Get a taste of Alexander Skarsgård’s burning intensity as the Viking warrior out for revenge in a pair of clips for the upcoming epic, The Northman. Released via Queen’s Film Theatre and Focus Features, the footage shows Skarsgård cutting a bloody path through those foolish enough to challenge him as he embarks on a quest for vengeance.

Alexander Skarsgård is more beast than man as he transforms into a one-man army against an onslaught of attackers. Slashing, stabbing, and slicing his way through, this first clip is clearly just a glimpse of the violent action to come. Continuing the tease, the second clip has Skarsgård demonstrating his animalistic transformation once again as he leads an army against a rival Viking clan.

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The Northman will drop audiences into the beginnings of the 10th century in Iceland, and centers on a Viking named Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård), who witnesses the murder of his father, King Aurvandil, at the hands of his uncle, Fjolnir. With his mother, Queen Gudrun, now captured, Amleth flees his native land, but not before declaring his revenge on those who have wronged him.

Directed by Robert Eggers, who has co-written the screenplay with Icelandic poet and novelist Sjón, The Northman features an all-star cast that includes the likes of Nicole Kidman as Queen Gudrún, Amleth’s mother, Ethan Hawke as King Aurvandill War-Raven, Amleth’s father, Willem Dafoe as Heimir the Fool, Björk as the Slav Witch known as The Seeress, Anya Taylor-Joy as Olga of the Birch Forest, a sorceress, and Claes Bang as Fjölnir, Amleth’s murderous uncle, alongside Alexander Skarsgård as Amleth, the Viking warrior prince.

Early Reactions to The Northman Have Called it a Masterpiece

     Universal Pictures

The Northman had its world premiere in Stockholm on March 28, 2022, and the first reactions to the movie have heaped praise on Egger’s warped take on the land of the Vikings. “THE NORTHMAN f—ing rules. Robert Eggers’ best feature so far is bloody, violent, loud, and impossible to look away from (even when it’s hard to stomach what’s happening on screen),” said one critic. “Stunning cinematography and a terrifyingly feral performance by Alexander Skarsgård. Incredible.”

Another compares The Northman to beloved conqueror Conan saying, “Robert Eggers’ #TheNorthman is FANTASTIC. His most mainstream film yet, but totally retains his bold, brutal, brilliant vision. If you love CONAN THE BARBARIAN and Viking mythology, this is your jam. Alexander Skarsgärd, Anya Taylor-Joy, Claes Bang & Nicole Kidman are impeccable.”

As well as celebrating Robert Egger’s vision, many critics were left stunned by leading man Alexander Skarsgård’s sheer dedication to the project. The actor, who has undergone physical transformations in the past, has truly committed to The Northman, transforming into some sort of man-bear-wolf. “Positively volcanic,” another critic begins. “Robert Eggers’ combo of Scandinavian legend and Shakespearean intrigue is a payback tale for the ages that makes for mesmeric viewing. Alexander Skarsgård, never better, looks like he bench pressed Volvos to prepare for his role.”

The Northman is scheduled to be released in the United States on April 22, 2022, by Focus Features.