Prime Video has released the first images from Bloodaxe, a new historical action drama from Vikings creator Michael Hirst and Horatio Hirst, offering an early look at a series centred on the rise of Norse ruler Erik Bloodaxe and the struggle for control of Norway.
The eight-episode first season will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories. A premiere date has not yet been announced. The streaming service has already renewed the series for a second season, which is currently in production in Ireland.
Bloodaxe Explores the Rise of Erik Bloodaxe
Set against a period of political upheaval and warfare in Scandinavia, Bloodaxe follows Erik Bloodaxe, played by Xavier Molyneux, and his wife Gunnhild, Mother of Kings, portrayed by Jessica Madsen.
The first season charts the couple’s battle for the Norwegian throne as rival factions compete for power and alliances shift across the region. The conflict expands beyond Norway as Scandinavian rulers and an influential English leader become involved in the struggle.
The series is positioned as another large-scale historical drama built around Norse politics, warfare and competing dynasties, territory previously explored by Michael Hirst through Vikings.
Cast Brings Together International Performers
Alongside Molyneux and Madsen, the first season features Karlis Arnolds Avots, Levi Miller, Rod Hallett, Alina Tomnikov, Sisse Marie, Rune Temte and Jesper Christensen.
The ensemble reflects the international scope of the production, which is being developed for Prime Video’s global streaming audience.
Michael Hirst has an established connection with Norse historical drama through Vikings, which ran for six seasons and helped expand international interest in television productions centred on Viking-era figures and conflicts.
Second Season Already in Production in Ireland
Prime Video’s decision to move forward with a second season before the first season premieres signals a longer-term commitment to the project. Production on Season Two is underway in Ireland, extending the country’s role as a location for major international television productions.
Michael and Horatio Hirst serve as showrunners and writers on Bloodaxe and are also executive producers.
Additional executive producers include Morgan O’Sullivan under O’Sullivan Productions, Steve Stark under Toluca Pictures, Arturo Interian, John Weber and Sheila Hockin.
The series is associated with MGM Television, the production division behind a portfolio of internationally distributed television titles.
MGM Television Expands Premium Drama Portfolio
MGM Television’s current and recent productions include The Testaments for Hulu, Wednesday for Netflix, The Handmaid’s Tale for Hulu, Fargo for FX, DTF St. Louis for HBO Max and Vikings: Valhalla for Netflix.
Its upcoming projects also include El Gato and Bloodaxe for Prime Video.
For Prime Video, Bloodaxe adds another original drama to a service that combines scripted programming with movies and an expanding live-sports business.
In Canada, Prime Video’s sports offering includes properties such as the NHL, NBA, WNBA and PWHL, alongside its catalogue of Amazon MGM Studios originals and licensed programming. The service also provides access to add-on streaming subscriptions and titles available for rental or purchase.
Prime Video Builds on Demand for Historical Epics
The arrival of Bloodaxe gives Prime Video another internationally focused franchise as major streaming platforms continue investing in recognizable genres and productions capable of reaching audiences across multiple markets.
The connection to Vikings is likely to give the new series an established audience among viewers of historical action dramas, while its focus on Erik Bloodaxe and Gunnhild provides a different set of characters and political conflicts.
With all eight episodes of the first season planned for a worldwide Prime Video release and production on Season Two already underway, Bloodaxe is being positioned as a continuing historical drama rather than a limited series.
Prime Video has not yet disclosed the first season’s release date.
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