THE APEX TIMES
Amazon previews Viking epic “Bloodaxe” with Prime Video release date set for Jan. 20, 2027
The streamer has shared a teaser for the new historical drama created by Vikings showrunner Michael Hirst, starring Xavier Molyneux as Erik Bloodaxe. The series has already been renewed for a second season.
Amazon is rolling out a first look at Bloodaxe, a new historical drama built around Norse raider Erik Bloodaxe, setting an all-episodes release on Prime Video for January 20, 2027.
The company’s entertainment announcement frames the series as a rise-and-reckoning story about the Viking leader, with the creative team led by Michael Hirst, known for creating the hit drama Vikings. Amazon said Hirst is behind Bloodaxe and is shaping the series’ focus on the forces that drive a leader’s ascent.
Amazon also disclosed casting for the principal roles. Xavier Molyneux, who has appeared in Neighbours, is set to play Erik Bloodaxe. Jessica Madsen, known for Bridgerton, is cast as Gunnhild, described in the announcement as “Mother of Kings.”
Additional characters announced include Egil Skallagrimsson, played by Karlis Arnolds Avots (January), and dual roles for Alina Tomnikov (Donna), who will portray Greta and The Seer. Jesper Christensen (Spectre) will play King Harald Fairhair, according to the release.
While Amazon did not provide plot specifics beyond the high-level origin story and the historical Viking setting, it did position the series as “epic” in scale and highlighted the teaser trailer as the next step in its marketing push ahead of the 2027 premiere.
Just as importantly for audiences and for Prime Video’s scheduling, Amazon said Bloodaxe has already been renewed for Season 2. A second-season renewal generally indicates that Amazon expects the series to remain a continuing franchise rather than a single-season limited run, though the company did not attach performance metrics or explain what drove the decision.
Prime Video, Amazon’s subscription streaming service, competes in a global market where original series are increasingly used to differentiate the catalog and retain subscribers. In that context, the early second-season renewal can function as a planning announcement for production and for the platform’s broader slate, even though Amazon did not disclose budgets, production timelines beyond the release date, or viewership targets.
The announcement also did not clarify what audiences can expect from the series’ narrative structure, episode count, or whether any real-world historians consulted with the production. Viewers will likely look for how faithfully Bloodaxe adapts the historical record and how it balances character drama with the more adventurous, raid-centered storytelling typical of Viking-era dramas.
For what to watch next, Amazon’s teaser is likely to be followed by more formal previews closer to release, including additional cast announcements, trailers, and promotional details tied to the January 2027 premiere window. For industry observers, the key question will be how Amazon leverages a “Vikings” pedigree creator, and whether the already-secured second season supports a longer-term franchise strategy for Prime Video’s original drama lineup.
Why It Matters
- Prime Video’s release calendar is shaping up with an early 2027 title anchored by a creator associated with a prior breakout series, which can help draw attention to the platform’s original drama slate.
- A second-season renewal can reduce uncertainty for continued production and may indicate Amazon expects Bloodaxe to perform well enough to justify extending the story.
- Historical dramas are a recurring genre in streaming, and Bloodaxe’s Viking focus may appeal to viewers who watch for period-setting storytelling and franchise-like world-building.
- For Amazon, strong original series planning matters not only for subscriber retention but also for how Prime Video positions itself against competing streaming services over the next year.
Sources
Key Facts
- All episodes of Bloodaxe will arrive on Prime Video on January 20, 2027.
- Bloodaxe is helmed by Michael Hirst, the creator behind Vikings, according to Amazon.
- Xavier Molyneux (Neighbours) is cast as Erik Bloodaxe.
- Jessica Madsen (Bridgerton) is cast as Gunnhild, described as Mother of Kings.
- The series has been renewed for a second season, Amazon said.
- Jesper Christensen (Spectre) plays King Harald Fairhair, and other cast includes Karlis Arnolds Avots as Egil Skallagrimsson and Alina Tomnikov in dual roles as Greta and The Seer.
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