This epic saga chronicles the decades-long collision course of two of history’s most formidable leaders: Harold Godwinson (James Norton), the powerful English earl thrust onto the throne by a dying king’s wish, and William of Normandy (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), the iron-willed Duke who claims that same crown was sworn to him on holy relics. More than just the story of the Battle of Hastings, this series unravels a complex web of familial duty, broken vows, and political machinations that stretched across the English Channel, pitting allies against each other in a brutal war for the soul of a nation.

Creator Michael Robert Johnson (The Frankenstein Chronicles) crafts a visceral, gritty historical drama that feels more like a medieval thriller than a dusty period piece. With sprawling battles filmed in Iceland’s harsh landscapes and intimate betrayals in smoky mead halls, the series explores the immense personal cost of power. It’s a tragic character study of two great men, bound by respect and a twisted fate, who are forced to become enemies by the very oaths meant to secure their honor, ultimately leading their people to a field in Sussex where the future of England would be decided in a single, bloody day.

King and Conqueror complete cast list

1. James Norton as Harold Godwinson, King of England

Harold is a man torn between his duty to his nation and a sacred oath that haunts him. Norton portrays him not as a mere claimant, but as a seasoned warrior and shrewd politician who never desired the crown but accepts it to prevent civil war. His internal conflict is palpable as he prepares to face the invader he once called friend, all while defending his realm from a Viking army in the north. His nobility is his strength and his flaw, bound by a code of honor in a world that rewards treachery.

Norton (Happy Valley, War & Peace) underwent intense physical training to master Harold’s signature two-handed axe technique. He based his portrayal on historical accounts of Harold’s charisma and military genius, focusing on the profound weight of a king who reigned for only nine months but forever changed history.

2. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as William, Duke of Normandy

William is a product of violence and insecurity, known derisively as “The Bastard” since birth, who forged his dukedom through sheer force of will. Coster-Waldau embodies his relentless drive and strategic brilliance, fueled by a burning conviction that Harold’s coronation is not just a betrayal but a personal insult to God’s will. His obsession with the English throne is a quest for legitimacy that will justify a lifetime of struggle.

Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones) channels a colder, more calculating energy than his famous role, Jaime Lannister. He learned to ride and fight in full chainmail, emphasizing William’s gritty, hands-on leadership. His performance highlights the Duke’s dual nature: a devout Christian who is also capable of shocking brutality to achieve his divine destiny.

3. Jason Forbes as Thane Thomas

A loyal Saxon thegn in Harold’s personal huscarl retinue, Thomas is the eyes and ears of the common soldier. Forbes brings grounded humanity to the chaos, representing the men who fight and die for the concepts of honor and king. His unwavering loyalty is tested as the invasion looms, showcasing the personal stakes of this dynastic conflict.

Forbes (comedian and actor known for Ghosts) provides crucial moments of wit and camaraderie amidst the drama, showcasing the brotherhood of Harold’s household troops. His character’s journey from a peaceful landowner to a hardened shield-wall warrior mirrors the tragic mobilization of a nation.

4. Elander Moore as Morcar, Earl of Northumbria

Morcar is the young, hot-headed brother of Edwin, Earl of Mercia, and a key northern ally to Harold. Moore captures his impulsive pride and fierce ambition, which proves both an asset and a liability. His rivalry with the Godwinsons and his defiance against the Norse invaders create critical tensions within Harold’s fragile coalition.

Moore’s portrayal emphasizes the fractured nature of the English aristocracy, where regional loyalties often outweighed national unity. His character’s arc is a stark reminder that Harold’s reign was plagued by internal dissent even before William’s fleet ever set sail.

5. Valdimar Örn Flygenring as Baron George

A grim and battle-hardened Norman baron, George is one of William’s most trusted and ruthless commanders. Flygenring exudes a cold, professional menace, embodying the formidable military machine that William built. His unwavering belief in the Duke’s divine right makes him a terrifying instrument of conquest.

Flygenring (The Northman) uses his physical presence to great effect, representing the new style of Norman warfare—heavily armored cavalry and disciplined ferocity—that would clash with the Saxon way of battle.

6. Ines Høysæter Asserson as Judith

A fictionalized Norman noblewoman at William’s court, Judith serves as a sharp political operator and confidante to the Duke. Asserson brings intelligence and steel to the role, offering a window into the complex social and marital alliances that underpinned Norman power. She is a reminder that the conquest was not just won on the battlefield, but through careful strategy and persuasion.

Her character provides crucial exposition on the Norman perspective, often debating the cost and justification of the invasion with other courtiers, adding depth and moral ambiguity to William’s cause.

7. Þorsteinn Bachmann as The Baron of Brittany

A key ally to William, the Baron represents the patchwork of feudal loyalties the Duke had to manage. Bachmann portrays him as proud and independent, whose support for the invasion of England is contingent on promises of land and plunder, highlighting the mercenary nature of William’s coalition.

Bachmann’s presence underscores a critical historical point: William’s army was not purely Norman but a vast conglomerate of fighters from across modern-day France and beyond, united only by the Duke’s force of personality and the prospect of reward.

8. Sveinn Geirsson as Baron Montgomery / Björgvin Franz Gíslason as Baron Richard

These powerful Norman barons (played by Geirsson and Gíslason) are embodiments of the feudal contract. Their characters are defined by their loyalty to William, forged in years of shared warfare. They are the backbone of his army, the men who will rally their knights and levies to cross the sea for a dangerous and uncertain campaign.

Their roles, while supporting, are vital in depicting the mechanics of medieval power. They represent the collective might and ambition of the Norman nobility that William channeled toward England.

9. Calum Sivyer as Taillefer

Taillefer is a historical figure: the Norman minstrel and warrior who, according to legend, juggled his sword at the Battle of Hastings and sang the Chanson de Roland as he charged the English lines, becoming one of the first casualties. Sivyer’s role, though likely brief, is symbolically powerful.

His character represents the potent blend of culture, religion, and martial spirit that defined the Norman identity. His legendary act is the perfect dramatic catalyst for the beginning of the battle, a moment of chivalric madness before the slaughter begins.