.png)
3 hours ago
2 ARTICLE AD
Prime Video is headed to the world of the Vikings with a series order to Bloodaxe, a historical drama created, written and executive produced by Vikings creator Michael and Horatio Hirst and produced by MGM Television.
It 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.
While it shares creative lineage with the History series Vikings, created/executive produced by Michael Hirst, and its Netflix sequel Vikings: Valhalla — all three based on real historical characters and produced by MGM Television — Bloodaxe is not related to any of them.
The new Norse saga takes place decades after the original series and decades before Valhalla. Michael Hirst and his son Horatio executive produce with Steve Stark of Toluca Pictures label who, as head of MGM Television, oversaw both Vikings series, fellow Vikings franchise alum Morgan O’Sullivan, Arturo Interian, John Weber, and Sheila Hockin.
MGM Television, which was an indie at the time of the two Vikings series and is now a division of Amazon MGM Studios, is producing in synergy with sibling Prime Video.
“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,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios. “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.”
At Amazon, Michael and Horatio Hirst also are developing another historical drama based on the book A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii.
“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,” Michael Hirst said. “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.”
