‘Vikings’ Creator’s New Norse Epic on Prime Video Finds Its Titular Bloodthirsty Star

The Viking Age lasted for approximately 300 years, and with it came a period of violence, bloodshed, glory, fame, and conquest. History Channel and Prime Video’s hit series, Vikings, brought us close to the action as the legend of Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) and his son spread abroad. However, the flagship series eventually rowed off our screens and into Odin’s hall in Valhalla, axe in hand. We are poised to take on a new journey with Vikings creator Michael Hirst penning and executive producing a new series, Bloodaxe, for Prime Video, alongside his son, Horatio Hirst. Now, the new Norse series has offered a bloody good update.

According to Deadline, Prime Video has cast Xavier Molyneux as the title character, Erik Bloodaxe – one of history’s most famous Viking warriors. The upcoming series will follow the rise to power of two famous historical figures. One is the aforementioned Erik Bloodaxe and the other is Gunnhild. Bloodaxe is not tied to Hirst’s 2013 series nor the Netflix follow-up Vikings: Valhalla, as it will be looking to tell its own story. The series will be heading into production in Ireland this July. Shortly after Molyneux’s announcement, Prime Video announced thatBridgerton‘s Jessica Madsen would also join the series as Molyneux’s onscreen wife.

The show’s official description reads:

“Bloodaxe is an epic historical drama that chronicles the rise of one of history’s most famous Viking warriors, Erik Bloodaxe, and his formidable wife, Gunnhild, Mother of Kings. As they fight for the throne of Norway, the land is torn apart by fierce rivals, shifting loyalties, and bloody betrayals. With war looming and chaos consuming the kingdom, drawing in the ruthless Kings of other Scandinavian countries, and even a powerful English ruler, the stage is set for a thundering, cataclysmic, compelling and utterly magical new Viking Saga.”

Michael and Horatio will be joined by Steve Stark of Toluca Pictures to serve as executive producer on the project. Molyneux is a rising actor who was most recently featured in the long-running TV series Neighbours, as well as the 2024 romance drama Take My Hand. Molyneux will hope to become a household name like Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, and Alexander Ludwig from the original series. Per historical records, Erik Bloodaxe rose to become the King of Norway thanks to playing a version of lethal and deadly politics, which saw him wipe out multiple brothers to ascend the throne. His character development might be a throwback to that of the original series character, Ivar the Boneless (Alex Høgh Andersen).

‘Vikings’ Creator Michael Hirst Teases New Norse Epic Series

Having explored the histories of the Norse and Danes in his work on Vikings and Valhalla. There is no one better suited to develop the saga of Erik Bloodaxe and his wife, Gunnhild, than Michael Hirst. The new series is set to introduce a range of new characters, with Hirst sharing his gratitude for Prime Video’s partnership previously, saying:

“I feel blessed and deeply excited that Amazon has given me the opportunity to return to the fantastic world of the Norse Sagas and the men, women and gods of the Viking world who have come to mean so much to me. Horatio and I intend to open your eyes to incredible new characters and unbelievable stories, all of which happen to be true and many of which changed the course of history.”

Stay tuned to Collider for more about Hirst’s next Viking-centered project and stream the show that helped put him on the map, with Vikings now available on Netflix.

Source: Deadline