The History Channel’s popular historical drama series Vikings is currently in production for season three. The show portrays actor Travis Fimmel as Ragnar Lothbrok, a legendary Viking hero of Scandinavian folklore who was said to be the scourge of France and England in the ninth century.
After the tumultuous and bloody events closing the second season, Ragnar has consolidated his power. After dispatching both Jarl Borg and King Horik, Lothbrok has taken the crown of Denmark for himself, ascending to the throne. The former farmer who became a lord has now become the ruler.
With the armies and fleets of Denmark now at Ragnar’s disposal, season three of Vikings will no doubt be heating up the battlefield a bit. Creator and showrunner Michael Hirst has stated that the next chapter of the story will see Lothbrok and his men invade France and besiege the walls of Paris itself.
This will be a massive battle, much larger than the smaller engagements and raids thus far seen on the show. For the siege of Paris, the show’s creators are using CGI to recreate Ragnar’s large fleet of 100 Viking longboats.
The English have already been dealing with invasions from Ragnar and his men, and in season three we will see the French response to this as well. Canadian actor Lothaire Buteau has been cast to play Emperor Charles the Bald of France, the grandson of Emperor Charlemagne.
Also joining the show are Morgane Polanski as Princess Gisla, the daughter and adviser of Emperor Charles. Jennie Jacques will debut as a woman named Judith, the mother of the future English king Alfred the Great, and actor Kevin Durand will appear as a mysterious new character called the Wanderer.
Lead actor Travis Fimmel told reporters that the next story arc will be more action-packed, focusing more on Ragnar’s violent expeditions than on the drama going on back home in Kattegat. Previous seasons of Vikings premiered in February and March, so the third chapter may debut around that time next year.