Picture: Netflix
The former BBC show is returning to Netflix as a fully fledged Netflix Original this November! Many fans have been waiting with anticipation for The 8th-century drama to return for its 3rd season. Here’s everything we know so far about season 3 of The Last Kingdom.
Based upon Bernard Cromwell’s The Saxon Stories, The Last Kingdom is a fictional historical action-drama that takes place in 8th-century England. The story is centered around the creation of England as a nation by the actions of Alfred the Great. The narrative of the story is the point of view of Uhtred. Formerly named Osbert, Uhtred was the son of the Lord of Bebbanburg. A Viking raid that resulted in the death of his brother also resulted in the death of his father in a revenge attack.
Osbert is taken captive by the Danish and renamed Uthbert while his uncle usurps the Ealdorman. After many years as a slave under the Dane Ragnar, Uhtred takes part in the conquests of Mercia and East Anglia. After the death of his former master forces Uhhred to flee the Danes, he escapes to the kingdom of Wessex. It is here he meets Alfred, the king of Wessex. The fateful encounter sets in motion the future of the island nation and Uhtred’s plan to take back the Ealdorman from his uncle.
Season 2 Finale Recap
The shocking finale saw a whole feast of bloody deaths. After the kidnap of Aethelflaed, Alfred was uncertain of his duty. Should he save his daughter by paying the extravagant ransom? Or for the benefit of the kingdom does he let her die in captivity?
The kidnapping happened after the Danes tricked Alfred and Uhtred forces by vacating the stronghold under attack and attacking the main camp. Due to Aethelflaed’s husband’s controlling and possessive nature, he brought her with him to the battle but left them behind at the main camp. This resulted in the Dane’s kidnapping her and demanding the ransom. After Alfred makes the decision to pay off the ransom, he consequently falls out with Odda the Ealdorman, who proclaims she would be better off dead. Odda’s defiance would result in his death after marching on the fort of Beamfleot.
During her captivity, Aethelflaed fell in love with her captor, Erik, and they planned to run away together. Upon Uhtred’s arrival to negotiate terms the pair are discovered by Uhtred and Sigefrid. The resulting battle of Beamfleot would see the place burned to the ground. Sigefrid would kill his brother Erik in revenge for his plan to leave his side. In revenge for the death of her lover. Aethelflaed would kill Sigefrid. Potentially pregnant with Erik’s child, Aethelflaed would return to her husband, but after witnessing her kill Sigefrid, he may be wary of crossing her ever again.
What Can We Expect from Season 3?
The following season will most likely follow the narrative of The Burning Lands and The Pagan Lord, the fifth and sixth novels of the Saxon Stories. The story will see further conflict between the Saxons and the invading Danes. Uhtred will continue to see further conflict as he endeavors to return to Northumbria to claim his birthright.
List of the Cast and Casting News
The core cast is returning for season 3, the list of the returning cast members is below:
| Role | Actress/Actor | Where Have I Seen Them Before? |
|---|---|---|
| Uhtred | Alexander Dreymon | Blood Ransom, Resistance, Guys Reading Poems |
| King Alfred | David Dowson | Ripper Street, Peaky Blinders, Luther |
| Ragnar the Younger | Tobias Santelmann | Hercules, Marcella, The Heavy Water War |
| Brida | Emily Cox | The Silent Mountain, Rammbock: Berlin Undead, The Fatherless |
| Thyra | Julia Bache-Wiig | Max Manus: Man of War, Two Lives, A Somewhat Gentle Man |
| Steapa | Adrian Bouchet | Alien vs. Predator, Ben-Hur, Arthur and Merlin |
| Aethelflaed | Millie Brady | Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Legend, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword |
| Aelswith | Eliza Butterworth | DCI Banks, WPC 56 |
| Pyrlig | Cavan Clerkin | Nice Guy, Gangster No.1, Pierrepoint |
| Beocca | Ian Hart | Harry Potter, Backbeat, The Hours and Times |
4 new cast members have been announced to appear in the 3rd season:
| Actress/Actor | Role | Character Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ola Rapace | Harold Bloodhair | Enemy of Uhtred, Skade’s lover and a Danish Earl |
| Magnus Bruun | Cnut Ranulfson | Viking Warlord |
| Timothy Innes | Edward | Son of King Alfred and Heir apparent to the throne of Wessex |
| Thea Sofie Loch Næss | Skade | Danish Woman, fierce fighter, wife of Skirnir |
Are there any pictures of the set?
The official Twitter account for The Last Kingdom released some fantastic set photos recently!
Filmed in Hungary over several months, #TheLastKingdom season 3 cast & crew really were men and women for all seasons! Filming battle scenes in sub zero temperatures certainly makes for realistic and raw shots… and very cold toes! pic.twitter.com/Gg2sWUakN3
— The Last Kingdom (@TheLastKingdom) 14 November 2018
Has Netflix released a trailer?
The trailer just dropped at the weekend, and it’s safe to say we can’t wait for season 3!
Will there be a Season 4?
Netflix has only renewed for Season 3. Depending on the reaction to the next season will determine if Netflix renew. We could potentially see a brand new cast for future seasons as time skips further the plot of the books.
Are you excited for season 3 of The Last Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below!
Netflix Synopsis: "As Alfred the Great defends his kingdom from Norse invaders, Uhtred -- born a Saxon but raised by Vikings -- seeks to claim his ancestral birthright."
