Blab Entertainment
Prime Video Orders Viking Drama Bloodaxe, Renewed for Second Season Before Premiere
Prime Video has greenlit a new Viking saga, Bloodaxe, and already booked a second season before the show ever hits screens. The decision signals the platform’s confidence in the series’ potential and its willingness to lock in quality content early in a crowded streaming market.
The series is the brainchild of screenwriter Michael Hirst and his son Horatio Hirst. It will follow the life of the 10th‑century Viking warrior Erik Bloodaxe and his wife, Gunnhild, as they pursue the Norwegian throne. Filming is slated to begin in the summer of 2025, with an anticipated premiere in early 2027.
Bloodaxe is not a direct continuation of Hirst’s earlier Viking‑era series Vikings (2013‑2020) or its Netflix successor Vikings: Valhalla. Instead, it occupies a time period that could fill narrative gaps between those shows, offering a fresh perspective on the era.
Erik Bloodaxe—also known as Erik Haraldsson—ruled Norway from 932 to 934 and later served twice as king of Northumbria in England. His wife, historically referred to as the Mother of Kings, will also be a central character in the series.
The creators highlighted the clash between Christianity and paganism as a core theme, a motif that was prominent in Vikings: Valhalla. They also noted the use of magic realism as a stylistic element to enrich the storytelling.
Michael Hirst is best known for his work on the historical drama The Tudors (2007‑2010) and the Viking series Vikings. He launched Green Pavilion Entertainment in 2017 and has produced several high‑profile television projects.
The cast includes Xavier Molyneux as Erik Bloodaxe and Jessica Madsen as Gunnhild. Additional actors announced are Karlis Arnolds Avots, Levi Miller, Rod Hallett, Alina Tomnikov, Sisse Marie, and Rune Temte.
Prime Video has a history of producing original historical dramas such as The Narrow Road to the Deep North, The English, and House of David. Bloodaxe adds to that catalog and is expected to explore the political intrigue and shifting loyalties of the Viking Age.
No teaser, trailer, or official images have been released as of the announcement. The production schedule remains under development, with filming slated to begin in 2025.
The early renewal is notable because it is rare for a streaming platform to commit to a second season before a series has aired. The decision reflects Prime Video’s strategy to secure high‑quality original content in the competitive streaming market.
The series will be available exclusively on Prime Video and is expected to be part of the platform’s broader slate of premium global event series.
As of June 2026, Prime Video has confirmed the second‑season order, but no additional details about episode count, release dates, or distribution plans have been disclosed.
The historical figure of Erik Bloodaxe has been documented in multiple medieval sources, and his reign is noted for its influence on the political landscape of Norway and Northumbria.
Prime Video’s Bloodaxe adds to the growing catalog of Viking‑era programming on streaming services, following the success of Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla.
The series is anticipated to appeal to audiences interested in historical drama, period action, and the complex interplay of faith and power during the Viking Age.
Prime Video’s commitment to Bloodaxe underscores the platform’s ongoing investment in original historical content and its willingness to support projects that blend rigorous research with engaging storytelling.
The series is the brainchild of screenwriter Michael Hirst and his son Horatio Hirst. It will follow the life of the 10th‑century Viking warrior Erik Bloodaxe and his wife, Gunnhild, as they pursue the Norwegian throne. Filming is slated to begin in the summer of 2025, with an anticipated premiere in early 2027.
Bloodaxe is not a direct continuation of Hirst’s earlier Viking‑era series Vikings (2013‑2020) or its Netflix successor Vikings: Valhalla. Instead, it occupies a time period that could fill narrative gaps between those shows, offering a fresh perspective on the era.
Erik Bloodaxe—also known as Erik Haraldsson—ruled Norway from 932 to 934 and later served twice as king of Northumbria in England. His wife, historically referred to as the Mother of Kings, will also be a central character in the series.
The creators highlighted the clash between Christianity and paganism as a core theme, a motif that was prominent in Vikings: Valhalla. They also noted the use of magic realism as a stylistic element to enrich the storytelling.
Michael Hirst is best known for his work on the historical drama The Tudors (2007‑2010) and the Viking series Vikings. He launched Green Pavilion Entertainment in 2017 and has produced several high‑profile television projects.
The cast includes Xavier Molyneux as Erik Bloodaxe and Jessica Madsen as Gunnhild. Additional actors announced are Karlis Arnolds Avots, Levi Miller, Rod Hallett, Alina Tomnikov, Sisse Marie, and Rune Temte.
Prime Video has a history of producing original historical dramas such as The Narrow Road to the Deep North, The English, and House of David. Bloodaxe adds to that catalog and is expected to explore the political intrigue and shifting loyalties of the Viking Age.
No teaser, trailer, or official images have been released as of the announcement. The production schedule remains under development, with filming slated to begin in 2025.
The early renewal is notable because it is rare for a streaming platform to commit to a second season before a series has aired. The decision reflects Prime Video’s strategy to secure high‑quality original content in the competitive streaming market.
The series will be available exclusively on Prime Video and is expected to be part of the platform’s broader slate of premium global event series.
As of June 2026, Prime Video has confirmed the second‑season order, but no additional details about episode count, release dates, or distribution plans have been disclosed.
The historical figure of Erik Bloodaxe has been documented in multiple medieval sources, and his reign is noted for its influence on the political landscape of Norway and Northumbria.
Prime Video’s Bloodaxe adds to the growing catalog of Viking‑era programming on streaming services, following the success of Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla.
The series is anticipated to appeal to audiences interested in historical drama, period action, and the complex interplay of faith and power during the Viking Age.
Prime Video’s commitment to Bloodaxe underscores the platform’s ongoing investment in original historical content and its willingness to support projects that blend rigorous research with engaging storytelling.
