EXCLUSIVE: Relative newcomer Xavier Molyneux has landed the title role in Bloodaxe, Prime Video’s new historical drama series from Vikings creator Michael Hirst and his son, Horatio Hirst, sources tell Deadline.
Reps for Amazon MGM couldn’t be reached for comment. Officially ordered in March, Bloodaxe chronicles the rise of one of history’s most famous Viking warriors, Erik Bloodaxe (Molyneux), and his formidable wife, Gunnhild, Mother of Kings. As they fight for the throne of Norway, the land is torn apart by fierce rivals, shifting loyalties, and bloody betrayals. With war looming and chaos consuming the kingdom, drawing in the ruthless Kings of other Scandinavian countries, and even a powerful English ruler, the stage is set for a thundering, cataclysmic, compelling and utterly magical new Viking Saga.
Bloodaxe is created, written and exec produced by Michael and Horatio Hirst and produced by MGM Television. Other exec producers include Steve Stark of Toluca Pictures label who, as head of MGM Television, oversaw both of the Vikings TV series, along with fellow franchise alum Morgan O’Sullivan, Arturo Interian, John Weber, and Sheila Hockin.
While the show shares creative lineage with the History series Vikings and the Netflix follow-up Vikings: Valhalla — all three are based on historical figures and produced by MGM Television — Bloodaxe is not directly related to those efforts. The new Norse saga takes place decades after the original series and decades before Valhalla. Production begins in Ireland at the end of July.
A rising Australian actor currently based in New Zealand, Molyneux just wrapped his run on the iconic Australian soap Neighbours and has also recently been seen starring in Netflix’s romantic drama Take My Hand. He is repped by Benchmark Creative Management in Australia and The Rosenzweig Group.
