The landscape of Viking cinema is undergoing a massive shift. While the era of Vikings (History Channel) and The Last Kingdom (Netflix) has technically “concluded,” the hunger for Norse epics hasn’t waned—it has simply evolved.
As we look toward 2026, the next “big” Viking movie isn’t just one project; it’s a trio of high-stakes productions that reflect the different ways we consume historical drama today. Here is everything you need to know about the future of the Northmen on screen.
1. The Historical Powerhouse: Bloodaxe (2026)
While technically a series-first event, industry whispers suggest Amazon Prime Video is eyeing a feature-length “pilot event” for its upcoming blockbuster, Bloodaxe.
• The Story: Created by Michael Hirst (the mastermind behind the original Vikings), this project focuses on Erik Bloodaxe, the legendary and brutal King of Norway and later Northumbria.
• The Vibe: Expect a return to the gritty, grounded realism of early Vikings seasons. Filmed across the rugged landscapes of Iceland and Ireland in late 2025, the production value is reportedly the highest for any Norse project to date.
• Why It Matters: Hirst is looking to redeem the “Viking Age” after the more stylized Valhalla spinoff. This is a character study of a man whose name alone inspired terror across two centuries.
2. The Experimental Epic: The Last Viking (2025/2026)
If you’re looking for something that breaks the mold of “bearded men shouting in the rain,” look no further than Anders Thomas Jensen’s The Last Viking.
• The Star Power: Starring the legendary Mads Mikkelsen and Nikolaj Lie Kaas, this film made waves at the Venice Film Festival and is set for a wider global release throughout 2026.
• The Twist: This isn’t a traditional 10th-century war movie. It’s a dark, absurdist comedy-drama about two brothers on a heist. One of them (Mikkelsen) suffers from a mental disorder that makes him believe he is either a legendary Viking warrior or the reincarnation of John Lennon.
• The Hook: It uses the idea of Viking identity to explore modern masculinity and trauma. It’s “Viking” in spirit, but avant-garde in execution.
3. The Mythic Horror: Werwulf
Following the cult success of The Northman (2022), director Robert Eggers is reportedly returning to the 13th century for a project titled Werwulf.
• The Connection: While set slightly after the peak Viking Age, Eggers’ obsession with Old Norse folklore and “authentic” history remains the driving force.
• The Collaboration: He is re-teaming with Sjón (who co-wrote The Northman) to blend Viking-era superstitions with the werewolf mythos. If The Northman was a revenge saga, Werwulf is being described as a “historical survival horror.”
The “AI” Wildcard: The Last Viking: Army of the Dead
Interestingly, 2026 has seen a surge in “AI-Cinematic” experimental films. A project titled The Last Viking: Army of the Dead has gained viral traction. While not a traditional Hollywood studio release, it represents a new genre of dark fantasy survival horror that blends Norse history with supernatural elements (think 300 meets Game of Thrones).
The Verdict
The era of “Viking Fatigue” is over. Studios have realized that audiences don’t just want more battles; they want specific legends. Whether it’s the historical brutality of Bloodaxe or the psychological depth of Mads Mikkelsen’s latest work, the shields are being raised once again.
