Who is in The Last Kingdom cast and which characters do they play? Based on Bernard Cromwell’s novel series The Saxon Stories, The Last Kingdom is a British historical fiction drama adapted for the small screen by Baghdad Central creator Stephen Butchard. Set during the early Middle Ages, the epic series spans several decades and chronicles one of the most tumultuous periods in British history: the Viking invasion of the country’s Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
Since its 2015 debut, The Last Kingdom has been praised for its stunning cinematography, richly drawn characters and epic battle scenes. Unfortunately, the series premiered its fifth and final season on Netflix in 2022 but the show is set to continue with a standalone sequel film titled Seven Kings Must Die that’s currently filming on location in Hungary.
A release date has yet to be scheduled for Seven Kings Must Die, but it’s been confirmed that the cast will feature both new faces and some returning cast members from the show too. Before the sequel film arrives, however, here’s a quick guide for those who want to familiarize themselves with The Last Kingdom's cast and their characters.
Alexander Dreymon – Uhtred
German-born American Horror Story: Coven actor Alexander Dreymon tops The Last Kingdom cast as its main protagonist Uhtred – the orphaned son of a Saxon lord who was kidnapped and raised by Danish Vikings and finds himself constantly torn between his ancestry and the pagan warriors he’s come to know as family. Dreymon is set to reprise his role as Uhtred in Seven Kings Must Die.
Emily Cox – Brida
Brida is a fellow Saxon who was kidnapped alongside Uhtred as a child and eventually became his lover and later nemesis. She’s played by Austrian actress Emily Cox who’s otherwise best known for her role in German comedy series Jerks.
Eliza Butterworth – Aelswith
RADA-trained British actress Eliza Butterworth (who appeared on ITV's DCI Banks, which ended on a somber note) has been a series regular since The Last Kingdom season 2. Butterworth plays the role of Aelswith, the headstrong wife of King Alfred of Wessex whose hatred for Uhtred is reciprocated.
Mark Rowley – Finan
Finan is a fierce Irish warrior who swears allegiance to Uhtred and acts as his sidekick in battle. He’s played by Scottish actor and The Spanish Princess cast member Mark Rowley who joined The Last Kingdom during the second season.
Arnas Fedaravičius – Sihtric
Lithuanian actor Arnas Fedaravičius began playing Sihtric in the second season of The Last Kingdom. Sihtric is the illegitimate son of a Viking warrior who eventually becomes one of Uhtred’s most trusted allies.
Millie Brady – Aethelflaed
Pride And Prejudice And Zombies star Millie Brady plays Aethelflaed on the show. She is the ambitious and impulsive daughter of Aelswith and King Alfred of Wessex who rises to power over the course of her time in The Last Kingdom.
James Northcote – Aldhelm
Aldhelm is the right-hand man of Aethelflaed’s husband Lord Aethelred and a high-ranking lieutenant in his army. He’s played by British actor James Northcote who’s also had roles in The Imitation Game and zombie horror Patient Zero.
Timothy Innes – King Edward
Harlots actor Timothy Innes joined the cast of The Last Kingdom in its third season. He plays Edward, the younger brother of Aethelflaed who is crowned the King of Wessex following their father’s death.
Cavan Clerkin – Father Pyrlig
Cavan Clerkin rounds out The Last Kingdom cast as Father Pyrlig – a Welsh warrior-turned-priest who joins Uhtred’s cause. Beyond The Last Kingdom, Clerkin is best known for his roles in the British TV shows Pulling and The Capture.