In an exclusive interview with Variety, five-season historical drama The Last Kingdom has set a release date for follow-up movie Seven Kings Must Die. A first look at photos from the film are available below.
Per Netflix, the series follows Uhtred, “born a Saxon but raised by Vikings,” as he “defends his kingdom from Norse invaders” and “seeks to claim his ancestral birthright” during the time of Alfred the Great. This show was not renewed for a sixth season and Seven Kings Must Die will serve as a goodbye to the series.
Alexander Dreymon (American Horror Story, Christopher and His Kind), who stars as Uhtred and executive produces the show said of the news: “It has been such an honor to be part of telling this story for all these years. As an actor, I have been so challenged and gratified by the privilege of playing Uhtred. Hanging up Uhtred’s sword after filming ‘Seven Kings’ felt, ironically, heavy – even though I know that our tale has reached its conclusion. As an EP on the show, I could not be more proud of the hundreds of people who spent thousands of hours to make the best product possible. As for our loyal fans… what can I say? You are the reason we’ve reached this point and got to bring our saga to the end. This, as it always has been, is for you.”
The Last Kingdom was originally on BBC Two in 2015 before Netflix acquired it during season three. The 46-episode drama claimed a no. 14 spot on Nielsen’s list of most streamed original shows of 2022 and received a total of five nominations for various awards.
Seven Kings Must Die will premiere on April 14 on Netflix and will be directed by three-time BAFTA nominee Edward Bazalgette (Doctor Who, Poldark). Martha Hillier (Vera, Holly City) serves as the writer and executive producer, along with Dreymon. Via Variety, fans of the franchise will see Uhtred “ride once more across a fractured kingdom with several of the series’ much-loved returning characters, as they battle alongside, and against, new allies and enemies. Following the death of King Edward, a battle for the crown ensues, as rival heirs and invaders compete for power. And when an alliance comes seeking Uhtred’s help in their plans, Uhtred faces a choice between those he cares for most, and the dream of forming a united England.”
The franchise is based off of Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories collection, with a total of thirteen books. The series was developed for television by three-time BAFTA nominee Stephen Butchard (Five Daughters, Good Cop).