The Last Kingdom is a condensed adaptation of Bernard Cornwell’s novel series, The Saxon Stories. The series premiered on the BBC on October 10, 2015, and was acquired by Netflix in 2018. Netflix premiered the last three seasons, with season five premiering on March 9, 2022.
The Last Kingdom follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Viking-raised Saxon on a quest to reclaim his birthright of Bebbanburg. The series takes place in the late 800s when England was not united, and dealt with the threat of the Danish Vikings. With the wrap-up film, Seven Kings Must Die, on the horizon, it is time to refresh ourselves on the great characters of the series and who we most expect to see in the film.
Uhtred
Alexander Dreymon plays the lead, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. Uhtred’s father was killed in a battle with the Danes and as a result, Uhtred was taken in by the Danish Viking, Earl Ragnar, and raised as one of his own. Uhtred is constantly torn between his Viking upbringing and his Saxon ancestry, but he will stop at nothing to reclaim his birthright of Bebbanburg. Alexander Dreymon is absolutely incredible as Uhtred and is great casting for Cornwell's beloved character.
Brida
Brida is played by Emily Cox. Brida is a Saxon who was kidnapped alongside Uhtred. Unlike Uhtred, Brida has completely accepted the pagan ways and is a part of some of the best Viking scenes on television. Although she started the series as Uhtred’s lover, Brida now wants nothing more than to see Uhtred and the people he loves suffer.
Aelswith
Eliza Butterworth plays Aelswith. Aelswith is the wife of King Alfred (David Dawson, star of My Policeman) and the mother of King Edward (Timothy Innes) and Aethelflaed (Millie Brady). Aelswith is a very pious woman who fiercely loves her family, and with Butterworth’s performance, she quickly becomes a standout character. It will be interesting to see if Aelswith makes an appearance in the upcoming film.
Finan
The Spanish Princess' Mark Rowley plays Finan, who did not appear until season two but quickly became a fan favorite over the seasons. Finan is an Irish warrior and a devout Christian. Finan and Uhtred meet at a difficult time and quickly form a friendship resulting in Finan swearing his allegiance to Uhtred. Mark Rowley is great in this role and brings a bit of comedy to the otherwise serious show.
Sihtric
Another season two entry is Sihtric, played by Arnas Fedaravičius. Sihtric comes in around the same time as Finan and becomes part of the trio (Dreymon, Rowley, and Fedaravičius) that fans tuned in for. Their real-life friendship made for a great dynamic between the three warriors, especially Sihtric and Finan. The scenes with Fedaravičius and Rowley have also had some of the best cinematography in television.
Aethelflaed
Millie Brady plays Princess Aethelflaed, the daughter of King Alfred and Aelswith. She marries Aethelred, Lord of the Mercians (Reign’s Toby Regbo) and after his death becomes the ruler of the Mercians. Aethelflaed is ambitious, strong, and can be a bit impulsive. She is a good ruler and is willing to do whatever it takes to protect her people.
King Edward
King Edward is played by Timothy Innes and is the son of King Alfred and Aelswith. Edward assumes the throne after his father’s death and continues his father’s vision of uniting England under one king. Edward is ambitious and strong-headed like his older sister, Aethelflaed. Edward does his best to be a good leader, but he struggles to swallow his pride especially when it comes to Uhtred. Edward is based on a real king of England, Edward the Elder who is considered by historians one of the most neglected English kings, due to the lack of research done on the king.
Stiorra
Ruby Hartley plays Uhtred’s daughter Stiorra. Stiorra is a strong leader and follows the pagan ways of her father’s upbringing. Stiorra marries Sigtryggr (Eysteinn Sigurðarson), the king of Jórvík (modern-day Yorkshire, England), and is a dutiful wife and a good queen to her people. Stiorra is stubborn to the point of driving her father crazy and a fierce warrior.
Young Uhtred
Uhtred’s son, Young Uhtred is played by Finn Elliott. Unlike his sister, Stiorra, Young Uhtred has followed the path of their ancestors and taken the righteous path of God, becoming a priest. Young Uhtred, like the other members of his family, is a fierce warrior and comfortable in battle. Young Uhtred has dedicated his life to God and helping the less fortunate.
With the final season now streaming on Netflix, fans are speculating what will be resolved in the movie, Seven Kings Must Die. Although there has been no news on when the film will be released, fans can expect to receive their answers soon as it has been reported that the film has finished filming. All seasons of The Last Kingdom are now streaming on Netflix.