Michael Hirst is back in the spotlight with the announcement of Bloodaxe, a gripping Norse historical drama commissioned by Amazon. This new series promises to dive deep into the rich tapestry of Viking history, showcasing Hirst’s unparalleled storytelling skills. With his previous success in the realm of Viking narratives, fans can anticipate a compelling journey through the dramatic lives of legendary figures.
With a legacy tied closely to the Vikings franchise, Michael Hirst has seamlessly transitioned into crafting Bloodaxe, a historical drama that is set to captivate audiences worldwide. Together with Horatio Hirst, who is also involved in the project, the duo aims to bring forth a saga that explores the intricate dynamics of Norse culture and the epic tales surrounding its heroes and heroines. The anticipation is high for this new venture into the Viking universe.
Having penned all 89 episodes of the acclaimed Vikings series on the History Channel and serving as an executive producer for the Netflix sequel Vikings: Valhalla, Hirst has established a formidable reputation in historical storytelling. While Bloodaxe will introduce audiences to notable Norse figures, it will carve its own identity, distinct from his previous works. This fresh narrative promises to engage viewers with its unique characters and plotlines.
The storyline of Bloodaxe revolves around the legendary Viking warrior Erik Bloodaxe and his powerful wife, Gunnhild, known as the Mother of Kings. Their tumultuous journey for the Norwegian throne unfolds amidst a backdrop of treachery, fierce competition, and shifting alliances. As the kingdom faces impending conflict and chaos spreads, the saga will intertwine the fates of formidable Scandinavian kings and an influential English ruler, setting the stage for an epic portrayal of Viking life, drama, and the supernatural.
“I am incredibly grateful and excited that Amazon has granted me the chance to re-enter the captivating realm of the Norse Sagas and the extraordinary men, women, and gods of the Viking era who have profoundly impacted my life,” expressed Michael Hirst. “Along with Horatio, we aim to introduce audiences to remarkable new characters and astonishing narratives, all of which are based on historical facts, many of which have significantly altered the course of history.”
Vernon Sanders, the head of television at Amazon MGM Studios, shared his enthusiasm: “We are elated to collaborate with Michael and Horatio Hirst, who have a remarkable history of bringing authentic historical dramas to life with captivating storytelling. Bloodaxe is an intriguing account of Erik Bloodaxe, and we eagerly anticipate sharing this new chapter with our global audience, transporting them back to a fascinating historical epoch.”
Beyond Bloodaxe, Michael and Horatio Hirst are also working on another intriguing historical drama based on A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii. This novel, written by a talented collective of authors including Kate Quinn, Stephanie Dray, Ben Kane, Eliza Knight, Sophie Perinot, and Vicky Alvear, interweaves the lives of various characters living in Pompeii before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
