As a lover of all things English and a history enthusiast, I am thoroughly looking forward to the upcoming series titled “Monarch and Victor“. This production, jointly brought to us by CBS Studios and the BBC, chronicles the significant Battle of Hastings, a turning point in English historical lore. In this battle, the Saxon king, Harold Godwinson, clashed with William the Conqueror, the Norman conqueror. Although most English students have learned about this famous battle that rewrote the nation’s history, this is the first time it will be depicted on screen in a series format.
If you’re as captivated by historical drama series as I am, and have been hooked on shows such as “The Great” and “Mary and George”, then “King and Conqueror” might truly resonate with you. With the details revealed about “King and Conqueror” so far – including its writer, directors, and a star-studded cast of accomplished actors – it appears that this TV series is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience.
King And Conqueror Latest News
Actor James Norton Said That Shooting Was “Brutal”
According to Deadline in February 2025, filming for the series “King and Conqueror” commenced earlier this year in Iceland. The report also noted that James Norton participated in London screenings to talk about the show, during which he shared some insights into the production process. He stated, “I was caked in mud, blood, and multiple layers of leather; it was a grueling shoot.
As a devoted cinephile, I’m thrilled to share my insights on Baltasar Kormákur’s directing approach in our series’ premiere. In essence, he had a distinct perspective about the tone and visual style – he was adamant that it wouldn’t be your typical polished, comfortable period drama. Norton, the actor-producer, also highlighted the director’s commitment to authenticity, particularly in the choice of period-appropriate costumes.
I spent hours each day dressing up due to numerous layers of leather and chainmail. The effort was rewarding as everything looked incredibly authentic. This was a point that Kormákur insisted on, and it proved to be worthwhile in the end.” (via Deadline)
As a die-hard cinephile, I can’t contain my excitement! The epic film “King and Conqueror” hasn’t set an official release date just yet, but it’s confirmed that we’ll get to witness this masterpiece some time in 2025. Can’t wait!
King And Conqueror Confirmed
The Series Will Air On BBC In 2025
The “King and Conqueror” series was officially validated by BBC in November of 2023. At that point, only James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau were revealed as cast members, but more actors have been added to the roster since then.
In addition to their acting roles in the show, Norton and Coster-Waldau are also recognized as executive producers. Norton’s production company, Rabbit Track Pictures, is part of the project as well. According to reports from BBC, Coster-Waldau even directed one of the episodes. CBS Studios is another producer for this series, which was penned by Michael Robert Johnson and debut director Baltasar Kormákur. The series will make its debut on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, consisting of a total of 8 episodes.
King And Conqueror Cast
James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Lead A Diverse Cast
Since the series “King and Conqueror” unfolds during a tumultuous era marked by significant change in English history, its ensemble features performers hailing from assorted cultural backgrounds. While aficionados of British television may spot some familiar faces, this diverse cast also includes actors from France, Italy, and Denmark.
James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau star in the leading roles of “King and Conqueror”, where they portray Harold, Earl of Wessex, and William, Duke of Normandy respectively. While Norton has been a consistent figure in British television and film, his admirers may remember him from Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women” as John Brooke or recall him as the enigmatic Jaime Lannister on “Game of Thrones”, portrayed by Coster-Waldau.
| The Cast Of King And Conqueror | ||
|---|---|---|
| Actor | Most Notable Movie/TV Role | Role In King And Conqueror |
| James Norton | John Brooke in Little Women (2019) | Harold, Earl of Wessex |
| Nikolaj Coster-Waldau | Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones (2011-2019) | William, Duke of Normandy |
| Emily Beecham | Catherine in Cruella (2021) | Edith Swan-neck |
| Clémence Poésy | Isabelle in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon (2023-2024) | Matilda |
| Eddie Marsan | Terry Donovan in Ray Donovan (2013-2020) | King Edward |
| Juliet Stevenson | Nina in Truly, Madly, Deeply (1990) | Lady Emma |
| Jean-Marc Barr | Jacques Mayol in The Big Blue (1988) | King Henry |
| Luther Ford | Prince Harry in The Crown (2023) | Tostig |
| Joseph Mawle | Adar in Rings of Power (2022) | Fitzosbern |
| Geoff Bell | Fred the Head in RocknRolla (2008) | Godwin |
| Elliot Cowan | Ptolemy in Alexander (2004) | Sweyn |
| Bo Bragason | Roxy in Renegade Nell (2024) | Queen Gunhild |
| Bjarne Henriksen | Theis Birk Larsen in The Killing (2007) | Earl Siward |
| Clare Holman | Dr. Laura Hobson in Inspector Lewis (2006-2015) | Gytha |
| Oliver Mascucci | Ulrich Nielsen in Dark (2017-2020) | Baldwin |
| Léo Legrand | Young Thomas in A Distant Neighbourhood (2010) | Odo |
| Indy Lewis | Mychal in House of David (2025) | Margaret |
English actor Eddie Marsan portrays King Edward the Confessor, a historical Anglo-Saxon ruler who was later revered as one of England’s national saints. Marsan has an extensive career in films and television that spans decades, with his latest role being in the BBC series “Reunion”. Emily Beecham takes on Edith Swan-neck, Harold’s wife, while Clémence Poésy plays Matilda, William’s wife. Juliet Stevenson, Luther Ford, Jean-Marc Barr, Joseph Mawle, Bjarne Henriksen, Geoff Bell, Clare Holman, and others make up the rest of the cast.
King And Conqueror Story Details
The Series Is Based On The Historical Battle Of Hastings
In the early 12th century, the tale unfolds in England and France, featuring the character known as King and Conqueror. During this time, Harold Godwinson, who was tied to King Edward through marriage, was declared the rightful heir to the English crown since Edward had no offspring of his own. However, William of Normandy disputes Harold’s claim, asserting that the throne was previously pledged to him instead. The situation becomes even more intricate, as Harold isn’t the only one vying for the English throne; his brother Tostig and King Harald of Norway also have ambitions in this regard.
In a way that seems more like a tale from “Game of Thrones,” the series “King and Conqueror” is rooted in significant figures from British history. The conflict reached its peak with an enormous battle on English ground – the Battle of Hastings in 1066, which ended in triumph for the Normans. This victory would set off a chain of events that would indelibly alter the course of the nation’s history.
What King And Conqueror Actor James Norton Has Said About The Show
James Norton Was Originally Going To Play William The Conqueror
As both leading actor and executive producer on “King and Conqueror,” James Norton felt understandably thrilled about the undertaking. However, there’s a scenario where Norton could have portrayed his adversary, William, rather than King Harold. In 2024, Norton disclosed that initially, he had set his sights on playing William the Conqueror himself. Unfortunately, his commitment to HBO’s “The Nevers” created a hurdle.
HBO made it clear that I could take on the roles of King and Conqueror, given my executive producer status and involvement in its development. However, they stipulated that my character must perish. This is a common provision in actor contracts – they allow for short, limited series but prohibit long-term commitments with potential risks. So, under these terms, I was compelled to accept the role.
The implication was clear: If “King and Conqueror” gained sufficient popularity to merit another season, Jude Law would have broken his contract with HBO. Ironically, “The Nevers,” which he starred in, was axed by the cable network in 2023. Even though he adopted a new character in “King and Conqueror”, Law’s enthusiasm for historical drama has remained unwavering. In an interview with Collider in 2024, Law shared his fascination with the history and key figures that influenced the show.
The rapid development of my interest in this subject can be attributed to its intrigue and significant role in English history. In England, the year 1066 – the Battle of Hastings – is one of the earliest dates we learn, making it a familiar topic for many, including myself. The fascination has grown over time due to the captivating personalities involved. This collection of real historical characters is quite extraordinary and has kept me increasingly engaged with the subject, even though I’m not particularly passionate about history by nature.
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2025-04-27 02:50