Prime Video has unveiled the first-look images from "Bloodaxe", an upcoming historical drama series from "Vikings" mastermind Michael Hirst and his son, Horatio Hirst. The series tells the story of the legendary 10th-century Norse warrior and king Erik Bloodaxe and his powerful wife, Gunnhild, known as the Mother of Kings.
Described by its creators as an epic “succession drama,” "Bloodaxe" will explore Erik’s violent struggle to claim the Norwegian throne. The story is set chronologically between the events of "Vikings" and "Vikings: Valhalla", placing it in a period filled with political rivalries, family conflicts and battles across Scandinavia and England.
The central conflict revolves around Norway’s vacant throne. Erik must fight powerful rivals and manage shifting alliances as he attempts to secure his position as king. His biggest challenges also come from within his own family, including his younger half-brother, Haakon the Good. The conflict promises to turn a fight for the crown into a much larger struggle for power.
Michael and Horatio Hirst have compared Erik and Gunnhild to a medieval “Bonnie and Clyde,” highlighting the couple’s close relationship and their shared ambition. The series is being co-produced by MGM Television and O’Sullivan Productions.
The cast combines new talent with actors familiar to fans of historical and period dramas. Xavier Molyneux plays Erik Bloodaxe, while Jessica Madsen, best known for "Bridgerton", portrays Gunnhild. Levi Miller plays Haakon the Good. Jesper Christensen takes the role of Harald Finehair, Erik’s father, while Rod Hallett plays Athelstan, a character known from "The Last Kingdom".
Production on the series began in 2025. Amazon MGM Studios officially announced the project in March 2025, marking Michael Hirst’s return to the world of Norse stories. Filming for Season 1 began in Wicklow, Ireland, on June 2, 2025, with additional filming in Iceland. The first season later moved into post-production, with extensive visual effects and large-scale battle scenes requiring additional work.
Prime Video released the first official images from Season 1 on October 5, 2026, giving audiences their first detailed look at Molyneux and Madsen in character. The eight-episode first season is currently scheduled to premiere worldwide in early 2027.
Meanwhile, Season 2 is already in production. Amazon renewed the series in June 2026, well before Season 1’s premiere. Filming for the second season began in Ireland in August and is continuing in October 2026. The production has also added actors Maddy Ambus, Steven Brand and Lasse Steen to the cast.
By filming the two seasons close together, Amazon aims to reduce the long gaps often seen between seasons of large-scale historical dramas. If production stays on schedule, viewers may not have to wait too long to return to Erik Bloodaxe’s world after Season 1 ends.
