Reports and speculations about Season 4 of the historical drama TV series “Vikings” on the History Channel are mostly centered on the impending departure of King Ragnar Lothbrok, played by actor Travis Fimmel, from the plotline via a possible death.
With the decision of Fimmel to focus more on acting on films rather than on the small screen, his King Ragnar character will have to die since there are no plans from the producers or the showrunner to just replace the Australian actor on the role.
In a recent interview, show creator Michael Hirst said that he has always seen “Vikings” without Ragnar, confirming previous reports that the widely popular TV series will have to part ways with its previous main character in the upcoming Season 4.
Hirst added that he thought that it was very important when he realized that Ragnar had many sons and that some of his sons became more famous than he was. With that being said, he cited that he can perfectly envision a world without Ragnar and instead focus on the adventures of his sons, details Crossmap.
Even Travis Fimmel in a previous interview hinted about the future of “Vikings” without him on it. He said that this (referring to Season 3) was a year where they felt like they were trying to introduce other people. He pointed out that the show was trying to ‘man up’ certain people and all that sort of stuff, short of saying that the producers want people to take on bigger roles in the upcoming season of “Vikings.”
Aces on his sleeve
Michael Hirst appears to be keeping some aces on his sleeve with regards to possible new plotlines for “Vikings” Season 4.
While King Ragnar will be exiting in the upcoming season, a few actors have been cast to play on new roles for the TV series.
Peter Franzen will be playing Harald Finehair of Scandinavia. Chinese actress Diane Doan will be joining the world of the “Vikings” as the character named Yidu, and Jasper Paakkonen will be giving life to the role of Harald’s brother, Halfdan the Black, details the Realty Today.
Based on previous reports, Yidu will play an important part in the life of King Ragnar, at least before he dies in Season 4.
Can sustain fan interest
Despite the impending departure of Travis Fimmel from the show, Hirst is confident that the remainder of the cast would be able to hold on to the gripping storyline of “Vikings” in its upcoming fourth season.
History Channel general manager Dick Hoogstra also expressed his optimism on the future of the show, considering that “Vikings” is one of the most lucrative and anticipated projects in the network.
The network boss said that he believes that “Vikings” will continue to raid the hearts of both viewers and critics even with the departure of Fimmel because the TV series has established itself as one of the most compelling and visually stunning dramas on television today.
“Vikings” is actually inspired by the sagas of the Nordic people led by King Ragnar Lothbrok, one of the best-known mythological Norse heroes and notorious for being the scourge of England and France.
Ragnar was actually a former farmer who evolves to become a king when he successfully raided England with the support of his family and fellow warriors. The Irish-Canadian co-production is being filmed in Ireland.
Indicative of the success of the TV series, Zenescope recently partnered with the History Channel to create a free “Vikings” comic book based on the TV show, which was first distributed during the ComicCon 2013.
The comic book was written by Michael Hirst himself, lending credence to its authenticity and congruity with the TV series.