The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die, is 2023 British historical drama film is directed by Edward Bazalgette, written by Martha Hillier, and based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories. It serves as a follow-up to and conclusion to the television series The Last Kingdom. Alexander Dreymon, Mark Rowley, Harry Gilby, Arnas Fedaravicius, Cavan Clerkin, James Northcote, Ross Anderson, Ilona Chevakova, Rod Hallett, Ewan Horrocks, and Steffan Rhodri are back in their respective roles from the series. On April 14, 2023, the movie was released on Netflix.
Plot Anlaf, a Viking king from Irland, arrives in Northumbria with his army after learning that Edward, King of the Anglo-Saxons, has suffered a serious illness. Edward passes away shortly after, leaving behind three sons, none of whom were named Edward’s heirs. Woman Eadgifu and the most youthful child Edmund escape to Bebbanburg where Edward’s previous partner Uhtred lives. Albeit resigned from war, Uhtred is educated that Edward’s oldest child Aethelstan will probably go after his more youthful sibling Aelfweard and makes arrangements to stop him. Ingrith says that “seven kings must die” before England can be united before Uhtred leaves.
When Uhtred gets to Aegelesburg, Aelfweard is getting ready to defend against Aethelstan’s approaching assault. Soon after, Ingilmundr, Aethelstan’s advisor, arrives and defuse a trap set by Aelfweard. Uhtred persuades Aelfweard to give up calmly, however Aethelstan quickly kills him and slaughters his men. Ingilmundr, Aethelstan’s secret lover, urges him to fulfill his grandfather’s dream of uniting England and all Christians after Aethelstan is crowned king of the Saxons.
Seven Kings Must Die (Official Trailer)
Cast
Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a seasoned Saxon warrior who was raised by the Danes and successfully reclaimed his birthright as the Lord of Bebbanburg. A veteran of countless battles, he once swore oaths to serve Kings Alfred and Edward and is viewed by many as the unofficial king of England’s last independent kingdom, Northumbria.
Harry Gilby as Aethelstan, the eldest son of King Edward born from his secret first marriage. Fearing for his son’s life due to his illegitimacy, Edward once placed Aethelstan under Uhtred’s protection, who trained him to become a warrior.
Mark Rowley as Finan, an Irish warrior sworn to Uhtred and his second-in-command who has fought alongside him in many battles.
Arnas Fedaravicius as Sihtric, a Danish warrior and bastard son of a Viking warlord who became one of Uhtred’s most trusted allies.
Cavan Clerkin as Father Pyrlig, a Welsh priest and retired warrior who is sworn to serve the ruler of Wessex.
James Northcote as Aldhelm, Aethelstan’s Mercian Huscarl who previously served his aunt for many years.
Laurie Davidson as Ingilmundr, Aethelstan’s devout advisor who heavily influences his decisions.
Elaine Cassidy as Lady Eadgifu, the third wife of King Edward and mother of his youngest son, Edmund.
Ross Anderson as Domnal, the Prince of Alba, nephew of King Constantin and heir to the Scottish throne.
Ilona Chevakova as Ingrith, Finan’s wife who experiences a prophetic vision that “seven kings must die” to unite England.
Jacob Dudman as Osbert, Uhtred’s youngest son and heir who was reunited with his father after spending much of his childhood in hiding.
Rod Hallett as Constantin, the King of Alba who previously signed a peace treaty with King Edward to protect Scottish lands.
Ewan Horrocks as Aelfweard, the second eldest son of King Edward, born from his second marriage, who is backed by the Wessex Ealdormen to become the future king.
Steffan Rhodri as Hywel Dda, the King of Deheubarth who previously aided King Edward in defeating a large army of invading Danes.
Pekka Strang as Anlaf, the Viking King of Dublin who travels to England to take advantage of King Edward’s ailing health.
Ingrid García-Jonsson as Brand, a Danish Wolf-Warrior loyal to Anlaf.
Agnes Born as Astrid, Anlaf’s daughter who spies on the Saxons for him.
Zak Sutcliffe as Edmund, the youngest son of King Edward, born from his third marriage with Eadgifu.
Steph Bramwell as Lady Wassa, a servant at Bebbanburg.
Tom Christian as Dunstan, a mercenary in Aegelesburg.
John Buick as Owain, the King of Strathclyde.
Nick Wittman as Eamon, a Saxon officer in Aethelstan’s army.
Additionally, Zoltan Andrasi portrays a Saxon lookout and Juhász Vince and Dániel Brezovszky portray a pair of teenage mercenaries. Zsolt Pall, Attila Árpa and Laurent Winkler portray the kings of Orkney, Shetland and Man respectively while Balogh Domokos, Kolos András Takács, Dániel Hernádi and Gábor Turtsányi portray the sons of the kings of Strathclyde, Orkney, Shetland and Man. Several actors also reprise their roles from The Last Kingdom as they feast together in Valhalla: Emily Cox as Brida, Uhtred’s childhood friend-turned-adversary; Jeppe Beck Laursen as Haesten, a Danish warlord previously at odds with the Kings of Wessex and Mercia; Magnus Samuelsson as Clapa, a fearless warrior who once served Uhtred; and Peter Gantzler as Earl Ragnar; Uhtred’s foster father and a Danish warlord.
