Prime Video has unleashed the first teaser trailer for ‘Bloodaxe‘, the new historical epic from ‘Vikings’ creator Michael Hirst, and confirmed that the eight-part first season will arrive in January 2027. Better still, all eight episodes will land together, so you can binge your way through the bloodshed, betrayals and questionable methods of royal succession in one sitting.
The announcement came during New York Comic Con, where showrunners Michael Hirst and his son Horatio Hirst were joined by stars Xavier Molyneux (Neighbours), Jessica Madsen (Bridgerton) and Levi Miller (Pan) to introduce the series and debut the teaser and key art.
And if you thought the world of ‘Vikings’ was particularly dangerous when it came to family politics, it sounds like the Hirsts have found another Norse dynasty where Christmas dinner would probably end with someone getting an axe to the face.
A Bloody Battle For Norway’s Throne
Set in 10th-century Norway, ‘Bloodaxe’ follows the rise of Erik Bloodaxe (Xavier Molyneux), one of history’s most notorious Norse warriors, alongside his equally formidable wife Gunnhild, known as the Mother of Kings (Jessica Madsen).
The couple find themselves at the centre of a brutal struggle for the Norwegian throne, as rival claimants, shifting alliances and political betrayals threaten to tear the kingdom apart.
The conflict isn’t limited to Norway either. Other Scandinavian rulers become entangled in the struggle, while the ambitions of a powerful English king threaten to complicate matters even further. With the old Norse beliefs coming into conflict with the growing influence of Christianity, there is plenty of scope for both epic battles and some seriously uncomfortable family reunions.
At the heart of the story is King Harald Fairhair, played by Jesper Christensen (Casino Royale), whose declining health sets off a succession crisis. His preferred successor is his younger son Haakon, played by Levi Miller, who has been raised in England under King Athelstan (Rod Hallett, The Last Kingdom).
Unfortunately for Haakon, Erik has rather different ideas about who should be wearing the crown, and isn’t exactly known for resolving disagreements through calm and constructive discussion.
Another potentially troublesome figure is Egil Skallagrimsson, played by Karlis Arnolds Avots, a warrior and poet whose personal grievances could make an already messy political situation even worse.
From The Creator Of ‘Vikings’
One of the biggest attractions of ‘Bloodaxe’ is the creative team behind it. Michael Hirst created the original ‘Vikings’, which ran for six seasons and helped establish a sizeable television appetite for longships, shield walls and people arguing about who gets to rule Scandinavia.
This time, he’s working alongside his son Horatio Hirst, with the pair serving as writers, executive producers and showrunners.
The new drama takes place roughly a century after the period depicted in the original ‘Vikings’, although it is a separate historical story rather than a direct continuation of that series.
There is also some familiar creative DNA behind the scenes, with several crew members from the original drama returning to help bring this new Norse saga to life.
Interestingly for UK viewers, the historical Erik Bloodaxe is also associated with York, where he ruled during the 10th century. His life is a mixture of documented history and later Norse sagas, with historians still debating some of the details. That gives the Hirsts plenty of material to explore beyond the initial fight for Norway.
Season 2 Is Already Filming
Prime Video is clearly feeling confident about its latest Viking adventure. As we’ve previously reported, ‘Bloodaxe’ has already been renewed for a second season, with production currently underway in Ireland.
The second season has also been steadily expanding its cast. Recent additions include Maddy Ambus (Utopia), Steven Brand (The Scorpion King) and Lasse Steen (The Promised Land), all in recurring roles. Steen’s character will actually make their first appearance during the opening season.
They join previously announced Season 2 additions Kieran Bew (House of the Dragon), Gard Løkke (Home for Christmas), Melina Åkerman (Granite Harbour), Sebastian Bull (Azrael) and George Burgess (Spartacus: House of Ashur).
It’s certainly an unusually enthusiastic commitment to a series before audiences have even watched the first episode. But given the historical scope of Erik and Gunnhild’s story, which extends far beyond Norway, there should be no shortage of potential adventures, enemies and unfortunate people standing in the wrong place when an axe starts swinging.
The first season also stars Alina Tomnikov, Sisse Marie and Rune Temte (Captain Marvel). The drama is produced by MGM Television, with Michael and Horatio Hirst executive producing alongside Morgan O’Sullivan, Steve Stark, Arturo Interian, John Weber and Sheila Hockin.
With the people behind ‘Vikings’ returning to Norse history, a power struggle involving some of Scandinavia’s most infamous historical figures, and a second season already on the way, Prime Video appears to be betting big on its latest historical epic.
‘Bloodaxe‘ Season 1 premieres Wednesday, 20th January 2027 on Prime Video in the UK and internationally, with all eight episodes available at launch.
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