Talking With Katheryn Winnick And Alexander Ludwig From Vikings! What’s In Store For Season 3! Casting! And More!

Vikings is one of the best shows on television hands down. The combination of romance, action and the fact that it’s based on actual history make it more compelling than so many other shows currently airing.

Recently, at SDCC I was able to sit down with several members of the cast to talk about season 2, what’s in store for next season and more.

Katheryn Winnick and newcomer for season 2 Alexander Ludwig were the first up. Personally, one of my favorite additions to Vikings is Alexander’s portrayal of Bjorn. I think he really added a new dimension to the cast and rocked in the role.

So, what’s in store for season 3?

“As you know, we’re going to Paris, Lagertha has her own journey in terms of her own arc, now having power, her ex husband, having her own voice and the challenges of being a female in power.” Katheryn Said. “You will see her struggle a little bit, but she knows who she is.”

“Bjorn is a free man now, he’s grown up, a lot of crazy choices, his relationship changes (with Porunn), you can except to see some crazy events happen this season.” Alexander says.

“Lagertha is a free woman!” Katheryn said with a smile, “She can do whatever she wants! She doesn’t have a husband now, she can explore her sexuality”

“If you guys liked season 2, you will love season 3!” Said Katheryn.

Talking about the set, the cast is currently about halfway through shooting season 3, Katheryn said, “Truly it’s such an amazing vibe on set, it really is. If you ever come to Ireland you have to visit. It’s like we’re home. It’s season 3 so everyone is easy in their roles.”

I hope that was an invitation Katheryn because I’m going to be booking my flight for next year. Had to be said.

One of the challenges facing any actor not only joining a new cast but also taking over a role is how to continue to play the character but also add new dimensions.

“Katheryn was great, I met Katheryn and Travis when I was in LA. I already had a good relationship with them. They are like one big family.” Alexander said, “It was definitely intimidating though, I wanted to bring an element of the original Bjorn into the role. We look alike but that’s not enough.”

Ever the mother Katheryn jumped in, “I think he did a great job. I have to honestly say, talking with the producers on set, we saw The Hunger Games and thought Alexander would be the perfect Bjorn. And Travis and I got to fly to LA to screen-test and both looked at each other and said, ‘that’s out Bjorn’ “ Katheryn said with pride. “It couldn’t have been an easier transition and he’s really taken hold. He’s now a man and having his own voice. I’m really surprised and amazed at what he’s done in the series.”

Looking at the series as a whole, there are so many layers that Vikings has, that so many other series do not.

“What’s great about the show, is it’s all subtext. Sometimes it’s just being in that awkward moment, tells so much more than having dialogue.” Said Katheryn.

How much creative license does the series have and does being on the History Channel affect that?

“I actually think that another network wouldn’t do such a good job as History does. In the sense that you know it’s a story that’s as accurate as possible. These are real characters, Lagertha and Bjorn existed.” Said Katheryn, “We also have a lot of freedom in the sense where they find the right show runners, department heads, they truly spend a lot of time picking the right people who know how to do their job. Here they trust who they hire. It’s nice that they trust us to represent their show.”

As the show continues to be a hit in the ratings, the fanbase continues to grow and grow. Watching this happen, even from as outsider’s perspective can be overwhelming. For the cast signing hundreds of people lined up for four hours in the blistering heat.

“It’s a surreal thing. It’s an honor. You don’t expect it.” said Katheryn.

And what about that fanbase?

“When I got first hired on the show originally, I was told that it’s a male demographic show. It’s History’s first scripted show and the audience is all men. ‘You’re just the wife’ and so it’s nice to see the amount of females that are now watching. We are up to 50/50! The creative trends with the hair, a Lagertha shade of nail polish. It’s amazing to see.” Said Katheryn.

Vikings returns with season 3 in 2015, but if you have yet to experience the awesomeness of the show, pick up season one on blu-ray and start this amazing journey.

Take my word for it, you’ll be hooked!

We’ll have more from the cast of Vikings including Clive Standen, Michael Hirst and Travis Fimmel coming up!