Xavier Molyneux and Jessica Madsen lead Prime Video’s new historical epic about a ruthless struggle for Norway’s throne, premiering January 20, 2027.
If you thought Michael Hirst had exhausted his appetite for Viking warfare, bloody betrayals, and ruthless Scandinaurns to familiar territory with “Bloodaxe,” a new historical action series on Prime Video that promises another sprawling saga of Norse warriors, royal ambition, and the struggle to stay alive when everyone wants the throne
Prime Video unveiled the first teaser trailer for the eight-episode series at New York Comic Con, offering an early glimpse of a brutal 10th-century Norway where political disagreements tend to end with someone reaching for an axe. The series premieres January 20, 2027, with all eight episodes arriving simultaneously.
At the center of the story is Erik Bloodaxe (Xavier Molyneux), one of history’s most notorious Norse rulers, and his equally formidable wife, Gunnhild, Mother of Kings (Jessica Madsen). Together, they navigate a treacherous struggle for Norway’s throne, confronting rival kings, shifting allegiances, and enough familial treachery to make the average royal succession look positively civilized.
The conflict extends well beyond Norway, drawing in powerful Scandinaten to plunge the region into all-out war. For Hirst, who spent six seasons chronicling the exploits of Ragnar Lothbrok and his descendants on “Vikings,” it’s familiar historical territory, though this time the focus shifts to a different generation of Norse rulers and the violent political landscape surrounding Erik’s rise
Hirst created the series with his son, Horatio Hirst, and both served as writers, showrunners, and executive producers. The ensemble also includes Karlis Arnolds Avots, Levi Miller, Rod Hallett, Alina Tomnikov, Sisse Marie, Rune Temte, and Jesper Christensen.
Produced by MGM Television, a division of Amazon MGM Studios, “Bloodaxe” already has Prime Video’s vote of confidence. The streamer renewed the series for a second season before it even debuted, with production currently underway in Ireland.
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Whether “Bloodaxe” can recapture the historical intrigue, complicated family dynamics, and sheer bloodthirsty spectacle that made “Vikings” such a durable television franchise remains to be seen. But Hirst clearly isn’t finished exploring the dangerous intersection of mythology, monarchy, and men who settle their differences with sharpened steel.
“Bloodaxe” premieres January 20, 2027, exclusively on Prime Video. Watch the teaser trailer below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT8Mdw5nKd0
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