Saturday’s WonderCon line up included the History Channels new show “Vikings”. Cast members present were Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick and George Blagden.
From the LA Times notes on the panel:
“Vikings” star Travis Fimmel had a simple message at the series’ WonderCon panel in Anaheim on Saturday when reminded that some members of the audience may have been under 18. To those, he said: “Get out!”
The Australian model-turned-actor was joking, as he had been about “Viking foreplay” and, in referring to a scene in which his character and wife invite a monk taken as a slave to join them in bed, telling costar George Blagden, “The offer’s still on the table, George.”
Amid audience cries of “Ragnar!” and laughs, Fimmel, Blagden, actress Katheryn Winnick and History channel executive Dirk Hoogstra discussed the characters, teased their futures, and took audience questions — including one about the network’s plans for any future seasons (the gist from Hoogstra, despite goading from the cast: Can’t say yet) — before showing a sneak peek at Episode 5, which airs Sunday.
As the series begins, the ambitious Ragnar Lothbrok (Fimmel), a thoughtful marauder inspired by a figure from Norse lore, plans to sail west against the orders of the despotic Earl Haraldson (Gabriel Byrne). “Odin gave his eye to achieve knowledge,” Ragnar says early on. “I will give far more.” The rebellious younger man’s key collaborators are his shield-maiden wife Lagertha (Winnick), battle-ready brother Rollo (Clive Standen) and mischievous friend Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard), who has designed a new model of longboat.
In the footage shown to the crowd Saturday, Ragnar is out hunting when his homestead comes under attack by Haraldson’s men. He rushes back to savagely defend his family, whom he tells to evacuate, but does not escape harm himself. Bloodied, he falls to his knees before his nemesis, who asks, “Do you accept that you’re a criminal? That you are worthy only of defeat, worthy only of death?” Though battered, Ragnar isn’t broken.
Fimmel, sporting a Viking’s beard and a model’s coiffure, said of his attraction to playing the role, “I’m a bit of a kid at heart. I want to run around with an ax and have a different haircut” and recalled “chopping me mum’s roses” as a child. As to the character’s future, “Nothing’s ever enough, so he’s going to keep raiding for sure and he … bites off a bit more than he can chew.”
Ragnar’s better half might have more power in her future. Winnick, trying to avoid spoilers, said, “There’s a lot more responsibility Lagertha has in terms of dealing with the community.”
Travis was so very nice to all in the media room. The cast held many interviews but were more than happy to talk about the show and their characters.
Photos in the gallery below were ones I was able to get from the panel and the press room. A huge thanks to the History Channel for a great show and for all their work to make fans very happy. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they will be holding a panel at Comic Con. It was a lot of fun to see so many “Vikings” fans there! (lots in costume as well!)
The trailer for episode 6 summary:
From the Preview of Episode 6
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Clip starts with Ragnar hunting for dinner in the woods, when in the distance he hears screams and cries coming from his village. Looks like the Good Earl has decided to take out Ragnar.
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While in town, shieldmaiden Lagertha has her shield and sword ready to protect the kids and Athelstan
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On the way back to his home expect Ragnar to add another twelve notches to his axe handle. I have to say, not as bloody as Game of Thrones, but this scene was pretty awesome.
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Also expect to see Ragnar take on a little battle damage himself, like an arrow to the lung and a major wound to the leg.
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Upon arriving back to his home, Ragnar instructs Lagertha to flee under the house and get to a boat with Athelstan and to wait for him.
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While the family flees, Ragnar iis caught and has a major moment. When looking like at death’s door kneeling before the Earl, Ragnar grabs a weapon takes out two more warriors and flees.
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Ragnar comes to the edge of a cliff where he sees his family below fleeing in a boat. Ragnar doesn’t jump but falls to the water.
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