Prime Video's New 2-Part War Epic Is Officially the Perfect 'Vikings' Replacement

Published Sep 12, 2026, 2:27 PM EDT

Kendall Myers is a Senior Author with Collider. As part of the TV and Movies Features team, she writes about some of the most popular releases before, during, and after they premiere. In three years, she has written over 900 articles with topics ranging from classic sitcoms to fantasy epics.

War epics are among the most thrilling shows on TV, with the most enduring examples ranging from Shogun to Band of Brothers, but Prime Video's upcoming series promises to be an exciting addition to the list. Set to premiere in 2027, Bloodaxe will provide the epic scope that fans look for in this kind of series. Prime Video clearly has faith in it, having already renewed it for a second season, which avoids a common hurdle for new TV series these days.

Not much is known about Bloodaxe at this point, but the upcoming series already shares plenty of similarities to 2013's Vikings. It's an easy comparison to make since the two shows explore similar themes and even share a creator, giving fans an idea of what to expect. Though the stories are unrelated, this comparison only bodes well for the new Prime Video show, considering Vikings' success.

What Is 'Bloodaxe' About?

Prime Video's upcoming series is set to follow the 10th-century Viking warrior Erik Bloodaxe (Xavier Molyneux) as he and his wife, Gunnhild (Jessica Madsen), make a play for the Norwegian throne. Against this backdrop, the story will feature what Prime Video describes as "a thundering, cataclysmic, compelling and utterly magical new Norse Saga." Of course, the streamer can't give too much away yet, but the premise alone promises a tense political conflict, fierce rivalries, and a looming war as Norway draws the attention of other rulers. While the official story isn't particularly detailed, anyone interested can track down some hints because it's inspired by real events. Erik Bloodaxe is one of the most well-known Vikings, and his legacy marks a complex and violent chapter in history.

In addition to Erik and Gunnhild, the Bloodaxe cast consists of Haakon the Good (Levi Miller), Erik's younger half-brother; King Harald Fairhair (Jesper Christensen), Erik's father and the first King of all Norway; Egil (Karlis Arnolds Avots), a poet seeking revenge on Erik's family; Greeta (Alina Tomnikov), a shieldmaiden who is also an ancient seer; Athelstan (Rod Hallett), the shrewd King of Wessex; and Thyra (Sisse Marie) and Gorm (Rune Temte), the Queen and King of Denmark.

'Bloodaxe' Is Perfect for 'Vikings' Fans

The comparisons between Vikings and Bloodaxe don't end at any story similarities; Michael Hirst, who created the History Channel series, is also helming Prime Video's new epic alongside his son, Horatio Hirst. Vikings not only received an impressive critical reception, but lasted six seasons and even earned a spin-off. Comparisons have begun before Prime Video's Bloodaxe has even released its first trailer, which already sets the bar high for expectations. However, Hirst's new series is already proving itself by earning an early Season 2 renewal, which is significant considering how ruthless the streamer can be with its cancellations.

Despite their clear similarities, the two series explore different conflicts, with Bloodaxe set over 100 years after the events of Vikings. This distinction separates the shows, but it also means Bloodaxe will likely feature the same bloody battles and thrilling surprises as Vikings did before it. More details will be released in the months leading up to Bloodaxe's premiere, which is set for 2027, but given the creative team involved, the series promises an epic story with plenty of violence and even a history lesson.