sport-touring motorcycles. Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale and retail financing, insurance and credit card programs to Harley-Davidson dealers and customers.

SOURCE Spike TV
Web Site: http://www.newline.com http://www.marvel.com http://www.spiketv.com