‘Bloodaxe’ Teaser and Release Date Unveiled as Vikings Creator Returns to Norse Saga

Avatar photoValentina Kraljik
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Michael Hirst has dedicated over a decade to transforming semi-legendary Norse figures into political entities. His original series, ‘Vikings’, aired from 2013 to 2020, while its Netflix sequel, ‘Vikings: Valhalla’, continued the legacy. Now, the writer is set to revisit the fjords with the new series ‘Bloodaxe’.

Initially announced in March 2025, Hirst is both writing and executive producing ‘Bloodaxe’ alongside his son, Horatio Hirst. Horatio, who previously portrayed Bishop Grimketel in ‘Vikings: Valhalla’, is making his writing debut with this series. After the announcement, Prime Video remained tight-lipped, gradually revealing casting updates.

However, that silence was broken recently. On October 5, the streaming service released 10 first-look images, providing fans with their first real look at the cast in costume.

On Friday, October 9, Prime Video unveiled the first teaser trailer during a New York Comic Con panel. Michael and Horatio Hirst joined stars Xavier Molyneux, Jessica Madsen, and Levi Miller for the first public discussion about the show, moderated by Nerdist Editor-in-Chief Rotem Rusak.

The most significant news is the premiere date. ‘Bloodaxe’ is set to launch on Wednesday, January 20, 2027, with all 8 episodes of Season 1 available at once. The series will be exclusively available on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories.

The teaser begins with a serene, mist-covered lake surrounded by towering mountains, a stark contrast to the chaos that follows. Running for 1 minute and 34 seconds, it introduces a tale of ambition, betrayal, and brutal family politics.

At its heart, ‘Bloodaxe’ chronicles the ascent of Erik Bloodaxe, portrayed by Molyneux, and his powerful wife Gunnhild, known as the Mother of Kings, played by Madsen. Their struggle revolves around Norway’s vacant throne, with the kingdom torn apart by fierce rivals, unstable alliances, and bloody treachery. The creators have described the series as an epic succession drama.

They have likened the couple to a medieval Bonnie and Clyde, hinting at the show’s tone. This partnership is rooted in shared ambition as much as romance. Erik and Gunnhild will also confront threats from within their family, including Erik’s younger half-brother, Haakon the Good, played by Miller.

The conflict extends to other powers as well. Danish kings and a formidable English ruler threaten to plunge the region into full-scale war.

Fans may be curious about how this series connects to earlier shows. ‘Bloodaxe’ stands as a standalone original rather than a continuation of the ‘Vikings’ franchise. Nevertheless, it shares significant elements with Hirst’s previous works, including a similar setting and time period.

The cast features several familiar faces. Jessica Madsen is recognized for her role in ‘Bridgerton’, while Rune Temte, who plays Gorm, previously appeared in ‘The Last Kingdom’. Jesper Christensen takes on the role of King Harald Fairhair, the aging first king of Norway, whose sons are poised to challenge his reign.

The main cast is impressive:

  • Karlis Arnolds Avots as Egil, a poet and sorcerer.
  • Rod Hallett as Athelstan, King of Wessex.
  • Alina Tomnikov as Greta, an elite shield-maiden in Erik’s inner circle.
  • Sisse Marie as Thyra, Denmark’s queen and Gunnhild’s mother.

Prime Video clearly has high hopes for this series. ‘Bloodaxe’ was renewed for a second season in June 2026, months before anyone outside the production had seen a single frame. Production for the second season is already underway in Ireland, with the cast expanding to include Maddy Ambus, Steven Brand, and Lasse Steen.

The series is produced by MGM Television, a division of Amazon MGM Studios, in collaboration with O’Sullivan Productions. Executive producers include Morgan O’Sullivan, Steve Stark, Arturo Interian, John Weber, Sheila Hockin, and Fred Toye, showcasing a strong team behind a show that has yet to air.

Releasing the entire season at once positions the series as a significant event. Some headlines have already dubbed it a ‘Vikings’ meets ‘Game of Thrones’ epic, a label that is sure to heighten expectations. Hirst has consistently demonstrated that history can be as ruthless as fantasy.

With the January premiere date confirmed, fans can anticipate more footage and hopefully a longer trailer in the coming months. For now, the teaser has effectively heightened the anticipation.

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