VIKINGS: BLOODAXE – TRAILER DROPS UNLEASHING A STORM OF BLOOD, HONOR, AND LEGEND
Published: July 26, 2025 | By: Norse Screen Chronicle
The Viking saga continues to blaze its way through modern television screens, and this time, it comes wrapped in blood, fire, and the haunting echoes of old gods. After months of anticipation and a whispering tide of rumors, “Vikings: Bloodaxe” has finally dropped its official trailer, igniting a tidal wave of excitement among fans of historical dramas, Norse mythology, and action epics.
Produced by MGM+ in collaboration with Netflix and original creators Michael Hirst and Jeb Stuart onboard as executive producers, “Vikings: Bloodaxe” marks the next chapter in the ever-expanding Viking universe — and this time, it’s darker, grittier, and more brutal than ever before.
The Legacy Continues – But This Time, It’s Personal
“Vikings: Bloodaxe” centers on the legendary Erik Bloodaxe, one of the most enigmatic and fearsome figures in Norse history. Known as a warrior-king and son of the great Harald Fairhair — the first King of Norway — Erik’s name has become synonymous with betrayal, ambition, and battle.
The trailer, just under 2 minutes in length, opens with a haunting score of Norse chants and a bleak, snow-draped fjord. We are greeted by a voiceover, presumably Erik himself, declaring:
“They call me Bloodaxe. But I was born a prince. I became a warrior. And now… I must become a god.”
From the very first frame, the trailer sets a distinct tone. Gone is the slightly romanticized Viking world of Ragnar Lothbrok or even the exploratory spirit of Leif Erikson from Vikings: Valhalla. “Bloodaxe” promises a much more visceral journey — one steeped in treachery, exile, vengeance, and the chaos of power.
A War-Torn Landscape, a Divided Kingdom
Set in the early 10th century, the show traces Erik’s rise and fall — from the splendor of the Norwegian royal court to his controversial rule over Northumbria in Anglo-Saxon England. The trailer showcases sweeping landscapes of Scandinavia and the British Isles, punctuated with intense battle sequences, political intrigue, and intimate moments of psychological torment.
We see Erik’s transformation from an idealistic young prince to a feared and exiled ruler. Key scenes in the trailer depict his bloody rise through the ranks, the fratricidal rivalry with his half-brothers, and his contentious relationship with his wife and warrior queen, Gunnhild — portrayed by British-Norwegian actress Freya Stensrud, a rising star whose performance has already been praised as “fiercely magnetic” by early screeners.
In one chilling scene, a blood-soaked Erik confronts his brother on the battlefield, screaming, “Only one son of Harald shall wear the crown!”
A Cast as Fierce as the Story
The trailer also confirms a stellar cast lineup, with Norwegian actor Jakob Oftebro (known for Kon-Tiki and Hamilton) taking on the titular role of Erik Bloodaxe. Oftebro’s grim presence dominates the trailer, with his steely gaze, braided beard, and blood-streaked face becoming an instant image of power and pain.
Other major cast members include:
- Freya Stensrud as Gunnhild, Erik’s wife and spiritual equal, who is as comfortable in battle as she is in courtly diplomacy.
- Alistair Petrie (The Night Manager, Rogue One) as King Athelstan II, Erik’s chief adversary in Northumbria.
- Eero Milonoff (Bordertown) as Ragnvald, Erik’s brother and rival for the Norwegian throne.
- Sylvia Hoeks (Blade Runner 2049) as Skadi, a mysterious shieldmaiden and seer whose visions may hold the fate of Erik’s legacy.
A Return to Grit and Myth
One of the standout elements of the “Vikings: Bloodaxe” trailer is its commitment to the raw brutality of Viking life — not just in terms of battle, but also in its psychological and spiritual underpinnings. The trailer gives glimpses of pagan rituals, haunting dream sequences involving Odin and ravens, and prophetic chants about Ragnarok and divine fate.
Showrunner Jeb Stuart (also behind Die Hard and The Fugitive) stated in an interview during a recent Netflix Geeked Week panel:
“Bloodaxe is not just a continuation of the Viking saga — it’s a descent into the shadowy heart of Norse mythology. We wanted to explore what it really means to carry the blood of the gods, to rule with an axe, and to be remembered — or feared — in the sagas.”
The Trailer’s Reception
Since its release on Netflix and YouTube this morning, the “Vikings: Bloodaxe” trailer has already amassed over 5 million views in under 12 hours, trending across multiple countries including Norway, the UK, the U.S., and Germany. Fans on social media have been quick to dissect every frame — from Erik’s scarred back to the appearance of Yggdrasil-like tree imagery in one of the dream sequences.
Comments on Reddit’s r/Vikings subreddit are overwhelmingly positive, with many hailing the series as a “return to form” after the mixed reception of Vikings: Valhalla Season 3.
“THIS is what we wanted. Raw, brutal, mythological — and finally a character that isn’t afraid of his darkness,” wrote user Thorngrim88.
YouTube comments echo similar excitement, with one viewer noting: “The trailer gave me chills. Jakob Oftebro was born to play Bloodaxe.”
Release Date and Episode Details
Netflix and MGM+ have confirmed that Vikings: Bloodaxe will premiere on September 19, 2025, with a 10-episode first season. Each episode is expected to run between 45 and 55 minutes, with three episodes dropping on day one, followed by weekly releases.
According to the official synopsis:
“Vikings: Bloodaxe chronicles the turbulent rise and tragic fall of Erik Haraldsson — known to history as Erik Bloodaxe. As the favored son of a king, betrayed by kin and haunted by gods, Erik must carve his own legend across Scandinavia and Saxon England to secure his name in the sagas.”
What to Expect
Based on the trailer and early leaks, here’s what fans can likely expect from “Vikings: Bloodaxe”:
- High-octane battle scenes, including large-scale sea invasions and shield wall clashes.
- Moral complexity, with Erik portrayed as both hero and antihero.
- Deep mythological themes, incorporating Norse gods, prophecy, and fate.
- Family drama, with Erik’s conflict with his siblings being central to the story.
- Expansive world-building, including visits to Kattegat, Jorvik, and even Irish monastic strongholds.
Final Thoughts
The “Vikings: Bloodaxe” trailer has exceeded expectations, delivering a dark, intense, and visually rich glimpse into the next phase of the Norse saga. With powerful performances, top-tier production values, and a story pulled directly from the blood-soaked pages of Viking history, the series is poised to become one of 2025’s most talked-about television events.
If the trailer is anything to go by, prepare to be immersed in a world where axes speak louder than words, and kings are forged in the fires of betrayal.
One thing is certain: Erik Bloodaxe has arrived — and he’s not asking for mercy.
“Vikings: Bloodaxe” premieres September 19, 2025, exclusively on Netflix and MGM+.
Stay tuned to Norse Screen Chronicle for episode reviews, cast interviews, and full series coverage.
