On Thursday, History renewed Vikings for a full season 5 consisting of 20 episodes and also announced Jonathan Rhys Meyers (The Tudors) will be joining the cast, TV Guide reports. No details have been released yet about Rhys Meyers’ character and what we might expect to see from him on the show, however.
“Vikings continues to be a powerhouse series worldwide, bolstered by the ongoing support from History and the direction of our first-class creative team, led by Michael Hirst, and partners World 2000 and Take 5 Productions,” said MGM’s Mark Burnett and Steve Stark, according to Variety. “We are excited to have Jonathan Rhys Meyers join our talented cast and watch as this epic story evolves heading into Season 5.”
After the upcoming Roots reboot, Vikings will be Rhys Meyers’ second project with History.
Vikings follows the lives of the legendary warriors and explorers of the Dark Ages and the internal disputes that come with the territory. The series was History’s only original scripted series until recently when the network ordered Six, a Navy SEAL drama.
The renewal comes as no surprise considering Vikings has been hugely successful since its premiere. The medieval drama is currently the top Thursday night Cable series.
“The brilliant writing and depth of historical research and authenticity brought to the screen by Michael Hirst paired with our talented cast and crew, has made this series one of the most compelling, visually stunning historical dramas on television,” Jana Bennett, History president, told TV Guide. “Vikings has raided the hearts of audiences and we are thrilled that Jonathan Rhys Myers will become a bigger part of the History family after his incredible performance in our upcoming production of Roots.”
The production for season 5 of Vikings is set to begin this summer, and the season in which Rhys Meyers will appear won’t premiere until 2017. Vikings is currently on its 4th season and the last 10 episodes will air sometime later this year.