Netflix Announces ‘Ragnar: The Rise’ – A Prequel Exploring the Viking Legend’s Origins, Set for 2026
Netflix has officially greenlit a new prequel series titled “Ragnar: The Rise,” set to premiere in 2026. The series will explore the untold story of Ragnar Lothbrok’s early years, chronicling his transformation from a simple farmer to a fearsome warrior destined to become one of the most legendary Norse kings. This announcement has reignited excitement among fans of the original Vikings series, which ended in 2020.
Ragnar: The Rise will delve into his first raids along the English coast, his early alliances, and the bloody rivalries that shaped his worldview. Viewers can expect a gritty and raw portrayal of Ragnar’s path to greatness, grounded in both Norse legend and historical speculation. The series promises to answer long-standing questions about how Ragnar first earned his name and forged his legend.
The show is being produced by MGM Television and Netflix, with several original Vikings writers returning. According to Netflix, the tone will be darker and more personal, focusing on the trials, betrayals, and inner demons Ragnar had to overcome. This isn’t the heroic Ragnar we met in Vikings—this is Ragnar before the fame, before the throne, before he believed in his own myth.
Filming begins in late 2025 in Iceland and Ireland, using natural landscapes and historic villages to capture the brutal beauty of 9th-century Scandinavia. A new actor will portray the young Ragnar, though casting is still under wraps. Producers have promised a “bold and dangerous” interpretation of the character that honors Travis Fimmel’s legacy while giving fans something new.
The show will also introduce never-before-seen characters, including Ragnar’s mentors, early enemies, and his first love. Expect complex politics, brutal combat, and deeper insight into Viking rituals and belief systems. The creators say Ragnar: The Rise will go beyond just war and glory—it’s about identity, destiny, and sacrifice.
The announcement comes just months after the finale of Vikings: Valhalla, signaling that Netflix has no plans to let the Viking saga fade. Fans online have responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, calling for trailers, behind-the-scenes footage, and more world-building. Forums and social media are buzzing with theories about how this story will tie into Vikings canon.
Visually, the series will be cinematic in scale, blending sweeping battle scenes with intimate character drama. Every frame will reflect the harsh reality of Norse life—where survival was uncertain and loyalty was often paid in blood. The soundtrack, production design, and costume work will aim to immerse viewers in a time before Ragnar became a legend.
With Ragnar: The Rise, Netflix is betting big on nostalgia and mythology. For fans of Vikings, it’s a long-awaited return to the story’s roots. And for new viewers, it’s a fresh entry point into one of television’s most brutal and compelling historical sagas. The saga begins anew in 2026.
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