Amazon is bringing a brutal new historical drama to television this winter. At the New York Comic Con this week, Prime Video gave fans their first look at Bloodaxe, an upcoming series that chronicles the life of one of history’s most famous Norse raiders. The epic show drops all eight episodes of its first season on January 20, 2027, and promises a massive story filled with violence and shifting loyalties.
A violent power struggle consumes 10th-century Norway
Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to know about the upcoming show:
- Genre: Historical action drama
- Release date: January 20, 2027, on Prime Video
- Creator: Michael and Horatio Hirst
- Key stars: Xavier Molyneux and Jessica Madsen
- Related: Amazon has already renewed the series for a second season, which is currently filming in Ireland
The story kicks off as King Harald Fairhair nears the end of his life, leaving no clear path for a peaceful succession. His sons immediately begin fighting for control of the kingdom. Erik Bloodaxe, played by Molyneux, relies on violence and traditional pagan beliefs to secure his power. He fights alongside his politically skilled wife, Gunnhild, who is portrayed by Madsen.
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The biggest threat to Erik’s claim comes from his younger brother, Haakon. After growing up in Christian Wessex, Haakon returns to Norway with a powerful English fleet backing him. This sets up a massive clash that goes beyond just a fight for the throne, highlighting the tension between traditional pagan ways and the spread of Christianity across the region.
The creators behind Vikings bring another massive saga to the screen
Michael Hirst, the creator behind the hit series Vikings, is leading this new project along with Horatio Hirst. The two serve as creators, writers, showrunners, and executive producers for the show. They are looking to build another massive historical world that captures the brutal reality of the time period.
MGM Television, a division of Amazon MGM Studios, is producing the series. The cast also features Karlis Arnolds Avots, Levi Miller, Rod Hallett, Alina Tomnikov, Sisse Marie, Rune Temte, and Jesper Christensen.
The trailer shown at Comic Con promises plenty of action, showcasing huge battles and political backstabbing. The story will also pull in rulers from other Scandinavian countries and England, setting the stage for a conflict that will tear the kingdom apart.
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