INTERVIEW! VIKINGS Firstborn Son, Alexander Ludwig, Teases What’s Next for Bjorn

WARNING: Minor Spoilers on season four.

Ragnar casts a large shadow and no one feels that burden and blessing more than the firstborn son.  Bjorn’s journey is a large part of this season’s story-line as he struggles to find his place in Viking society. Bjorn’s vision quest leading to a life and death battle with the bear (his namesake) is a beautiful picture of his ultimate conflict: himself.

Show creator Michael Hirst gifts his cast members with characters that are both painfully flawed and exquisitely beautiful which bring out the best in each actor, and Alexander Ludwig is no exception. We were fortunate enough to spend a few moments talking with him about this season and what we can expect moving forward. Vikings season four has much more to reveal about Bjorn.

Ludwig began our conversation by complimenting my southern accent for which I am truly grateful. Kind words regarding something I have struggled with for years is most appreciated. He unknowingly made my day!

He summed up Bjorn’s journey this succinctly. “The main part of this whole season for me is Bjorn learning to trust his instincts. And, that power corrupts. This whole season is about him learning to do that.”

We were surprised to learn the bear was most assuredly REAL! “The most challenging part was definitely the conditions. The weather was pretty rough. But, in terms of the bear, most of it is real. We don’t have the budget like the The Revenant so we can’t make a CGI bear.” He added, it was “exciting that we got to use a real one. It was an incredible experience to work with such a beautiful and amazing animal.”

The last episode left us with Bjorn coming to claim Torvi from Horik’s son. “You are going to see a darker side to Bjorn. It’s kind of a power play at the start…. I wouldn’t say it goes much further than purely a sexual attraction.” At the beginning especially the action is more about power over Erlendur, “Kind of putting him in his place. I could take your life I could take your wife. He starts with his wife and maybe we will see something after.”

Ludwig had a great insight regarding Torvi and the strong women in Vikings . “Just because there isn’t anything romantic between them, doesn’t mean he doesn’t respect her. If anything that’s probably why he is drawn to her. After his wife leaving there is definitely no way he’s ready to go back into something so quickly. He’s been immensely hurt and not by just that, his Father almost dying and by having to take over. There is so much pressure on him. He’s just not in that mindset.”

The women of Vikings play a huge role in the series. “In terms of  female leads, it’s about time we saw more of that. It’s everywhere in our daily life and what I think is so amazing is that historically the Vikings were so progressive in terms of respecting their women. They have their own say and were just as equal, if not better than in some senses (than men). The women we have on the show are doing an excellent job.”

A shout out to Vikings growing female fan base. “I’m really happy to see what a great female following has been. I think it is so sexy and cool when a girl comes up and says she watches the show. I love that.”

Regarding Bjorn’s other siblings: “Bjorn has no allegiance to his brothers in terms of bloodline. Lagertha is Bjorn’s mother and everyone else is born under Princess Aslaug. Of course, when they are young they’re not threatening. As the season continues you will see that certain brothers side and others do not and it gets very, very intense.”

Ludwig says his favorite scene so far is the where Bjorn addresses everybody for the first time while Ragnar is incapacitated. “I took a lot of pride in that scene.” However, he’s really excited about several scenes to come in the rest of the season. “Bjorn is going to do some pretty amazing things.”

Alex had nothing but positive things to say about his experience with Vikings. “It’s been nothing short of the best decision I have ever made.  love the promise that was made to me by signing on to the show – I get to show this incredible growth. You are going to see a huge shift in power.  I really feel like I, myself, grew in the show.”

In closing, he was very appreciative of the cast and crew that helped him take his game to the next level this season with Bjorn.  “Travis above all. He’s been my champion and one of my best friends. He’s been amazing. Michael Hirst has been amazing. Its so rare that you find a writer so open to collaboration. It really has been a dream come true. And, also Gustaf, my best friend.. it’s great to bounce ideas off him.”

Further tidbits, hints and teasers:

• When Bjorn studied the map in the season four premier was definitely a foreshadowing of things to come. “One hundred percent, yes. And, that’s something we have known about since the beginning of the show.”

• Bjorn has other relationships in the season other than Torvi.

• Bjorn and Lagertha’s relationship will change.

• In his off time, Alexander is taking classes in music production in Dublin as well as working toward obtaining his pilot’s license.

Vikings airs tonight at 10 E, only on The History Channel. Join with us ( @nicegirlstv & @PxlWvr) as we live tweet each episode. You can also follow Alexander Ludwig at @alexanderludwig. Need more Vikings? Check out our interviews with Maude Hirst, Dianne Doan and Morgane Polanski. Click here for all our Vikings Coverage!