Prime Video is about to enter the Viking age with Bloodaxe, a two-part war epic that's already generating serious buzz—and a Season 2 renewal before it even airs. Set to premiere in 2027, the series promises the kind of sweeping, brutal, and mythic storytelling that made Vikings a global phenomenon. And with Michael Hirst, the mastermind behind that History Channel hit, at the helm, the comparisons are inevitable—and entirely justified.
For fans who've been searching for a worthy successor to Vikings, Bloodaxe looks like the answer. The new show shares DNA with its predecessor: same creator, similar themes of power, betrayal, and Norse legend, and a setting that feels both historically grounded and fantastically epic. While the stories are separate, the pedigree alone sets expectations sky-high.
What Is Bloodaxe About?
The series follows Erik Bloodaxe (Xavier Molyneux), a 10th-century Viking warrior, and his wife Gunnhild (Jessica Madsen) as they scheme to seize the Norwegian throne. Prime Video describes it as "a thundering, cataclysmic, compelling and utterly magical new Norse Saga." Expect political intrigue, fierce rivalries, and the looming threat of war as other rulers eye Norway's riches. The show draws from real history—Erik Bloodaxe was a notorious figure whose reign was marked by violence and complexity—so viewers can expect a gripping blend of fact and legend.
The cast is stacked with talent: Levi Miller plays Haakon the Good, Erik's half-brother and rival; Jesper Christensen is King Harald Fairhair, Erik's father and the first king of a united Norway; Karlis Arnolds Avots portrays Egil, a poet seeking vengeance; Alina Tomnikov is Greeta, a shieldmaiden with prophetic powers; Rod Hallett plays Athelstan, the cunning King of Wessex; and Sisse Marie and Rune Temte round out the ensemble as the Danish royals.
Why Bloodaxe Is the Perfect Vikings Replacement
Michael Hirst isn't working alone this time—he's joined by his son, Horatio Hirst, co-creating the series. That familial collaboration might just bring a fresh perspective while keeping the DNA that made Vikings so addictive. The original ran for six seasons, spawned a spin-off, and earned critical acclaim, so the bar is high. But Bloodaxe is already proving its mettle with an early Season 2 pickup, a rarity in today's ruthless streaming landscape where shows often get canceled before finding their audience.
Set over a century after the events of Vikings, Bloodaxe carves its own path while honoring the legacy. Expect the same bloody battles, shocking twists, and moral ambiguity that made the original a fan favorite. And with a 2027 premiere, there's plenty of time for anticipation to build. For those who've been craving a new epic to sink their teeth into, Bloodaxe is shaping up to be the real deal—a violent, historical, and utterly compelling saga that might just fill the void left by Vikings.
While you wait, Prime Video has plenty of other gems to explore, like the surprise streaming hit Good Fortune or the darkly funny crime comedy Deadloch. And if you're in the mood for more epic storytelling, check out these Emmy-nominated Prime Video movies.
