Vikings was one of those rare shows that managed to weave real-world history together with dramatic storytelling in such a compelling way that it captivated viewers every bit as much as purely fictional series like Game of Thrones. And while the original series ended its run after six seasons in 2020, it's proving to be as enduring in its own way as HBO's fantasy franchise as well. We've already seen three seasons of the spinoff Vikings: Valhalla on Netflix. Now prepare for a brand new original story from the same creator: Bloodaxe.
Prime Video revealed its first look at its new Viking-era show, and it looks good enough to get us geared up for raiding once more. Bloodaxe follows the titular Erik Bloodaxe (also spelled Eric Bloodaxe), one of the most famed Viking raiders in history, and his wife Gunnhild, Mother of Kings, as they carve a bloody path to claiming the throne of Norway.
With the first details for Bloodaxe out in the wild, it's time to go over what we know about the series. First off, let's touch on the big thing you're probably wondering: does Bloodaxe have a release date yet? The answer is "kind of." We don't have an exact date, but Prime Video has confirmed it will release in 2027 and consists of eight episodes total. We'll no doubt learn more in the next few months as we head toward the end of the year.
Who plays Erik Bloodaxe?
The title character for Bloodaxe is played by Xavier Molyneux, who's best known from the soap opera Neighbors. Clearly, he's going to be getting his hands dirty quite a bit more in Bloodaxe, where he'll be contending with rival jarls and warriors who all want to amass as much power and glory as they can get.
Bloodaxe's wife, Gunnhild, is played by Bridgerton star Jessica Madsen — once again, it's hard to think of a bigger, bloodier jump in role style than going from Netflix's regency romance to the battlefields of 10th Century Norway.
In addition to its two leads, Bloodaxe also stars Karlis Arnolds Avots, Levi Miller, Rod Hallett, Alina Tomnikov, Sisse Marie, Rune Temte, and Jesper Christensen. The series is created, written and showrun by original Vikings creator Michael Hirst and his son, Horatio Hirst.
Bloodaxe plot synopsis
In addition to the first look images and cast, we also have an official plot synopsis for Bloodaxe season 1 from Prime Video. Here's what's in store:
In Season One, Bloodaxe chronicles the rise of one of history’s most famous Norse raiders, Erik Bloodaxe (Xavier Molyneux), and his formidable wife Gunnhild, Mother of Kings (Jessica Madsen). As they fight for the throne of Norway, the land is torn apart by fierce rivals, shifting loyalties, and bloody betrayals. With war looming and chaos consuming the kingdom, drawing in the ruthless Kings of other Scandinavian countries, and even a powerful English ruler, the stage is set for a thundering, cataclysmic, compelling and utterly magical new Norse Saga.
You'll note the "in Season One" at the beginning of that description. Bloodaxe got an early renewal for season 2 in June 2026. It's already in production in Ireland, so hopefully the wait between seasons will be short.
Is Bloodaxe a sequel to Vikings?
One thing you may be wondering is whether Erik Bloodaxe has any ties to the original Vikings series or Valhalla. The short answer to that is no, he does not. Bloodaxe is not part of the Vikings franchise at all, it's actually a completely original show that simply happens to share a lot of DNA, thanks to creator Michael Hirst's sensibilities and its common setting and timeframe.
That said, Bloodaxe does have some interesting connections with Hirst's previous series in terms of the real history behind it. Vikings takes place during the 8th and 9th centuries, while Vikings: Valhalla is set over 100 years later, in the early 11th century. Bloodaxe, meanwhile, is set in the 10th century. So while it's not properly connected to the Vikings television universe, Bloodaxe does occupy a space on the historical timeline that's squarely in the middle of those other two shows, with real-world figures like Erik Bloodaxe thrown into the mix just like Ragnar Lothbrok and Leif Erikson.
Bloodaxe first look images
Along with all the other information we've gotten for Bloodaxe, Prime Video released 10 first look photos of the series this week. You've already seen a few in this article; now check out the rest, and meet characters like Gorm, Thyra, Egil, Haakon the Good, and King Harald Fairhair.
We'll be on the lookout for more news and updates about Bloodaxe as we sail ever closer to its 2027 release date.
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