‘Sanditon’ star joins ‘Vikings’ spin-off ‘Valhalla’ as full cast is announced
Netflix has revealed who’s starring in its upcoming Vikings spin-off series.
Inspired by the sagas of Viking Ragnar Lothbrok, Vikings launched in 2013 and the historical drama’s final season premiered in December.
Vikings fans have plenty more action to look forward to, however, as Netflix is producing a follow-up!
Set 100 years after the original show, Vikings: Valhalla will follow “the most famous Vikings known to history.”
The cast will be led by Leo Suter (Sanditon), Sam Corlett (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Frida Gustavsson (Swoon), Bradley Freegard (Keeping Faith), Jóhannes Jóhannesson (Cursed), Laura Berlin (Immenhof – The Adventure of a Summer), David Oakes (The Pillars of the Earth) and Caroline Henderson (Tuya Siempre), with Pollyanna McIntosh and Asbjørn Krogh Nissen also recurring.
Deadline reports that “Vikings: Valhalla begins in the early 11th century and chronicles the legendary adventures of some of the most famous Vikings who ever lived – Leif Eriksson, Freydis Eriksdotter, Harald Hardrada and the Norman King William the Conqueror. These men and women will blaze a path as they fight for survival in the ever changing and evolving world.”
They also revealed lots information about the main character:
“Suter is Harald Sigurdsson. Born into Viking nobility, Harald is one of the last Viking berserkers. Charismatic, ambitious and handsome, he is able to unite both followers of Odin and Christians.
“Corlett will play Leif Eriksson. A Greenlander, raised on the outer fringes of the known world, Leif comes from a tightly-knit family steeped in the old pagan beliefs. An intrepid sailor and physically tough, Leif is our entry into a Viking world in the throes of violent change.
“Gustavsson will portray Freydis Eriksdotter. Fiercely pagan, fiery and headstrong, Freydis is a staunch believer in the “old gods.” Like her brother, Leif, she reaches Kattegat as an outsider but becomes an inspiration to those of the old ways.
“Freegard plays King Canute. The King of Denmark. A wise, savvy and ruthless Viking leader. Keeps his friends close and enemies closer. His ambitions will mold the course of history in the 11th century and make him a defining figure of the Viking age.
“Jóhannesson portrays Olaf Haraldson. Olaf is Harald’s older half-brother. He is physically huge and ambitious; he is a stern and unforgiving Viking. Olaf is an “Old Testament” Christian.
“Berlin plays Emma of Normandy. The young, ambitious Emma of Normandy is from the Norman court and of Viking blood. Politically astute, and one of the wealthiest women in Europe.
“Oakes is Earl Godwin. The ultimate survivor. Chief counsellor to the King of England. Born on the political fringes, his cunning ways get him far.
“Henderson will play Jarl Haakon. A great warrior and tolerant leader, Haakon rules Kattegat with a steady hand. Though Pagan, she has managed to keep Kattegat a city open to all faiths in a challenging time. She will become a powerful mentor to Freydis, who is drawn to her wisdom.
“McIntosh recurs as Queen Ælfgifu. Calculating and ambitious, Queen Ælfgifu of Denmark has a hand to play in the political power struggles unfolding in Northern Europe. She uses her charm and guile to great effect as she promotes the interests of her Mercian homeland and tries to assert herself in Canute’s growing power structure.
“Krogh Niseen is Jarl Kåre, who presents a threat to the old pagan ways.”
Netflix Originals executive producer Channing Dungey commented last year: “Vikings: Valhalla promises to be everything that fans love about the franchise: heart-pounding, unstoppable action rooted in rich characters and dramatic storytelling that shines the light on family, loyalty and power.”
Valhalla will premiere exclusively on Netflix later this year.
Vikings creator Michael Hirst, who’s returning as an executive producer on the new show, recently revealed why he decided it was time to end Vikings.
Every episode of Vikings is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.