Historical drama King & Conqueror is set to bring the brutal and bloody Battle of Hastings to life with an intense first trailer. The epic series, which is poised to make waves when it premieres next month, takes viewers back to 1066, a year that defined the future of England and Europe.
As reported by Deadline, the trailer showcases a fierce confrontation between two powerful figures: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as William, Duke of Normandy, and James Norton as Harold, Earl of Wessex, both vying for the throne of England in one of the most pivotal battles in British history.
Of course, for us here at Winter is Coming, this show is particularly exciting as it stars two Game of Thrones universe actors, with Coster-Waldau playing Jaime Lannister in the original series and Norton portraying Ormund Hightower in the upcoming third season of House of the Dragon.
In the trailer, Coster-Waldau’s William, who bellows, "I am the true King of England," sets the tone for the fierce and bloody drama that is about to unfold. Norton’s Harold, equally determined, faces him down in a battle that would change the course of the nation.
The trailer is filled with violence, bloodshed, and the raw power of two military forces clashing for dominance. Alongside the two kings, their wives, Edith Swan-neck (Emily Beecham) and Matilda (Clémence Poésy), are also depicted, standing firmly by their husbands and playing crucial roles in the drama.
King & Conqueror is described as the story of a clash that defined not just the future of a nation but of an entire continent for centuries. The conflict, rooted in decades of feuding dynasties, crosses national borders and a vast sea, setting the stage for one of the bloodiest and most defining moments in history.
⚠️ NEEWWW
— Silvia posts Nik🦁 & Gwen👑 (@silvianap_cw) December 6, 2024
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (as William, Duke of Normandy) and James Norton (as Harold, Earl of Wessex) in some FIRST-LOOK pics for the BBC drama "King & Conqueror" 👑
Nik is also the executive producer and the director of one of the 8 episodes 🎬#NikolajCosterWaldau 💚 pic.twitter.com/GOUR1NtAnk
The drama is more than just a recounting of historical events; it is a deeply personal and emotional story of power, betrayal, and family dynasties, each struggling to assert their dominance over the other.
The cast is filled with talent, including Jean-Marc Barr as King Henry, Elliott Cowan as Sweyn, Bjarne Henriksen as Earl Siward, and Oliver Masucci as Baldwin, with performances from Indy Lewis as Margaret, Jason Forbes as Thane Thomas, and Ingvar Sigurdsson as Fitzosbern.
The series also includes Sveinn Ólafur Gunnarsson as Hardrada, Léo Legrand as Odo, and Ines Asserson as Judith, ensuring a rich tapestry of characters.
Created by Michael Robert Johnson, King & Conqueror is an eight-part series that promises a deep dive into this legendary conflict. It is executive produced by Norton and Kitty Kaletsky, with Baltasar Kormákur directing the premiere episode and overseeing the creative direction of the series. Acquired by BBC, the series will air in the UK next month, with Paramount Global Content Distribution handling its release in other markets.
King & Conqueror brings one of history's bloodiest battles to the screen with all the drama, politics, and personal stakes that made it so monumental. Fans of historical dramas, including myself, will be eagerly awaiting the premiere of this epic story, which is shaping up to be a gripping look at one of history's greatest battles.
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