Alexander Dreymon, best known for his fierce portrayal of Uhtred of Bebbanburg in the widely acclaimed series The Last Kingdom, is preparing to return to the screen in a bold new role that promises to redefine his legacy as a historical drama icon. Netflix has officially announced the casting of Dreymon as the lead in a gripping new period series, currently under the working title Kingdoms of Fire and Ice, set to explore the complex political and cultural upheaval of medieval Europe in a never-before-seen light.
In this ambitious new project, Dreymon steps into the role of a disillusioned crusader turned diplomat, tasked with brokering peace between warring empires. Set during the turbulent era of the late 12th century, the series will delve into the fragile alliances and dangerous power plays that shaped the foundations of modern Europe. Unlike his war-hardened Uhtred, Dreymon’s new character must rely less on brute force and more on strategy, manipulation, and negotiation, offering fans a fresh perspective on his range as an actor.
The announcement has sparked immense excitement among fans of historical fiction and Netflix originals. Dreymon’s dedicated fan base, still buzzing from the finale of The Last Kingdom and its companion film Seven Kings Must Die, is eager to see how the actor transitions from the Viking Age to the chivalric courts of Europe’s high Middle Ages. Early buzz suggests that the series will balance action and drama with heavy doses of court intrigue and betrayal.
Netflix executives have hinted that Kingdoms of Fire and Ice will be one of the platform’s most lavish productions to date. With on-location shoots in Eastern Europe, North Africa, and the British Isles, and a production design team that includes veterans from The Witcher and Marco Polo, the show aims to immerse viewers in the grandeur and brutality of the period. The costume and set departments are reportedly pulling from authentic medieval archives to bring unprecedented realism to the screen.
Dreymon, who also serves as executive producer on the project, has been heavily involved in the creative direction of the series. He has stated in interviews that he was drawn to the moral complexity of the story and the opportunity to explore the internal struggles of a character caught between personal redemption and political duty. “It’s not just about swords and kingdoms,” he said. “It’s about identity, belief, and the cost of peace.”
The ensemble cast supporting Dreymon includes several heavy-hitting names from European cinema and television. Rising French actress Léa Drucker is confirmed to play a powerful queen regent, while German star August Diehl is set to portray a ruthless inquisitor. Together, the cast will weave a tale of shifting loyalties, forbidden alliances, and enduring love against the backdrop of a world on the brink of transformation.
Writers for the show include award-winning screenwriter Peter Straughan, known for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and historical consultant Dr. Helen Castor, ensuring that the narrative remains both gripping and grounded in historical truth. The creators promise to blend historical facts with rich character arcs to offer a drama that resonates with contemporary themes while remaining rooted in the past.
As filming commences, fans are already speculating about plotlines, political twists, and Dreymon’s new character’s fate. Will he find peace in a world addicted to war? Can he trust the very people he’s trying to unite? These questions are central to a narrative that promises to challenge the conventions of the historical drama genre.
Netflix has confirmed that the series will debut globally, with multiple language dubs and subtitles available at launch to accommodate its anticipated international audience. As of May 21, 2025, principal photography has begun in the Carpathian Mountains, and set photos reveal elaborate medieval castles, bustling marketplaces, and shadowy religious temples—all suggesting a richly textured narrative canvas.
Marketing campaigns are expected to ramp up in the coming months, with teasers, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage scheduled for release later this summer. Dreymon’s involvement in the promotional efforts is already generating buzz, as he’s been spotted visiting fan conventions and granting interviews to major entertainment outlets about the new role and its significance.
In a landscape crowded with historical dramas, Kingdoms of Fire and Ice seems poised to stand apart—not only due to its epic scale and production quality but also because of its nuanced approach to history, politics, and human conflict. If The Last Kingdom made Dreymon a household name, this next role could cement his place as a defining figure of modern historical storytelling.
With Netflix behind the wheel and Dreymon at the helm, expectations are high. But if the early indications are anything to go by, Kingdoms of Fire and Ice will not only meet them—it may well exceed them, ushering in a new era of historical television that is as thoughtful as it is thrilling.
