History, the network channel that Vikings is broadcast on, has given the go ahead on a 5th season and have recruited Cork native Jonathan Rhys Meyers to join the cast.
Meyers is no stranger to the periodic drama with a Grammy Award to boast for his performance as King Henry VIII in The Tudors. The show which ran for 4 seasons became an international hit putting Meyers on the global map as a force to be reckoned with. Michael Hurst who created The Tudors is also the mastermind behind Vikings and is acutely aware of the flair Meyers will bring to the show.
Vikings is deeply rooted in Ireland with its first four seasons shot in Co.Wicklow and production going on in Luggala and Ashford Studios. It brings in huge employment for the Irish media sector with over 400 Irish employees in the production process and approximately 800 extras being sought out for the fourth season of the show.
Vikings recreates the tales of the Icelandic Viking Ragnar Lothbrok (played by Travis Fimmel), the ruthless scourge of England and France and a legendary Norse hero. Since its beginnings in 2013, the show has gone on the accumulate a huge following, 4.2 million to be precise. It has also been lauded with critical success with a total of 5 nominations for the upcoming IFTA awards, including 'Best Drama'.
Series 5 is set to release in 2017 with a total of 20 episodes. If you're wondering whether or not Vikings would be to your taste, check out the trailer for Season 4 below.