Prime Video has a new Norse saga on the way, and the man behind it knows the territory well. Michael Hirst, creator of Vikings, is returning to ancient Scandinavia with Bloodaxe, a series that follows another infamous Viking warrior and his wife.
The announcement came today from Prime Video. Hirst’s previous work includes Vikings and the Hirst-produced Vikings: Valhalla, which is currently running on the service. Now he is stepping back into the sagas with a story centered on Eric Bloodaxe, played by Australian actor Xavier Molyneux, and his partner, Gunnhild, Mother of Kings, played by Jennifer Madsen of Bridgerton.
Hirst’s Track Record With Norse History
Hirst has made a career out of telling stories about early medieval Europe. His original series Vikings focused on the life and deeds of Ragnar Lothbrok, played by Travis Fimmel. That show was followed by Vikings: Valhalla, which Hirst produced and which is now being led by Jeb Stuart, the current showrunner for East Of Eden.
The new series, Bloodaxe, is described as Hirst’s third foray into the Scandinavian sagas. It picks up a thread that connects directly to his earlier work, even if the exact nature of that connection remains unclear.
The Main Characters In Bloodaxe
The central pair of the series is Eric Bloodaxe and his wife, Gunnhild. Eric is played by Xavier Molyneux, who is Australian. Gunnhild is played by Jennifer Madsen, known for her role in Bridgerton.
According to Prime Video’s description, Eric is billed as the son of Harald Finehair. Harald Finehair appears in the series as a sometime antagonist in Vikings. He is played here by Jesper Christensen.
What The Description Says
Prime Video’s description of Bloodaxe offers few specifics beyond the cast. It confirms the focus on Eric Bloodaxe and his wife, Gunnhild. It also notes that the series centers on Eric, the son of Harald Finehair, and that Gunnhild is his partner.
The description does not say whether Bloodaxe is a direct sequel to Vikings or Vikings: Valhalla. It does not confirm whether Ragnar Lothbrok or other characters from those shows will appear. Those details remain scarce.
The Historical Background
Eric Bloodaxe is a figure from Norse history whose existence is debated by scholars. Like Ragnar Lothbrok, his legend is a mix of fact and fiction. The series takes its title from the character’s nickname.
Gunnhild, Mother of Kings, is a historical figure associated with Eric. Her title is part of the show’s description, but the announcement does not detail the nature of her influence.
Why This Matters For Fans
The return of Michael Hirst to Norse history is notable in itself. His earlier work established a template for period drama that mixed spectacle with character-driven storytelling. Bloodaxe looks set to continue that approach, with a cast that includes Jennifer Madsen and Xavier Molyneux.
The connection to his earlier shows raises questions about continuity. Fans of Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla will likely want to know whether Eric Bloodaxe’s story intersects with the events of those series.
Key Facts Box
- Creator: Michael Hirst
- Previous shows: Vikings, Vikings: Valhalla
- New series: Bloodaxe
- Eric Bloodaxe: played by Xavier Molyneux
- Gunnhild, Mother of Kings: played by Jennifer Madsen
- Harald Finehair: played by Jesper Christensen
- Showrunner for Vikings: Valhalla: Jeb Stuart
The Verdict On The Announcement
The announcement is a tease rather than a full reveal. It confirms the premise, the cast, and the creator. It does not confirm release dates, episode counts, or streaming windows. But for fans of Norse history on screen, the news is welcome.
Michael Hirst has a proven track record in this genre. His earlier shows combined action with character depth, and the cast assembled for Bloodaxe suggests a similar approach. Jennifer Madsen brings star power to the lead role, while Xavier Molyneux takes on the title character.
The question of how Bloodaxe connects to Hirst’s earlier work remains open. Here are the key questions fans will be asking until more details emerge:
- Will Eric Bloodaxe’s story intersect with Ragnar Lothbrok’s?
- Will the show expand the world of the sagas in new directions?
For now, the announcement stands as a reminder that the age of the Vikings is far from over on television.
See the video the story is built around at The A.V. Club.
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