‘Vikings’ Creator Michael Hirst on Dream Project About Medieval Heretics and New Show ‘Bloodaxe’: ‘It’s a New World’
Get ready for “Bloodaxe.” “We shot the first season last year and it’s spectacular,” writer and executive producer Michael Hirst, best known for “Vikings,” tells Variety at the Monte-Carlo Television…
Get ready for “Bloodaxe.” “We shot the first season last year and it’s spectacular,” writer and executive producer Michael Hirst, best known for “Viki
Read Full Story at Variety →Why This Matters
The announcement of *Bloodaxe* signals a shift in historical storytelling toward narratives that challenge traditional power structures, with medieval heretics at the center rather than kings or conquerors. This move reflects growing audience appetite for complex, morally ambiguous figures who defy institutional authority—especially in an era where institutional skepticism is rising.
Background Context
Medieval heresy movements, often brutally suppressed by the Church and secular rulers, have rarely been the focus of mainstream historical drama, despite their pivotal role in shaping modern religious and political thought. Hirst’s pivot to this subject matter aligns with a broader trend in prestige television toward marginalized histories, yet it remains a relatively untapped reservoir of dramatic tension.
What Happens Next
If *Bloodaxe* succeeds, it could spur a wave of productions exploring "forgotten" rebellions and dissenters, particularly those tied to religious or social upheaval. The show’s release timing—amidst renewed debates over historical revisionism—may also invite scrutiny over how such narratives are framed for modern audiences.
Bigger Picture
This project underscores television’s evolving relationship with historical narratives, moving beyond epic conquests to examine the undercurrents of resistance that defined eras. It also reflects a broader cultural fascination with "the other side" of history, where outsiders and dissidents take center stage—a trend seen in recent hits like *The Last Duel* and *The Northman*.
