The creator of Vikingsis setting up a new historical drama. The original Vikings debuted in March 2013 and ran until December 2020 on Prime Video. The show’s success and its tales inspired by the tales of the Norsemen of early medieval Scandinavia spurred the spinoff Vikings: Vahalla, which streamed on Netflix for three seasons. Franchise creator Michael Hirst is now returning to Prime Video, and it’ll be a family affair in more ways than one.

It’s been confirmed that Hirst is developing the new historical drama Bloodaxe at Prime Video. Hirst will executive produce along with his collaborator Horatio Hirst, with the new series promising to examine one of history’s most famous Viking warriors alongside his formidable wife. The project, which hails from MGM Television, is not related to the Vikings franchise despite the shared genre and themes.

What The New Bloodaxe Series Will Focus On

Meet Erik Bloodaxe

The series promises to tell “the epic true story of Erik Bloodaxe and Gunnhild on their rise to power.” In particular, as the synopsis below reveals, Bloodaxe will look at one of the most formidable Viking warriors in history, and the equally formidable Gunnhild, as they deal with battles over land and an ascent to prominence that is made more complicated and bloodier thanks to fierce rivals:

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.

The project, which will be available exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide, will be written by Horatio Hirst. It’ll be executive produced, additionally, by Steve Stark via his Toluca Pictures banner, Arturo Interian, Morgan O’Sullivan, John Weber, and Sheila Hockin. Vernon Sanders, Head of TV at Amazon MGM Studios, and Michael Hirst reacted to the news in their statements. Both expressed their excitement, with Hirst reflecting on the Viking world that had meant so much to him:

Sanders: “We are thrilled to partner with Michael and Horatio Hirst, who have an impressive track record bringing historical dramas to life with stunning authenticity and gripping storytelling. This story is a fascinating tale of Erik Bloodaxe and we can’t wait to unveil this new chapter to transport our global customers back to a fascinating era of history.”

Hirst: “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.”

Our Take On Bloodaxe

The Success Of Vikings Makes It Unsurprising

Netflix routinely touted the success of Vikings: Valhalla, which made it into the streamer’s top 25 shows for the end of 2023. Considering that sort of resonance, it’s no wonder Hirst is reteaming with Prime Video for Bloodaxe. In addition to the Vikings cast, there is arguably something about the Norse setting overall that makes it likely to find an audience. This take, as well, seems primed to have a bit of romance, which could mean potentially attracting different audiences to a single show.

Source: Prime Video