Netflix has announced Vikings: Valhalla, a new original series from creator Michael Hirst that continues the storytelling of his beloved epic Vikings saga. The new series will be filmed at Ashford Studios in Wicklow.
The new saga begins 100 years after the original series concludes and dramatizes the adventures of the most famous Vikings who ever lived – Leif Erickon, Freydis, Harald Harada and the Norman King William the Conqueror (also a Viking descendant). These men and women will blaze new paths as they fight for survival in an ever changing and evolving Europe. This is the explosive next chapter of the Vikings legend.
English-man Hirst, who also created The Tudors and co-created Camelot, and Irish producer Morgan O’Sullivan have a first-look deal at MGM. Much of the Vikings team in all departments will return for the sequel, which Netflix have committed to for 24 episodes.
A number of prominent Irish actors got major breaks through the oiginal series, including Moe Dunford, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Elijah Rowan, and Leah McNamara.
The series will be executive produced by Michael Hirst (Vikings, The Tudors), Jeb Stuart (The Fugitive, Die Hard, The Liberator), and Morgan O’Sullivan (Vikings, Penny Dreadful).
I am beyond excited that we are announcing the continuation of our Vikings saga. I know that the millions of our fans across the globe will be thrilled by the belief being shown in our show by MGM and Netflix. Jeb Stuart, a truly wonderful writer, will bring new story-lines and a powerful visceral vision to stories about some of the most famous Vikings known to history. And, on a personal note, I am so happy that we are returning to Ireland and Ashford Studios in glorious County Wicklow, which has been our home for the last eight years. Our Irish crew, in my opinion, is the best and most professional crew in the world. And it has been a particular joy to me, shared with my producer Morgan O’Sullivan, that we have been able to give continuous employment to many hundreds of Irish men and women. Ireland is well known for its support of writers and drama and Vikings has benefitted, and will now continue to benefit, from both that cultural and financial support. Making a great show isn’t a mechanical activity; it’s a human one!
Michael Hirst, Creator and Executive Producer
We are thrilled to be partnering with Michael, Morgan, Jeb and Netflix on the next chapter in the incredible Vikings universe. Valhalla has been a labour of love for everyone involved and as we look ahead to the continuation of this great saga, we are excited to know that fans the world over will have the opportunity to continue with the series on its new home at Netflix.
Steve Stark, MGM’s President of Television Production and Development
Vikings: Valhalla promises to be everything that fans love about the franchise: heart-pounding, unstoppable action rooted in rich characters and dramatic storytelling that shines the light on family, loyalty and power. We are thrilled to bring the next iteration of the Vikings saga to life with Michael Hirst, Jeb Stuart, Morgan O’Sullivan and MGM Television.
Channing Dungey, Vice President, Original Series, Netflix
Netflix is also currently producing My Father’s Dragon (Cartoon Saloon, Kilkenny), Fate: The Winx Saga (Ardmore) in Ireland and The Knight Before Christmas which is being released this Friday, was partly filmed at Charleville Castle.