Prime Video has offered the first glimpse of «Bloodaxe,» a new original series from «Vikings» creator Michael Hirst and Horatio Hirst. The streaming service released first-look images for the show, which is set to follow the rise of Erik Bloodaxe, one of the most famous Norse raiders, and his formidable wife Gunnhild, Mother of Kings.
The series stars Xavier Molyneux, known for his role in «Neighbors,» as Erik Bloodaxe, while Jessica Madsen, who appeared in «Bridgerton,» takes on the role of Gunnhild. The first season will chronicle the couple's rise as they fight to establish themselves in the brutal world of the Norse sagas.
The announcement places «Bloodaxe» among a growing slate of historical dramas from the creator of «Vikings,» a series that became a cultural phenomenon for its depiction of Norse mythology, exploration, and warfare. Michael Hirst's return to the Viking era signals continued appetite for the genre among streaming audiences, who have embraced similarly ambitious historical productions in recent years.
Details about the plot remain limited, but the first-look images suggest a production focused on the harsh landscapes and martial culture that defined the Viking Age. Erik Bloodaxe, a historical figure who ruled as king of Norway and later Northumbria, is remembered as a warrior whose ambitions came at a steep cost. His wife Gunnhild, often described as a powerful queen and mother to future kings, is expected to play a central role in the narrative.
The series joins a broader trend of streaming platforms investing in high-budget historical and fantasy epics, as they compete for subscribers with franchise-friendly content. Prime Video has been steadily expanding its original programming, and «Bloodaxe» fits into a strategy of pairing established creators with well-known historical settings.
No premiere date has been announced for «Bloodaxe.» The first-look images are the first official material from the production, which is still in development. Further casting and release information are expected in the coming months.
For fans of «Vikings,» the new series represents a continuation of Michael Hirst's exploration of Norse culture, this time centered on a different legendary figure and his equally storied partner. The combination of Molyneux and Madsen in the lead roles suggests the show will balance the brutal politics of the era with the personal dynamics of a marriage forged in conflict.
As streaming services continue to mine history for dramatic material, «Bloodaxe» will aim to stand out by focusing on a lesser-known but compelling chapter of the Viking Age. The first-look images offer an early indication of the show's visual ambition, though much about the series remains under wraps.