Amazon orders Bloodaxe from Vikings creator Michael Hirst

Prime Video enters the world of Vikings with a series order for Bloodaxe. Bloodaxe is a historical drama created, written and executive produced by Vikings creators Michael Hirst and Horatio Hirst and produced by MGM Television. The story follows the rise of one of history’s most famous Viking warriors, Erik Bloodaxe, and his formidable wife, Gunnhild, Mother of Kings. As they fight for the throne of Norway, the country is torn apart by fierce rivals, shifting loyalties and bloody betrayals.

With looming war and chaos consuming the kingdom, drawing in the ruthless kings of other Scandinavian lands and even a mighty English ruler, the stage is set for a thundering, sweeping and utterly magical new Viking saga.



While the series shares creative similarities with the History series Vikings, created/produced by Michael Hirst (pictured), and its Netflix sequel Vikings: Valhalla – all three based on real historical characters and produced by MGM Television – Bloodaxe is not related to any of them.

“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, Amazon MGM Studios. “This story is a fascinating tale of Erik Bloodaxe and we can’t wait to unveil this new chapter to transport our global customers back to a fascinating era of history.”

At Amazon, Michael and Horatio Hirst are also developing another historical drama, based on the book 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 and the men, women and gods of the Viking world who have come to mean so much to me,” Michael Hirst said. “Horatio and I intend to open your eyes to incredible new characters and unbelievable stories, all of which happen to be true and many of which changed the course of history.”