Mael is the first of 4 roles Karl Urban in the series. He will later appear as Cupid, Julius Caesar, and Kor.
The characters of Icus and Mael are inspired by Abraham's two sons Ishmael and Isaac. His wife Sarah bore Isaac, while a handmaiden named Hagar bore Ishmael.
Based loosely on the bible story of Abraham and Isaac.
Acting debut of David de Lautour, who would later star in another Rob Tapert/Sam Raimi produced series, Legend of the Seeker (2008), as Michael Cypher. He is also known for playing Ted West in Westside (2015).