Bloodaxe (TV series)
| Bloodaxe | |
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| Genre | Historical drama |
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| Original language | English |
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| Network | Amazon Prime Video |
Bloodaxe is an upcoming historical drama television series created by Michael Hirst and his son Horatio Hirst. Set in the 10th century, the series will chronicle the story of the Viking warrior Erik Bloodaxe and his wife, Gunnhild, during Erik's ascent to the throne of Norway.
Cast and characters
Main
- Xavier Molyneux as Erik Bloodaxe, a Viking warrior whose rise to power defines the central conflict of the series[1]
- Jessica Madsen as Gunnhild, Erik's wife, known as the "Mother of Kings"[2]
- Levi Miller as Haakon, Erik's younger half-brother[3]
- Karlis Arnolds Avots as Egil, a poet seeking to avenge his family[4]
- Rod Hallett as Athelstan, King of Wessex[4]
- Alina Tomnikov as Greta, a shield-maiden who can secretly transform into the Seer, a mystical figure with divine visions of the future[4]
- Sisse Marie as Thyra, Queen of Denmark[4]
- Rune Temte as Gorm, King of Denmark[4]
Supporting
- Jesper Christensen as Harald Fairhair, King of Norway, Erik's father and the ageing first king of all Norway[4]
- Marc Rissmann as Greycloak, Erik's eldest brother[5]
- Kai Luke Brümmer as Strut-Harald, Gunnhild's brother[6]
- Arthur McBain as Sigrod, one of Erik's brothers[7]
- Mads Reuther as the Jarl of Hladir, an ally of Haakon
- Saku Taittonen as Knut, Gorm's son
Production
Development
On 6 March 2025, it was reported that Michael Hirst and his son Horatio Hirst were developing a historical drama series for Amazon Prime Video centered around the Viking warrior Erik Bloodaxe and titled Bloodaxe, which was subsequently ordered to series.[8][9][10] The series is Michael Hirst's third set during the Viking Age, following his role as creator and lead writer of the History Channel series Vikings and his role as executive producer on the Netflix series Vikings: Valhalla.[11] Horatio Hirst previously portrayed the character Bishop Grimketel in four episodes of Vikings: Valhalla, and will make his writing debut with Bloodaxe.[12] Historically, Erik Bloodaxe's father was Harald Fairhair, a character portrayed by Peter Franzén in several seasons of Vikings.[13]
Principal photography was set to start in Ireland and Iceland in late summer 2025[4] with filming commencing on 2 June 2025 in Wicklow, Ireland.[14] Frederick E.O. Toye is set to direct the opening episodes.[15]
Casting
In June 2025, Xavier Molyneux and Jessica Madsen were cast in the lead roles of Erik Bloodaxe and Gunnhild respectively.[1][2] Later that month, Levi Miller joined the main cast as Haakon.[3] In July, Karlis Arnolds Avots, Rod Hallett, Alina Tomnikov, Sisse Marie, and Rune Temte joined the main cast, with Jesper Christensen joining in a supporting role.[4] In October, Marc Rissmann[5] and Kai Luke Brümmer[6] joined the cast while Arthur McBain joined in November.[7] In January 2026, Mads Reuther and Saku Taittonen joined the cast.[16]
References
- ^ a b Grobar, Matt (24 June 2025). "Xavier Molyneux lands lead role in Amazon MGM Studios' Viking series Bloodaxe". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 29 September 2025.
- ^ a b Grobar, Matt (25 June 2025). "Jessica Madsen Lands Female Lead Gunnhild in Prime Video's Viking Drama Bloodaxe". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 29 September 2025.
- ^ a b Grobar, Matt (27 June 2025). "Levi Miller Latest to Join Prime Video's Viking Drama Bloodaxe". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 29 September 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Grobar, Matt (14 July 2025). "Prime Video's Bloodaxe Adds Six To Cast". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 29 September 2025.
- ^ a b Cordero, Rosy (6 October 2025). "Amazon MGM Studios' Viking Series Bloodaxe Casts 1883's Marc Rissmann". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- ^ a b Grobar, Matt (10 October 2025). "Kai Luke Brummer Joins Amazon MGM's Bloodaxe As Recurring". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 22 October 2025.
- ^ a b Grobar, Matt (25 November 2025). "Arthur McBain Latest To Join Amazon's Viking Drama Bloodaxe". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (6 March 2025). "Amazon Orders Bloodaxe Norse Drama Series from Vikings Creator Michael Hirst". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 29 September 2025.
- ^ Otterson, Joe (6 March 2025). "Vikings Creator Michael Hirst, Horatio Hirst Set Historical Drama Bloodaxe at Amazon". Variety. Retrieved 29 September 2025.
- ^ DeVore, Britta (6 March 2025). "Prime Video is Set to Tell an Epic True Story with New Viking Series Bloodaxe". Collider. Retrieved 29 September 2025.
- ^ Porter, Rick (6 March 2025). "Vikings Creator Michael Hirst Sets Next Norse Drama at Amazon". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 29 September 2025.
- ^ "Horatio Hirst". United Agents. Retrieved 29 September 2025.
- ^ Tyler, Adrienne (9 March 2025). "Vikings creator's new Norse TV show Already has [one] inevitable connection to Ragnar's story". Screen Rant. Retrieved 29 September 2025.
- ^ "Bloodaxe". Film and Television Industry Alliance. 15 April 2025. Retrieved 29 September 2025.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (1 December 2025). "God Of War: Frederick E.O. Toye Set To Direct As Pre-Production & Casting Are Underway On Amazon Series With 2-Season Order". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 11 December 2025.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (27 January 2026). "Mads Reuther & Saku Taittonen Join Amazon MGM's Bloodaxe". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 27 January 2026.