James Norton & Nikolaj Coster-Waldau To Lead Historical Drama ‘King and Conqueror’ For BBC
The BBC and CBS Studios have ordered epic historical drama ‘King and Conqueror‘ starring James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, which will tell the story of Harold of Wessex (Norton) and William of Normandy (Coster-Waldau), two men destined to meet at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
‘King and Conqueror’ is the story of a clash that defined the future of a country – and a continent – for a thousand years, the roots of which stretch back decades and extend out through a pair of interconnected family dynasties, struggling for power across two countries and a raging sea. Harold of Wessex and William of Normandy were two men destined to meet at the Battle of Hastings in 1066; two allies with no design on the English throne, who found themselves forced by circumstance and personal obsession into a war for possession of its crown.
James Norton (Little Women, Mr. Jones, Happy Valley) takes the role of Harold, Earl of Wessex, whilst Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones, Mama, Oblivion) plays William, Duke of Normandy. The series is written by Michael Robert Johnson (Sherlock Holmes, The Frankenstein Chronicles) and with the opening episode directed by Baltasar Kormákur (Trapped, Everest, Adrift).
“We are thrilled to partner with James, Nikolaj, Baltasar, and the entire creative team on King and Conqueror, a truly groundbreaking series with world-class talent and global reach,” said Lindsey Martin, Sr. Vice President, International Co-Productions & Development, CBS Studios. “Michael’s scripts offer a bold and fresh take on a story that has endured for nearly 1,000 years, and yet, the themes are as contemporary and relevant as ever. We are incredibly proud of what the team has achieved so far and can’t wait to see it all come to fruition on screen with our star-studded cast.”
James Norton will executive produce through his production company, Rabbit Track Pictures and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau will direct an episode and also serves as executive producer. Filming is set to take place in Iceland next year. The series is produced by TDP Development Partnership, Rabbit Track Pictures, Shepherd Content and CBS Studios in association with the BBC. Icelandic production services will be provided by RVK Studios.
“In the UK we learn about William the Conqueror, the Battle of Hastings and King Harold’s gruesome death in our school history lessons – but those headlines are all most of us can remember,” adds Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition. “King and Conqueror will bring Harold and William to life, depicting their lives, loves and families, and the gripping, high-stakes power game that led to their fateful meeting in 1066. With incredible talent both in front of and behind the camera, I cannot wait for this exciting project to be realised.”
‘King and Conqueror‘ does not yet have a premiere date. If you want to keep track of this or any of the shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when the next season gets a UK premiere date.
