Already green-lit for season 2 before season 1 drops, Prime Video believes a lot in the forthcoming “Bloodaxe,” and we got a chance to chat with the cast and showrunners at New York Comic Con 2026.
Stepping Into the World ‘Vikings’ Created
“Bloodaxe” has a hefty legacy to follow. Michael Hirst started this “Vikings” universe back in 2013 and now continues that journey with his son, Horatio Hirst. Their father-son combination provides not only an interesting, familial dynamic on set, but reflects the core of the shows themselves: the bonds between family, especially father and son.
The Hirsts discuss leaning into the mythological aspects of the Norse history and traditions the show is based on, in particular with Gunnhild (Jessica Madsen). The younger Hirst said they are really interested in “magical realism” and that, while it was “present” in the original “Vikings” series, they really “pushed” that mythological aspect in “Bloodaxe.”
Becoming a Viking and All That Comes With It
We also chatted with Erik Bloodaxe himself, Xavier Molyneux, along with Madsen, and Levi Miller, who plays Erik’s estranged half-brother, Haakon. Molyneux and Madsen both described being appropriately thrilled, honored and excited to step into this world and become Vikings. Molyneux gave credit to the Hirsts for creating the universe and giving him the opportunity to quarterback this corner of it.
Madsen was beyond thrilled to be part of the show and take on Gunnhild, who she described as a “warrior of the mind” and that it was a “real gift” to play a character so closely connected to her own ancestry and roots. We could tell how excited she was to talk to about the show, because she kept talking to us even after she had to leave our roundtable.
Who’s the Villain?
The central piece of “Bloodaxe” is Erik’s fight for Norway’s throne with his wife, Gunnhild, and the power struggle with his brother, Haakon the Good. Miller brought up the point that Haakon never grew up with his brother, so he “built a monster out of him” in his own mind.
A light debate broke out at the roundtable during Miller’s time, as we discussed whether Haakon is a villain or not, and also who gets to define who the villain is. To some folks, Haakon and the coming arrival of Christianity are a good thing, to others, it’s not so great. The Norse had well-established pagan traditions and Christianity felt like a threat to them. Miller acknowledged that Haakon’s “ambition” and drive can be seen in a “villainous light.”
Fans will get to decide for themselves with brother they’ll side with in the winter when the show drops on Prime Video Jan. 20, 2027.
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