A sweeping historical drama, poised to captivate audiences, is set to grace BBC iPlayer this summer. "The King and Conqueror," the brainchild of writer Michael Robert Johnson, plunges viewers into the tumultuous world of 11th-century Britain. Leading the charge is James Norton, stepping into the formidable role of King Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England.
Norton, recently recognised as one of Britain's most accomplished actors across stage and screen, will share the spotlight with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, famed for his portrayal of Jaime Lannister in "Game of Thrones," who takes on the mantle of William the Conqueror. This eight-part series promises a gripping narrative centred around a pivotal clash that irrevocably shaped the destiny of a nation – and indeed, a continent – for the subsequent millennium.
The drama delves into the intricate tapestry of events that led to the fateful Battle of Hastings in 1066. The story traces back through decades, exploring the intertwined fates of two powerful families locked in a relentless struggle for dominance across the English Channel. We see Harold of Wessex and William of Normandy, initially allies with no ambition for the English throne, gradually find themselves propelled by circumstance and personal ambition into a bitter conflict for control of the crown. The BBC has hinted at a story where fate and ambition collide, turning allies into adversaries in a desperate struggle for power.
Filmed across diverse locations, including the starkly beautiful landscapes of Iceland – specifically Reykjavik and Heiðmörk – before concluding production in July, "The King and Conqueror" represents a significant investment for the BBC. The production team ventured far and wide to bring this historical epic to life.
The ensemble cast boasts a wealth of talent, including Eddie Marsan, Juliet Stevenson, Bo Bragason, Luther Ford, and Ingvar Sigurdsson. Later in the filming schedule, Elander Moore, Indy Lewis, Jason Forces, Ines Asserson, Sveinn Ólafur Gunnarsson, and Léo Legrand also joined the production, further enriching the cast.
Interestingly, Norton's involvement almost took a different path. The acclaimed actor initially expressed interest in portraying William the Conqueror. However, prior contractual obligations stemming from his role in the HBO series "The Nevers" presented a hurdle. Due to restrictions imposed by HBO, he was ultimately able to accept the role of Harold Godwinson, as his contract stipulated he could only take on characters destined to die.
Beyond "The King and Conqueror," Norton is also making waves in another highly anticipated HBO series. He was recently seen on the set of "House of the Dragon," the popular "Game of Thrones" prequel.
Norton, known for his compelling performances in series like "Happy Valley" and "War & Peace," will be joining the cast of "House of the Dragon" as Ormund Hightower, the head of the influential House Hightower. On-set photographs captured him filming scenes alongside Matt Smith, who plays Daemon Targaryen. The images show Norton's character surrendering his sword to Daemon, leaving viewers to speculate whether this signifies capitulation or a strategic alliance. These behind-the-scenes glimpses offer a tantalising preview of what's to come in the upcoming series.
The filming took place in the Surrey countryside, providing a picturesque backdrop for the unfolding drama. Norton was seen in full costume, resplendent in the green and silver colours of House Hightower. While the release date for the third series of "House of the Dragon" remains unconfirmed, the show was officially renewed following the premiere of its second series last year.
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