The ambitious project comes from acclaimed historical drama creator Michael Hirst, known for his work on Vikings and The Tudors, who co-created the series with Horatio Hirst. Both Hirsts serve as co-creators, showrunners, writers, and executive producers, promising a saga rich in historical detail and dramatic flair.
Bloodaxe chronicles the tumultuous rise of the legendary Norse raider Erik Bloodaxe, portrayed by Xavier Molyneux, and his formidable wife, Gunnhild, Mother of Kings, played by Jessica Madsen. The narrative plunges into their relentless fight for the throne of Norway, a land depicted as being torn apart by fierce rivalries, shifting loyalties, and brutal betrayals.
The series synopsis teases an expansive conflict, with looming war and chaos consuming the kingdom, drawing in the ruthless kings of other Scandinavian countries and even a powerful English ruler. It promises a "thundering, cataclysmic, compelling, and utterly magical new Norse saga," setting the stage for an epic confrontation.
Production for Bloodaxe is already well underway, with MGM Television spearheading the effort. Notably, Season 2 is already in production in Ireland, signaling Prime Video's significant investment and confidence in the series' long-term potential. Reports from Deadline last week also confirmed additional cast members joining for the second season, including Maddy Ambus (The Return of Stanley Atwell), Steven Brand (Saw X), and Lasse Steen (The Promised Land).
Further bolstering the production team, executive producers include Morgan O’Sullivan through O’Sullivan Productions, Steve Stark via Toluca Pictures, Arturo Interian, John Weber, and Sheila Hockin. With a seasoned creative team and an expansive narrative, Bloodaxe is poised to be a major historical epic for Prime Video.