These are the Scandi details to know about The Northman

If you – like many of us – have been thirsty for Game of Thrones-esque action since the cult series ended in 2019, American film director Robert Eggers might just have the treat for you. In cinemas this April, The Northman whisks us away to the ever-beguiling world of Norse mythology, engulfed with explosive scenes and breathtaking landscapes.

Even before the release its making headlines. Across New York City, locals have noticed the poster for the film plastered across billboards. While it showcases the star-studded line-up and the gritty aesthetic, it is missing one thing - the title. Publicity stunt or a mistake? No one knows but it sure has people talking.

Hotly anticipated since the trailer was released last December, the director of the horror hits of The Witch and The Lighthouse describes his latest venture as his most ambitious and challenging thus far. For us Scandis, The Northman hits different, as the film embraces a plethora of Nordic elements, bringing one of our oldest folk tales to life. Below, Vogue Scandinavia explains all The Northman’s Scandi details to be aware of.

Related: Why you need to book a tour of the iconic Game of Thrones 'Dragonglass Cave' asap

While you've probably heard of Hamlet, the story that inspired Shakespeare’s 17th-century masterpiece has remained more under the radar – until now at least. Eggers, together with Icelandic poet and novelist Sjón Sigurdsson, shines a light on the age-old Norse tale of Amleth, and Shakespeare’s Scandinavian stimulus takes centre stage in The Northman (albeit tweaked for a 21st-century silver screen).

Predating Hamlet by around 500 years, the lore of Amleth is a gruesome and relentless journey towards vengeance. As Prince Amleth discovers that his father has been killed by his ruthless, power-hungry uncle, who then marries the widowed queen, the prince schemes the ultimate revenge, waiting to strike back at the perfect time. Existing first as a verbal tale that was then put on paper in the form of an Icelandic poem, the story has an air of mystery, as today, the poem is nowhere to be found.

Staying true to the original Norse legend, The Northman has retribution written all over it with brutality taken up a notch, as young Amleth witnesses his father, King Aurvandil’s death first-hand, right in front of his face. With his mother, Queen Gudrun, being captured by the malicious uncle Fjölnir, Amleth has no one and nothing to lose.

Once a fully-fledged Viking, Amleth, together with Olga of the Birch Forest, embarks on a ferocious quest for retaliation that doesn’t stop until he gets what he wants. “I will avenge you, father. I will save you, mother. I will kill you, Fjölnir,” he chants.

Starring in the film is acclaimed Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård, known for popular productions such as True Blood and The Legend of Tarzan. Taking the role of Amleth, Skarsgård is set to provide a next-level performance, wildly different from his past of portraying a vampire or even Tarzan.

Joining Skarsgård in the leading roles include A-listers such as Anya Taylor-Joy (Olga of the Birch Forest), Nicole Kidman (Queen Gudrun) and Ethan Hawke (King Aurvandil), while Danish actor Claes Bang obtains the role of the evil uncle Fjölnir. The icing on the cake? Icelandic icon Björk appears as Seeress, an enthralling and enigmatic witch.

Related: Backstage with Björk: An exclusive tour diary from her creative team

In smaller parts, an array of Nordic actors emerge, amongst them Swedish Gustav Lindh, Norwegian Eldar Skar, and Icelandic Ingvar Sigurdsson and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson. Iceland is a vast part of the whole production, as, in addition to Sjón Sigurdsson’s input on the script, many parts of the film have been shot in the rough and barren yet stunning Icelandic surroundings.