Gabriel Byrne Headlines History's 'Vikings'
Former 'In Treatment' star grabs top billing in network's first scripted series
By Kenny Herzog May 22, 2012 8:57AM
HBO's underrated therapeutic drama "In Treatment" helped launch several young careers, notably those of "Chronicle" star Dane DeHaan and "Alice in Wonderland" ingénue Mia Wasikowska. So it's only fair that "Treatment" lead Gabriel Byrne receive some collateral goodwill from his award-winning turn as Dr. Paul Weston. Bing: More on Gabriel Byrne | History Channel
Luckily for both the Irish thespian and fans of period drama, History Channel has embarked on its maiden voyage into original programming. The network just announced that Byrne will star in "Vikings," its inaugural scripted series and contribution to the flourishing Middle Ages sub-genre.
Byrne will play tyrannical Viking ruler Earl Haraldson, adversary of commoner-turned-tribal king Ragnar Lothbrok, a role that has yet to be cast. "The Tudors" creator Michael Hirst is behind "Vikings," and it will be interesting to see how he writes for basic cable, given the somewhat more rigid guidelines concerning explicit nudity and violence. Fortunately for him and us, there are no broadcast standards prohibiting general awesomeness.
"Vikings will premiere in 2013 on History.
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