Gabriel Byrne Cast In History’s ‘Vikings’

[Enterprise is Great]

deadline.com

Gabriel Byrne has been cast as Earl Haraldson in History channel’s first scripted series, Vikings, which premieres in 2013. Byrne will play a powerful figure in the historical telling of the Norsemen who raided and explored during Medieval times. He goes against the story’s protagonist, Ragnar Lothrok. Vikings is a 10-episode drama from MGM TV and The Tudors and Camelot masterminds Michael Hirst and Morgan O’Sullivan.

Vikings...YEAH!

 

[Captaindemotion]

Vikings...Yeah! Gabriel Byrne - Yeah! SOLD!!!!!!!!!!

 

[auntiehill]

I like Gabriel Byrne but I sure didn't like Camelot. But I'll check this out; might be interesting.

 

[FreezeC77]

Not really sure how I feel about a scripted/fictional tv show on the History Channel. They have had mini-series type things in the past... I think last year was Gettysberg and this year is a Hatfield/McCoy feud thing...

Then again I'd assume this has better acting than what occurs in Pawn Stars when they 'act'.

 

[Tom Hendricks]

Well the History Channel is starting to test the waters with Hatfields vs McCoys. Its staring Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton as the title characters and airs Memorial Day at 9pm. I'm actually looking forward to it. The one thing you MAY get with a scripted show on History, is a little more historical accuracy...MAYBE. Heres to hoping.

Not really sure how I feel about a scripted/fictional tv show on the History Channel. They have had mini-series type things in the past... I think last year was Gettysberg and this year is a Hatfield/McCoy feud thing...

Then again I'd assume this has better acting than what occurs in Pawn Stars when they 'act'.

 

[Temis the Vorta]

Not really sure how I feel about a scripted/fictional tv show on the History Channel. They have had mini-series type things in the past... I think last year was Gettysberg and this year is a Hatfield/McCoy feud thing...

Sounds great to me! I hope they do more...

 

[Enterprise is Great]

More Vikings casting news - deadline.com

Travis Fimmel (The Beast, Baytown Outlaws) and Jessalyn Gilsig (Glee, Heroes, CSI: NY) are among the new cast members announced today for History’s upcoming scripted series Vikings. Fimmel will play the role of Viking leader Ragnar; Gilsig has been tapped for the role of Siggy, the wife of Earl Haraldson played by the previously announced Gabriel Byrne. Also announced today: Gustaf Skarsgard (The Way Back) as Floki, Clive Standen (Camelot, Robin Hood) as Rollo, and Katheryn Winnick (Stand Up Guys) as Lagertha. The previously announced George Blagden will play the role of Athelstan, an Anglo-Saxon monk captured by Ragnar on his first raid on England.

 

[Enterprise is Great]

http://collider.com/vikings-history-channel/176408/

VIKINGS will be a series high on adventure, exploration, conflict, warfare and bloodshed – for these were extreme times – but, at its heart, it will also be a family saga. It follows the adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok, a historical figure, and the greatest hero of his age – and the gripping sagas of Ragnar’s band of Viking brothers and his family – as he rises to become King of the Viking tribes.

Ragnar Lothbrok (Fimmel) is based upon the real-life Viking leader who literally exploded out of Scandanavia and onto the world stage in the 8th Century. A young Norwegian farmer with a wife and family, Ragnar is deeply frustrated by the unadventurous policies of his local chieftan, Earl Haraldson (Byrne), who continues to send his Vikings raiders east every summer, to the Baltic states and Russia, whose populations are as materially poor as themselves. Lagertha (Winnick) is the first wife of Ragnar’s and their marriage is a love-match. Ragnar was first attracted to Lagertha when she came to fight for a local Norwegian ruler against an invading Sweden. Floki (Skarsgard), based partly on the Norse god Loki, is an impish character and ship builder who designs and builds the prototype of the new generation of Viking ships which can sail across the open ocean but also up the shallowest of rivers. He is a design genius and he allows Ragnar to fulfill his dreams of sailing west and discovering new lands and new civilizations. Siggy (Gilsig) is Earl Haraldson’s beautiful wife and an enigmatic character. She performs her duties impeccably and with style, but she may not be completely loyal to her husband. Rollo (Standen) is Ragnar’s cousin and initially one of his closest friends, involved in his early raids. But soon becomes jealous of his fame and success.

Created and written by Michael Hirst – one of the premier historical story-tellers in the industry (Academy-Award winning film Elizabeth; and the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated series The Tudors), Michael serves as Executive Producer along with Morgan O’Sullivan of World 2000 (The Count of Monte Cristo; The Tudors), John Weber of Take 5 Productions (The Tudors; The Borgias), Sherry Marsh, Alan Gasmer, James Flynn (The Tudors; The Borgias) and Sheila Hockin (The Tudors; The Borgias).