The Last Kingdom

2022 - 3 - 10

‘Last Kingdom’ Star Alexander Dreymon on Bringing Uhtred’s Story to a Close in the Show’s Fifth and Final Season (unknown)

Alexander Dreymon, star of "The Last Kingdom," gives a spoiler-filled interview on the final season of the Netflix show.

And while we’re doing that scene, I just crumbled inside every time he did that, because it was such a loving act of somebody saying, “It’s OK. This is the way it should be.” So it was a scene that was difficult because what was happening in the story, but as an actor there are always several levels to what you’re doing. And I went up to the battlements and he just talked me through all of the moments. And I thought she played that scene so brilliantly because she managed to vacillate between moments of vulnerability caused by this realization that it’s going to be over for her soon and the responsibility that she bears by her position. That was actually an idea that was added by our stunt coordinator, Levente Lezsák, that Uhtred was going to be the one to execute him and I thought it was so fitting. I mean, I’m sounding like a broken record, but I feel like a lot of the actors that that were on the show for a while have really stepped it up this season. It’s not easy to find the right moment to do it simply because prepping a directing venture like that takes a few months and then there’s a few months of post. I think she served the story wonderfully, and she really managed to bring across this state of being torn between between her honor and needing to fight Brida but at the same time trying to keep these women that she was responsible for safe. And it’s so easy to be in the moment with her, because she is open and willing to run with anything that you throw at her and she gives you so much back. He is kind of the sheriff of Rumcofa, which is a border town and he is in the service of Aethelflaed, the Lady of Mercia. He’s keeping the border safe for her. In Season 5, there’s this awesome scene that I was lucky enough to have in the episode I directed, where she finds out what’s going on, and that she has breast cancer and that her days are numbered. I am so glad you say that, because I agree with you, 100%. And I actually told him that right after I finished watching the season — I wrote him an email and said, “Dude, you really kill it.” He grew that character in such an interesting way. Uhtred finds himself in an unusual place at the beginning of the season — unable to be with Aethelflaed (Millie Brady), the woman he loves and the Lady of Merica, he presides over a Mercian border town at her request.

How does Aethelflaed die? (unknown)

THE LAST KINGDOM season 5 saw Uhtred suffer some huge losses as the historical drama went out with a bang. How did Aethelflaed die?

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Image courtesy of "BBC History Magazine"

The real Uhtred of Bebbanburg: the historical inspirations for The ... (BBC History Magazine)

The Last Kingdom draws a great deal from history, but is the character of Uhtred of Bebbanburg among them? The formidable warrior of the TV series may be a ...

Bernard Cornwell, the historical novelist behind The Last Kingdom books, has never claimed his Uhtred to be anything other than a work of fiction, but there remains a personal note that sounds across a millennium. He is recorded by the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as submitting to Danish king Sweyn Forkbeard in 1013, along with “all the Northumbrians” and the inhabitants of Lincolnshire. But there is evidence of Anglo-Scottish hostilities, and the evidence of Uhtred’s marriage to Æthelred’s daughter suggests that under Uhtred, Northumbria was moving towards the orbit of an English kingdom. Uhtred probably earned recognition as the earl of the Northumbrians at this point, even though his father was still alive for a short time afterwards. There is evidence of Earl Uhtred as a man of action. Dux was a Latin word for someone with the regional governor office of ealdorman or, in Uhtred’s case, the title of earl (from the Scandinavian jarl).

Why won’t there be The Last Kingdom season 6? (unknown)

The Last Kingdom star Alexander Dreymon and executive producer Nigel Marchant explain why The Last Kingdom is ending with season 5 on Netflix.

"Season 5 does feel like the end of the TV series, and the movie will be much more standalone," he said. "However, for a good while now we've been in talks about maybe a little extension... it's a lot of story you tell within that and you have to be careful not to repeat," he explained in July 2021. And how long can you keep going with those two themes without ever getting to a climax?" I think it's always nicer if you curate that, rather than it just finishes and you don't finish telling the story." "We had always planned for it to be five seasons only so it came as a surprise to no one really.

Here's how the real Aethelflaed from "The Last Kingdom" died (unknown)

Just like Aethelflaed's fate in book 10 of Bernard Cornwell's The Saxon Stories, upon which The Last Kingdom is based, Aethelflaed died of breast cancer. Sadly, ...

The real Aethelflaed ruled Mercia from 911 until her death in 918. But her time on the Mercian throne is cut short, and in Episode 4 she dies, breaking Uhtred's heart. She was thought to be 47 or 48 years old at the time of her death. Sadly, despite efforts by Aelswith (Eliza Butterworth) and Father Benedict (Patrick Robinson) to source some divine intervention to save her, Aethelflaed died from her illness. She was known as Lady of the Mercians after the death of her husband Ethelred, Lord of the Mercians in 911. Just like Aethelflaed in The Last Kingdom, the real Aethelflaed was the eldest daughter of Alfred the Great (David Dawson) and his wife Aelswith.

The Last Kingdom has ended – the chances of a season 6 (unknown)

The Last Kingdom season 6 might not happen as the show has been cancelled – here's what lies in store for the franchise beyond season 5, including a new ...

After all, this wouldn't be the first time that a show has moved beyond the realms of the source material into pastures new. "However, we did know there were a few more books (not to spoil anything!) following on from where we get to at the end of season 5. If there's a sudden resurgence of interest in the film, Netflix may decide to commission a sixth season, regardless of whether Cornwell writes a 14th book or not. "Season 5 does feel like the end of the TV series, and the movie will be much more standalone. Following that announcement, there was also a lot of concern regarding how the story would be tied up. Over the five seasons there was a very definite beginning, middle and end, so it was a group decision that we came to.

The Last Kingdom: Eadith, the Canker, and Aethelflaed’s Illness (unknown)

The Last Kingdom season 5 cast member Stefanie Martini tells us how Eadith came by her new healer experience. Episodes 1-4 spoilers ahead.

In The Flame Bearer, Book 10 of Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories saga (now renamed The Last Kingdom saga in honour of the TV adaptation), it’s also suggested that Aethelflaed dies of breast cancer. In Chapter Six, Uhtred visits Aethelflaed and urges her to get help with her illness. The study of disease was underway even in the 9th century. Those were the first steps in Eadith’s journey to independence, which led to her spending the years between seasons four and five learning the role of a healer. When the pair meet as arranged at Uhtred’s trading post of Rumcofa, Eadith discovers that Aethelflaed’s disease – the canker – is too advanced to cure. The Last Kingdom fans were introduced to Eadith as an adjunct to powerful men.

Where was viking drama The Last Kingdom filmed? (unknown)

The violent, loosely historical drama series follows Uhtred, a Saxon taken by Danes as a youngster, who embarks on an epic quest to reclaim his birthright.

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Does Uhtred Die? What Happens to Brida? Who is Osbert? (unknown)

'The Last Kingdom' Season 5 ending explained: does Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon) die? What happens to Brida (Emily Cox)? Who is Osbert?

The Last Kingdom Season 5 was intended to be the show’s final season and it rightfully ends with Uhtred reclaiming his birthright. Uhtred and Aethelstan reunite in the burning courtyard of Bebbanburg. Aethelstan wants him to leave, but Uhtred says it is his destiny to die in Bebbanburg. The heavens open up and quench the fires with rain. (Osbert is also the boy Hild says is too young to help Uhtred in The Last Kingdom Season 5 Episode 9.) The Last Kingdom Season 5 opens by revealing that Brida has been hiding out in Iceland for a few years. In doing so, he seems to rekindle a bit of the old Brida, but it’s for nought. Uhtred and Wihtgar grapple in the dark and our hero easily kills his evil cousin by pushing him off a balcony. Osbert is Young Uhtred and Stiorra’s full sibling, so it would have been interesting to see that reunion. For the last five seasons, Uhtred has fallen in love, fought with valor, and changed the course of history. Stiorra and her people agree and manage to attack the Scots from the rear. Uhtred and pals head back to the ramparts where they can see Constantin’s trap. We saw the warrior’s final showdown with Brida (Emily Cox), his tragic farewell to lady love Aethelflaed (Millie Brady), and Uhtred’s long-awaited return to Bebbanburg. So how exactly does Netflix’s The Last Kingdom end? And Netflix’s The Last Kingdom has finally met its destiny.

The Last Kingdom Cast on the New Big Bad: ‘Brida is Fierce in Season Five’ (unknown)

Alexander Dreymon and Emily Cox reflect on Uhtred and Brida's love-hate relationship in Netflix's The Last Kingdom.

It’s the last time I’m putting on these shoes and I’m putting on her clothes and taking her axe. Scary, but also strangely content, says Cox. The season five opener finds Brida as happy as she could be, with a cult-like army of followers and a mission from the Gods. “From her point of view, big injustice has happened to her and she’s ready to take revenge and to destroy the people who did that to her. (A Netflix movie, not announced at the time we speak and about which the actors were sworn to secrecy, is currently in production) “It’s quite sad. A fervent believer in Danish supremacy, for her, fighting for Daneland is the only true path. Cox talks about the character of Brida with affection and compassion – no easy task for a character capable of such sadism. She went straight from playing warrior Brida to a lead role on feature film Alma & Oskar, even having to miss the wrap party with her beloved Last Kingdom co-stars.

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