Running through Phoenix Park the other day I stumbled across a huge film crew shooting something smack bang in the middle of the park. It's when you see a good sized production filming first hand that you realise just how many jobs it creates. Good news then that Gabriel Byrne is headlining a series called Vikings that will film right here in Ireland.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the series which will broadcast on The History Channel in the US, will centre on "Norsemen who raided, traded and explored during medieval times and follows the adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok as he rises to become king of the Viking tribes." Bryne will play a character called Earl Haraldson, a "former warrior and the most important ruler in Ragnar's district who clashes with the king." Tudors writer Michael Hirst has penned the script, and he will produce the show alongside Morgan O'Sullivan - who worked on the same show.
Byrne did superb work in the HBO serial In Treatment, and deservedly picked up an Emmy nomination for his trouble. No other casting has been announced as of yet.
