VIKINGS: VALHALLA Netflix Series Casting and Character Details
Netflix is moving forward with its upcoming series Vikings: Valhalla, which is a sequel series to History Channel’s epic hit series Vikings, and creator Michael Hirst is developing the new series.
Vikings: Valhalla is set in the early 11th century and it “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.”
We now have some casting and character details to share with you. The cast includes Sam Corlett (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Frida Gustavsson (Swoon), Leo Suter (The Liberator), 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). They are all set as series regulars and they will be joined by Pollyanna McIntosh and Asbjørn Krogh Nissen who will recur.
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.”
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.”
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.”
Jeb Stuart serves as showrunner and writer on the series and Niels Arden Oplev will direct and produce the first episode. Other Season One directors include Stephen St. Leger and Hannah Quinn. Joining Stuart as writers are Vanessa Alexander, Declan Croghan and Eoin McNamee.
There’s no premiere date yet but the series is expected to debut in late 2021 or 2022.