As we continue to feel the pain from the long absence of Netflix’s The Last Kingdom, we’re finding ways to cope. Along with teasing the show’s imminent return and giving us a look at a new enemy, the stars have been happy to sit down with us to discuss the further adventures of Uhtred son of Uhtred.
This go-round, Joseph Millson, who plays Uhtred’s uncle Aelfric, chatted with us about his character’s return, why he hates his nephew so much, and just what Aelfric has been up to back in Bebbanburg this whole time.
How does Millson feel about returning to play Aelfric, “Just fantastic! I love playing him so was thrilled to be able to come back.” We’re not sure Uhtred will feel the same way, but family reunions are great for drama, so we’re into it.
During Millson’s time away, Netflix fully took on production duties for The Last Kingdom from the BBC, something Millson feels affected one key aspect. “The standards have always been incredibly high, set from the very start of season 1 by director Nick Murphy and director of photography Chas Bain,” he said. “The secrecy surrounding scripts and story have grown of course, but it was as much fun as it ever was.”
Let’s get down to brass tacks. Aelfric stole Bebbanburg from Uhtred back when our hero was a child, and has hated the guy ever since. “He’s too good looking!” Millson explained.
"No, I think it runs pretty deep, most bullies actually harbor fear. I believe deep, deep down Aelfric might not be a natural leader, second born, grew up in his brother’s shadow, naturally disposed to dark thoughts. Uhtred has always been a threat, and I think he became a life long fixation, a favorite ulcer to lick. A purpose strangely."
Hard to blame Aelfric, at least on that first count.
Still, Millson stressed that there’s more to Aelfric. “ always important not to get caught judging the characters you play. That’s the audience’s job, so while I was in there playing, looking out at the world through his eyes I felt he was a wonderful leader, a much misunderstood and maligned hero. When I watch it back eventually I’ll be free to judge him. Ha!”
Speaking of motivation, Millson revealed that he’s only read the first two of Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories, “to make sure I was on the right track,” but he “loved them.”
We last saw Aelfric in season 2, when he was trying to outmaneuver his nephew from reclaiming Bebbanburg. But even though he was absent during season 3, Millson says Aelfric has been far from idle.
"He’s done some lovely work around the house. Bebbanburg castle is way bigger and sexier, so he’s been busy there. Ruling his tiny world with fear and bile and loving it. Eating, drinking, shagging. I reckon he’s had a lot of trouble with toothache too."
And what, may we ask, was the toughest scene he’s had to film for the show? It ends up we still haven’t seen it. “In season 4 there were some monster battle scene days, where I got injured and tired, but was still smiling. I can’t give plot away but a scene where I meet a long lost family member was very hard to find the right tone for, but we got there.”
Unless Aelfric has a “long lost family member” we’re not aware of, it’s not hard to guess who he’s talking about.
Talking about season 4 more generally, Millson calls it, “A deeper dig into everything you love. Some long-running itches finally get scratched. The standards of production are out of this world. Spread the word.” Can do.
With such a large cast, it’s natural that not everyone is able to share scenes together. We asked Millson who he’d wished he’d been able to work with more, and we got a pretty common answer:
"David Dawson (Alfred) is an old pal from the days we shot Banished together in Australia. Wish I’d had more to do with. Ian Hart (Beocca) is a good pal; it’s always heaven to work with him and snatch coffees or meals together. Alexander ]Dreymon] (Uhtred) and I got on great too, and are still in touch. Can’t wait to see his career grow."
Of course, the performers aren’t the only stars on The Last Kingdom; cast members have also talked plenty about the show’s horses, Millson included. “In season one, I was amazed to pass all the riding tests with full marks so was allowed to do most of my stuff myself,” he said. “I had a beautiful and generous horse. Made me look fantastic. I recently shot a great movie called DRAGONHEART VENGEANCE, but my horse on that was a Nightmare.”
Only the best horsies for Netflix.
Outside of The Last Kingdom, Millson has plenty of other projects to keep him busy. “ANGEL HAS FALLEN, and DRAGONHEART VENGEANCE have just come out, two other features out soon; CREATION STORIES and NO VACANCIES.”
All of that is in addition to a wonderful production every child knows. “I’m currently busy every night playing Mr. Banks in MARY POPPINS the Musical in the West End,” Millson said. All that and he’s also finished his first book, “WORK – AND OTHER FOUR LETTER WORDS. Out at the end of the year.”
Finally, when not working, Millson has a variety of hobbies, and it’s hard to picture Uncle Aelfric doing any of them. “I skateboard whenever I can,” he said. “Hang out with my wife, my kids and stepson. I just smashed through The Stranger, am still enjoying Better Call Saul, and cannot wait for The Last Kingdom season 4!!!!”
Neither can we.
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