Latest news with #historicalepic


BBC News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
King & Conqueror trailer and new picture released for epic drama starring James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
The trailer and a new picture have been released for King & Conqueror, a new eight-part historical epic coming to BBC iPlayer and BBC One this year. The 60-second trailer shows Harold, Earl of Wessex (James Norton) and William, Duke of Normandy (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) as they battle for the throne alongside their respective wives, Edith Swan-neck (Emily Beecham) and Matilda (Clémence Poésy). The trailer also features allies and enemies such as King Edward (Eddie Marsan), Lady Emma (Juliet Stevenson), Morcar (Elander Moore), Gytha (Clare Holman), Tostig (Luther Ford), Queen Gunhild (Bo Bragason) and Godwin (Geoff Bell). King & Conqueror is produced by The Development Partnership, Rabbit Track Pictures, Shepherd Content, RVK Studios and CBS Studios, in association with the BBC. The series is created and written by Michael Robert Johnson with the opening episode directed by Baltasar Kormákur. The series also stars Jean-Marc Barr as King Henry, Elliott Cowan as Sweyn, Bjarne Henriksen as Earl Siward, Oliver Masucci as Baldwin, Indy Lewis as Margaret, Jason Forbes as Thane Thomas, Ingvar Sigurdsson as Fitzosbern, Ines Asserson as Judith, Sveinn Ólafur Gunnarsson as Hardrada and Léo Legrand as Odo. King & Conqueror is the story of a clash that defined the future of a country – and a continent – for a thousand years, the roots of which stretch back decades and extend out through a pair of interconnected family dynasties, struggling for power across two countries and a raging sea. Harold of Wessex and William of Normandy were two men destined to meet at the Battle of Hastings in 1066; two allies with no design on the English throne, who found themselves forced by circumstance and personal obsession into a war for possession of its crown. The 8x60' series is created and executive produced by Michael Robert Johnson and executive produced by James Norton and Kitty Kaletsky for Rabbit Track Pictures, Baltasar Kormákur and Magnus Sigurdsson for RVK Studios, Robert Taylor for The Development Partnership, Dave Clarke and Richard Halliwell for Shepherd Content, Lindsay Martin for CBS Studios, Ed Clarke and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. Baltasar Kormákur directed the premiere episode and, as executive producer, has steered the creative across the series. King & Conqueror was acquired by Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition. The BBC has acquired broadcasting rights for the series in the United Kingdom and it is distributed outside of the UK by Paramount Global Content Distribution. King & Conqueror will premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this August. Watch King & Conqueror on iPlayer and add to your Watchlist MF3 Follow for more


Geek Tyrant
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
MASTER AND COMMANDER: FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD Finally Sets Sail on 4K Blu-ray with Steelbook Edition — GeekTyrant
Director Peter Weir's Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is finally getting the 4K treatment it deserves, and it's arriving with a stunning Steelbook edition that feels tailor-made for collectors and naval warfare geeks alike. Released in 2003, Master and Commander is an adaptation of several of Patrick O'Brian's novels, set during the Napoleonic Wars in 1805. It stars Russell Crowe as Captain Jack 'Lucky Jack' Aubrey and Paul Bettany as ship's doctor and naturalist Stephen Maturin. While it earned 10 Academy Award nominations (including Best Picture), the film's legacy has grown over time, now celebrated as one of the most detailed and grounded historical epics ever made. Crowe himself famously came to the film's defense in 2021, clapping back at a post that mocked the movie for not being exciting enough. He wrote: 'That's the problem with kids these days. No focus. Peter Weir's film is brilliant. An exacting, detail oriented, epic tale of fidelity to Empire & service, regardless of the cost. Incredible cinematography by Russell Boyd & a majestic soundtrack. Definitely an adults movie.' This is a film that prizes character, realism, and atmosphere over spectacle. The bond between Aubrey and Maturin gives the movie its emotional core, and Weir's attention to detail, from naval tactics to period-accurate wardrobe, cements it as a film that rewards viewers who appreciate craft. The new 4K Blu-ray drops on August 5 and comes equipped with Dolby Vision HDR and Atmos audio. The Steelbook packaging is also a highlight: featuring an illustrated cover of Captain Aubrey, a compass rose design on the back, and a moody interior shot of Crowe braving stormy seas—it has the look of a weathered maritime journal pulled from a captain's quarters. Bonus features include: Deleted Scenes Historical and Geographical Trivia Track Pop-Up Map For fans who want to experience it how it was meant to be seen, 20th Century Studios is hosting a special one-night-only 4K theatrical screening at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood on August 1 as part of Beyond Fest. It's a rare chance to feel the full power of cannon fire and crashing waves on the big screen. If you already love this film, this release is a no-brainer. And if you've never seen it? Now's your chance to climb aboard.


Geek Tyrant
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
BRIDGERTON Actress Jessica Madsen Cast as Gunnhild in Prime Video's Viking Drama BLOODAXE — GeekTyrant
Jessica Madsen, best known for her role as the sharp-tongued Cressida Cowper in Bridgerton , is stepping into entirely different territory, as she has been tapped to play the fierce and powerful Gunnhild, wife to the legendary Norse raider Erik Bloodaxe, in Prime Video's upcoming series Bloodaxe . She will star opposite Xavier Molyneux, whose casting as Erik was confirmed earlier this week. Bloodaxe is the latest historical epic from Vikings creator Michael Hirst, this time teaming up with his son Horatio Hirst. The duo will co-write, showrun, and executive produce the series, which they describe as a high-stakes, emotionally charged saga set during a brutal time in Norse history. The story follows Erik and Gunnhild as they fight to claim the throne of Norway, all while the kingdom is fractured by rival warlords, unstable alliances, and looming war. 'The land is torn apart by fierce rivals, shifting loyalties, and bloody betrayals. With war looming and chaos consuming the kingdom, drawing in the ruthless Kings of other Scandinavian countries, and even a powerful English ruler, the stage is set for a thundering, cataclysmic, compelling and utterly magical new Norse Saga.' Production kicks off this summer in Ireland and Iceland, and the series is being produced by MGM Television, now under Amazon MGM Studios. While comparisons to Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla are inevitable, especially with the same studio backing the project, Bloodaxe is carving out its own narrative. It takes place decades after the events of the original Vikings and decades before Valhalla , making it a standalone saga rather than a direct continuation. I'm excited to see what this series delivers! Source: Deadline