Prime Video has announced the development of Bloodaxe, a historical drama series set in the Viking world. Created, written, and executive produced by Michael Hirst, the mastermind behind Vikings, alongside his son Horatio Hirst, the series will be produced by MGM Television.
Bloodaxe follows the rise of the notorious Viking warrior Erik Bloodaxe and his powerful wife, Gunnhild, Mother of Kings. The narrative delves into their fierce battle for the Norwegian throne as the kingdom is thrown into chaos by rival factions, shifting allegiances, and brutal betrayals. Set against a backdrop of war, with external threats from other Scandinavian kings and even an English ruler, Bloodaxe promises to deliver a high-stakes, dramatic tale of power struggles, captivating historical figures, and legendary events.
While Bloodaxe shares creative lineage with Vikings and its Netflix sequel Vikings: Valhalla, the series stands apart as an independent narrative. Set decades after the original Vikings series and before the events of Valhalla, Bloodaxe introduces a fresh chapter in Norse history.
The Hirsts are joined by a team of executive producers, including Steve Stark of Toluca Pictures, who previously oversaw both Vikings series as head of MGM Television, alongside Morgan O’Sullivan, Arturo Interian, John Weber, and Sheila Hockin.
MGM Television, now a division of Amazon MGM Studios, is producing the series in collaboration with Prime Video.
“We are thrilled to partner with Michael and Horatio Hirst, who have an impressive track record bringing historical dramas to life with stunning authenticity and gripping storytelling,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon MGM Studios. “This fascinating tale of Erik Bloodaxe will transport our global audience back to a fascinating era of history.”
In addition to Bloodaxe, Michael and Horatio Hirst are also developing another historical drama for Amazon based on the novel A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii.
“I feel blessed and deeply excited that Amazon has given me the opportunity to return to the fantastic world of the Norse Sagas,” Michael Hirst shared. “Horatio and I aim to bring to life incredible new characters and stories that are not only captivating but also true, many of which altered the course of history.”
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