Prime Video has officially offered fans their first glimpse into the brutal and treacherous world of Bloodaxe, a major new original series spearheaded by Vikings creator Michael Hirst alongside co-creator Horatio Hirst. The streaming platform debuted a striking set of first-look production images, showcasing the gritty atmosphere, period-accurate costume design, and high-stakes tension that will define the upcoming historical drama.
Set to premiere on Prime Video in 2027, the inaugural eight-episode season of Bloodaxe follows the meteoric and violent rise of Erik Bloodaxe, famously recognized as one of the most formidable and ruthless Norse raiders in history. The titular role is brought to life by Xavier Molyneux, best known for his work on Neighbors. Alongside him is Bridgerton star Jessica Madsen, who steps into the pivotal role of Gunnhild, widely known in historical lore as the Mother of Kings.
As the ambitious duo fights tooth and nail to secure the ultimate Norse throne, the surrounding lands are violently torn apart by ferocious rivals, deep-seated betrayals, and shifting political alliances. War, political chaos, and rival monarchs combine to establish a volatile landscape, setting the grand stage for what Prime Video hopes will become the next defining Norse saga for television audiences worldwide.
The production boasts an extensive and internationally recognized ensemble cast rounding out the first season. Joining Molyneux and Madsen are Karlis Arnolds Avots, recognized for Kill Jackie; Levi Miller, who recently appeared in Kraven the Hunter; and Rod Hallett, known for Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles De Menezes. The stellar lineup also features Alina Tomnikov (Donna), Sisse Marie (Rebel Moon), Rune Temte (Eddie the Eagle), and seasoned veteran Jesper Christensen (Spectre).
Behind the camera, the creative horsepower driving Bloodaxe matches its legendary subject matter. Michael Hirst and Horatio Hirst serve as the primary showrunners, lead writers, and executive producers for the ambitious project. The expansive production is further bolstered by a veteran team of executive producers, including Morgan O’Sullivan under his O’Sullivan Productions banner, Steve Stark through Toluca Pictures, alongside Arturo Interian, John Weber, and Sheila Hockin.
While Bloodaxe currently lacks an official calendar release date beyond its anticipated 2027 premiere window, Prime Video has already demonstrated immense confidence in the property. In a major vote of confidence for the creative team, the streaming service has already officially picked up Bloodaxe for a second season. Production on the sophomore outing is already actively underway on location in Ireland, ensuring a continuous pipeline of content for fans of historical epics. All eight episodes of the debut season are slated to drop simultaneously on Prime Video when the series finally arrives.
In other television news developments across the entertainment industry, networks and streaming services are continuing to ramp up their upcoming promotional slates, highlighted by major trailers and premiere dates for returning hit series.
First Looks and Trailers
MGM+ has officially released the high-anticipated official trailer for the second season of The Institute, giving horror fans a chilling preview of what is to come. Based on the acclaimed best-selling horror-thriller novel by Stephen King, the hit television adaptation is gearing up to return to television screens for its sophomore run later this year, with an official premiere scheduled for November 8.
The second season picks up directly in the chaotic aftermath of the harrowing escape from the titular, shadowy facility. Luke Ellis, portrayed by Joe Freeman, and a cohort of other gifted children endowed with extraordinary psychic powers find themselves hunted and desperate. Driven by survival and vengeance, the young survivors begin searching for a definitive way to dismantle and end the secretive organization once and for all. However, achieving this ultimate goal may require them to take the unimaginable risk of going back inside the very walls they fought so hard to flee.
Meanwhile, the power dynamics within the sinister facility are shifting dramatically. Tech billionaire Nolan Reeves, played by Alfie Allen, has been brought on board to help rebuild the compromised infrastructure and modernize the organization’s methods. At the same time, Dr. Sigsby, portrayed by Mary Louise Parker, finds her life completely upended as a fugitive on the run, forcing her to engineer a desperate, high-stakes plan to find her own way back inside the system she once commanded.
The returning and expanding cast of The Institute also features Ben Barnes stepping into the role of Tim Jamieson, Simone Miller as Kalisha, Fionn Laird as Nicky, Arlen So as George, Robert Joy as Dr. Hendricks, and Hannah Galway as Wendy.
Behind the scenes, Jack Bender returns to direct the series based on compelling screenplays penned by Benjamin Cavell. The creative leadership behind the adaptation remains robust, with executive producers including Stephen King himself, Jack Bender, Benjamin Cavell, Gary Barber, Sam Sheridan, Ed Redlich, and Michael Mahoney collaborating to bring King’s chilling literary vision to life on screen.
The Institute Season 2 is scheduled to make its official debut on November 8 on MGM+, with subsequent new episodes premiering weekly on Sunday nights leading up to a dramatic season finale arc concluding on December 20.
