History’s Vikings gets fifth season with Jonathan Rhys Meyers on board

Jonathan Rhys Meyers — famous for dramatic roles like Dracula and Henry VIII — will journey back to join the world of Vikings, though we don’t yet have any details on what role he’ll play. History offered the following statement on the high-profile addition to the cast:

“The brilliant writing and depth of historical research and authenticity brought to the screen by Michael Hirst paired with our talented cast and crew, has made this series one of the most compelling, visually stunning historical dramas on television. Vikings has raided the hearts of audiences and we are thrilled that Jonathan Rhys Meyers will become a bigger part of the HISTORY family after his incredible performance in our upcoming production of Roots.”

As noted above, Rhys Meyers is fresh off his turn as Tom Lea in History’s adaptation of Alex Haley’s Roots, the sweeping tale of one African slave and his family in America. Of course, the actor also journeyed back to 16th Century England for Showtime’s The Tudors and has shown a chameleonic ability to blend in to most any time and place. That said, we’re sure he’ll feel right at home in 9th century Scandinavia.

As for the upcoming season 5, filming is set to begin this summer with an eye towards a 2017 premiere. Like season 4 it will include 20 hour-long episodes (minus commercial breaks). By Vikings’ standards, that’s essentially two seasons in one, as seasons 1, 2, and 3 checked in at nine, 10, and 10 episodes respectively.

Long saga short: Vikings is sailing smoothly along and will continue to invade living rooms for the foreseeable future.