Ragnar returns? Vikings producers respond to popular fan theory

The History Channel’s Vikings is well into filming on its sixth and final season, and some fans of the bloody medieval drama think they’ve found an Easter Egg that signals the return of a long-dead fan favorite character: Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel).

Now, fans crafting theories about characters coming back from the dead is nothing new, but unlike most fan theories, producers have actually responded to this one, albeit in a hilarious and not at all serious manner, using the internet’s most popular app to boot.

Metro UK breaks down the theory in detail here. It’s based on the chains Ragnar is wearing the last time we see him. Note the manacles on his wrists:

And now, and NOW, look at the manacles on the wrists of the guy crowning Ivar the Boneless (Ragnar’s son) in this poster for the second half of season 5:

Same chains? Same guy? Eh?

So the theory goes. The producers weighed in on the official Vikings Instagram page. Are they bringing Ragnar back?

That would be Ragnar Lothbrok, aged to near antiquity using FaceApp — everybody’s been doing it lately, and the Vikings producers are nothing if not hip to the latest memes, apparently. Can we laugh and be mad at the same time?

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Now, even though they’re joking about the theory, the producers didn’t equivocally say they’re NOT bringing Ragnar back…but given the show’s basis in real-world history (for the most part), it seems unlikely. Ragnar’s death at Aelle’s hands is based on a fairly accepted historical event, so to bring him back would fly in the face of, well, history. Likewise, while a flashback or dream sequence might be possible, Fimmel has long stated his desire not to return for such a moment.

Stars Katheryn Winnick (Lagertha) and Alexander Ludwig (Bjron) headline a Vikings panel tomorrow at San Diego Comic-Con, so look for more info then. Until then, skoal!

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h/t Metro UK