Being an Anglophile and a history nerd, I am very excited about the upcoming series,King and Conqueror.Produced by CBS Studios and the BBC, the show follows the historical Battle of Hastings, a pivotal event in English history, which was fought by the Saxon king, Harold Godwinson, and the Norman invader, William the Conqueror. Although many English schoolchildren grew up learning about the infamous battle that changed the country’s history, this is the first time that the event has been brought to life on screen.
If you love historical drama series as much as I do, and were obsessed withshows likeThe GreatandMary and George,King and Conquerormay be right up your alley. From the info that has been released aboutKing and Conquerorso far — including the writer, directors, and a massive cast of talented performers — it looks like the TV series is going to be an event to remember.
King And Conqueror Latest News
Actor James Norton Said That Shooting Was “Brutal”
As reported byDeadlinein February 2025,filming forKing and Conquerorbegan in Iceland earlier this year.The site also mentions that James Norton attended the London screenings to discuss the series, where he described some of the shooting process.“I was covered in mud and blood and layers of leather, it was a brutal shoot,”Norton said.
The actor and executive producer of the series went on to talk about director Baltasar Kormákur’s directing style in the first episode.“He had a very clear vision around the tone and the aesthetic – from the very beginning he wanted to avoid this being a clean, cozy period drama,”Norton said.He also mentioned how the director prioritized authenticity, especially when it came to period-accurate costumes:
“It took me hours every day to get ready because I had layer after layer of leather and chainmail. It paid dividends because you’re able to see everything is so authentic. That was something [Kormákur] was very stubborn about and it was so worth it in the end.” (via Deadline)
While there is no official release date as of yet, we do know thatKing and Conqueroris slated to premiere sometime in 2025.
King And Conqueror Confirmed
The Series Will Air On BBC In 2025
TheKing and Conquerorseries wasconfirmed byBBCin November 2023. At the time, the only cast members announced were James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, but many others have been confirmed since then.
Along with performing in the series,Norton and Coster-Waldau are also credited as executive producers.Norton’s production company, Rabbit Track Pictures, is also involved. BBC reported that Coster-Waldau also directed one of the episodes. Also produced by CBS studios, the show was written by Michael Robert Johnson, and the first episode was directed by Baltasar Kormákur. The series will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and will have a total of 8 episodes.
King And Conqueror Cast
BecauseKing and Conquerortakes place during a time of upheaval and massive reform in English history, the show’s cast is made up of actors from a variety of diverse backgrounds. While fans of British TV are likely to recognize some famous names, the cast list is also made up of actors from France, Italy, and Denmark.
James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau headline as the stars ofKing and Conqueror,playing Harold, Earl of Wessex, and William, Duke of Normandy, respectively.Norton has been an active presence in British TV and cinema for several years, though many may recognize him from Greta Gerwig’sLittle Womenas John Brooke, andGame of Thronesfans will instantly know Coster-Waldau as the suave and arrogant Jaime Lannister.
The Cast Of King And Conqueror
Role In King And Conqueror
Catherine inCruella(2021)
Adar inRings of Power(2022)
Fred the Head inRocknRolla(2008)
Ptolemy inAlexander(2004)
Mychal inHouse of David(2025)
Margaret
English actor Eddie Marsan plays King Edward the Confessor,the Anglo-Saxon king who later became one of the national saints of England. Marsan’s career spans over decades of movies and TV, and he has most recently appeared in the BBC seriesReunion.Emily Beecham plays Edith Swan-neck, the wife of Harold, and Clémence Poésy is Matilda, William’s wife. Juliet Stevenson, Luther Ford, Jean-Marc Barr, Joseph Mawle, Bjarne Henriksen, Geoff Bell, Clare Holman, and several others round out the cast.
King And Conqueror Story Details
The Series Is Based On The Historical Battle Of Hastings
The story ofKing and Conquerortakes place in England and France in the early 12th century. Harold Godwinson, the brother-in-law of King Edward, is named the heir to the throne of England, as Edward never had any children. However, William of Normandy contests Harold’s claim, insisting that the crown was previously promised to him. Things get even more complicated, as William isn’t King Harold’s only competition — his brother, Tostig, and King Harald of Norway also have their eyes on the English throne.
It may sound like something out ofGame of Thrones,butKing and Conqueroris actually based on important figures in British history.The dispute culminated in a massive battle on English soil — the Battle of Hastings in 1066, which resulted in a victory for the Normans, and would forever change the country’s history.
What King And Conqueror Actor James Norton Has Said About The Show
James Norton Was Originally Going To Play William The Conqueror
Being both star and executive producer ofKing and Conqueror,James Norton was naturally very excited about the project. Yet there was a world in which Norton might have played his rival, William, instead of King Harold. In 2024, Norton revealed that he originally was eyeing the part of William the Conqueror for himself, but his role in HBO’sThe Neverscaused an obstacle.
“HBO said very clearly, ‘You can go and shoot King and Conqueror, especially considering you’re an EP and you’re developing it, but you must die,”Norton said during a UK panel (viaVariety).“That’s what often happens with actors’ contracts. You’re allowed to do small, piecemeal, mini-series, limited, but you’re not allowed to commit to anything which has risk of going on. So my arm was forced.”
The insinuation was that ifKing and Conquerorwere to become popular enough to warrant a second season, Norton would be in breach of his contract with HBO. Ironically,The Neverswas cancelled by the cable network in 2023. Despite taking on a different role inKing and Conqueror, Norton’s passion for the historical drama has been a driving force. In an interview withColliderin 2024, Norton spoke about his fascination with the history and important figures that inspired the series.
“In terms of the reason why it’s kind of come to fruition quickly is partly because I find it fascinating, and it’s such an integral part of English history. In England, it’s the first date we learn — 1066, Battle of Hastings. No one really knows much more about it than that, but it’s one of the first things we learned so everyone has a relationship with it, including me. What’s continued to propel us forward is the characters. It’s this incredible gallery of really interesting characters, all real people from history. So, I’m not a history nut, but I’ve become more and more engaged with it."
