History announced that both Alexander Ludwig (The Hunger Games) and Linus Roache (“Law & Order“) have joined the cast of their hit drama series “Vikings,” which is moving into its second season. Ludwig will play Bjorn, the intelligent and bold warrior son of Ragnar Lothbrok, and Roache will star as Ecbert, King of Wessex, a man full of strength, knowledge and undisguised ambition.
The 10-episode second season will begin production this summer and is slated to return in 2014.
“Vikings” tells the extraordinary tales of the lives and epic adventures of these warriors. The drama portrays the world of these Dark Age raiders, traders, explorers – not from an outsider’s view, but, through the eyes of Viking society.
Returning cast includes Travis Fimmel as Ragnar Lothbrok; Katheryn Winnick as Lagertha, a fierce shield maiden and Ragnar’s wife; George Blagden as Athelstan, a young, innocent Christian Monk; Donal Logue as King Horrik, who desires to make the increasingly famous Earl Ragnar an ally and supporter; Jessalyn Gilsig as Siggy, beautiful wife of the late Earl Haraldson;Clive Standen as Rollo, Ragnar’s impulsive, wild, care-free brother; Gustaf Skarsgard, a ship builder who designs the new generation of Vikings ships and Alyssa Sutherland as Princess Aslaug, Ragnar’s new love interest.
Over the nine weeks in season one, “Vikings” became the #1 new cable series of the year, averaging 4.3 million total viewers, 2.0 million Adults 25-54 and 1.8 Adults 18-49.
“Vikings” is created and written by Michael Hirst (Elizabeth, “The Tudors”), who also 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“). Dirk Hoogstra and Julian P. Hobbs are the Executives in Charge of Production for History.
“Vikings” is an international Irish/Canadian co-production being co-produced by World 2000 and Take 5 Productions. History broadcasts domestically in the U.S. MGM Television brought the series to the network and brings “Vikings” to the global audience, serving as the international distributor outside of Ireland, Canada and the U.S. “Vikings” is produced in association with Shaw Media, and the series also airs on History in Canada.
