Introducing The Last Kingdom: Blood and Oath (2025) – A New Chapter in Uhtred’s Saga!

Prepare for a triumphant return to the brutal and captivating world of 9th-century England with The Last Kingdom: Blood and Oath, set to storm theaters and Netflix in 2025! This new feature film, a continuation of the beloved The Last Kingdom TV series (2015–2022) and its 2023 epilogue Seven Kings Must Die, brings back the iconic warrior Uhtred of Bebbanburg for an all-new adventure. Based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories and inspired by fan demand, this standalone epic promises heart-pounding battles, intricate political intrigue, and the emotional depth that made the franchise a global phenomenon. Directed by Ed Bazalgette and produced by Carnival Films, Blood and Oath is ready to carve its mark in historical drama.

The Legacy of The Last Kingdom

The Last Kingdom began as a BBC Two series in 2015, later acquired by Netflix, adapting the first 10 novels of Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories. Spanning five seasons and 46 episodes, it chronicled the life of Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon), a Saxon-born, Dane-raised warrior navigating the Viking invasions of England from 866 to 886. Caught between his Danish upbringing and Saxon heritage, Uhtred served King Alfred the Great (David Dawson) and his successors, fighting to reclaim his ancestral home of Bebbanburg while dreaming of a united England. The series earned praise for its gritty action, rich characters, and historical authenticity, boasting an 87% Rotten Tomatoes score for its first season and a 100% for its third. The 2023 film Seven Kings Must Die wrapped up the saga, covering the final three books (War of the Wolf, Sword of Kings, and War Lord), with Uhtred uniting England after King Edward’s death. Despite its rushed pacing, the film scored an 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and topped Netflix’s charts with 35.5 million hours viewed in its debut week. Now, Blood and Oath reopens the saga, exploring untold stories and new conflicts.

What to Expect in The Last Kingdom: Blood and Oath

Set years after the events of Seven Kings Must Die, The Last Kingdom: Blood and Oath finds an older Uhtred, now a seasoned Lord of Bebbanburg, drawn back into war as new threats endanger the fragile unity of England. The film introduces a fictional tale inspired by Cornwell’s world, focusing on a rebellion led by a charismatic Viking warlord, Sigurd Bloodhair, who seeks to shatter Aethelstan’s reign and revive Danish rule in Northumbria. Meanwhile, Uhtred’s son, Osbert, emerges as a key figure, grappling with his father’s legacy and his own ambitions. The story weaves personal stakes—Uhtred’s oath to protect his family—with epic battles, culminating in a climactic shield wall showdown.

Key Highlights:

• Alexander Dreymon’s Return: Dreymon reprises his career-defining role as Uhtred, delivering a performance that balances battle-hardened grit with introspective vulnerability. His executive producer role ensures fidelity to the character’s arc.
• New and Returning Cast:
  • Mark Rowley as Finan: Uhtred’s loyal Irish second-in-command brings humor and ferocity, with a deeper exploration of his past.
  • Arnas Fedaravičius as Sihtric: The Danish warrior’s cunning and loyalty shine in tactical battle sequences.
  • Tom Anderson as Osbert: Uhtred’s youngest son, introduced in season 5, steps into the spotlight as a young warrior, played by a rising star.
  • Mads Mikkelsen as Sigurd Bloodhair: A new villain, a ruthless Viking jarl with a magnetic presence, challenges Uhtred both physically and morally.
  • Elaine Cassidy as Queen Eadgifu: Reprising her role from Seven Kings Must Die, she navigates court politics with cunning.
• Cinematic Scope: Directed by Ed Bazalgette, who helmed episodes of seasons 3 and 4 and Seven Kings Must Die, the film boasts sweeping cinematography by Luke Bryant, capturing muddy battlefields and rugged Northumbrian coasts. Expect visceral shield wall clashes choreographed by stunt coordinator Levente Lezsák.
• Themes and Tone: Blood and Oath explores legacy, loyalty, and the cost of peace, with a darker, more reflective tone than the series. Uhtred’s internal struggle—balancing duty to England with his family—anchors the emotional core, while political betrayals and Viking raids keep the stakes high.
• Nods to the Books: While a new story, the film incorporates elements from Cornwell’s lore, like the Danish influence in Northumbria and Aethelstan’s historical reign, alongside callbacks to fan-favorite moments like Uhtred’s “Destiny is all!” rallying cry.

Production and Release Details

• Production Status: As of June 2025, Blood and Oath is in post-production, with filming completed in early 2025 across Hungary and the UK. Netflix and Carnival Films greenlit the project in response to fan demand and the success of Seven Kings Must Die.
• Release Date: The film is slated for a hybrid release on November 14, 2025, hitting select theaters for a limited run before streaming globally on Netflix. This strategy mirrors Netflix’s approach with high-profile films like The Irishman.
• Creative Team: Written by Martha Hillier, who penned Seven Kings Must Die, the screenplay balances standalone accessibility with series continuity. Producers Nigel Marchant, Gareth Neame, and Mat Chaplin return, ensuring the franchise’s signature grit and grandeur.
• Marketing Buzz: Anticipation is building with fan discussions on platforms like Reddit, where users speculate about Uhtred’s next chapter. Official teasers are expected in summer 2025, with Dreymon teasing “a story of blood, oaths, and unfinished business” on social media.

Why The Last Kingdom: Blood and Oath Is a Must-Watch

Blood and Oath is poised to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers:

• Epic Action: From shield wall battles to one-on-one duels, the film delivers the visceral combat that defined the series, with improved production values.
• Character Depth: Uhtred’s evolution into a reflective leader, paired with Osbert’s coming-of-age arc, adds emotional weight, addressing fan critiques of Seven Kings Must Die’s rushed pacing.
• Historical Immersion: The film blends Cornwell’s meticulous research with cinematic flair, recreating the Anglo-Saxon and Viking clash with authentic costumes and sets.
• Cultural Impact: Like the series, Blood and Oath is likely to spark debates about loyalty, identity, and leadership, resonating in today’s divided world.

Join the Saga

As The Last Kingdom: Blood and Oath approaches, fans can revisit the series and Seven Kings Must Die on Netflix or dive into Cornwell’s novels for deeper lore. Follow Netflix, Carnival Films, and Alexander Dreymon on social media for updates, and join the conversation with #TheLastKingdom2025 and #BloodAndOath. Whether you’re a seasoned follower of Uhtred’s journey or new to his world, this film promises an unforgettable ride through blood-soaked fields and oath-bound hearts. Destiny is all—mark your calendars for November 2025!