INTERVIEW! Meet Dianne Doan, VIKINGS Newest Cast Member, Yidu & Ragnar’s New Crush?

WARNING: Minor Spoilers on Season 4

We had the pleasure of speaking with Vikings newcomer Dianne Doan, who portrays the slave Yidu, and captures Ragnar’s attention.

Dianne was previously best known as Lonnie, Mulan’s daughter in Disney’s Descendants. I was curious about the leap from Disney royalty to Viking slave and asked the actress if it was it a challenge. Dianne replied “ I couldn’t have asked for a better transition out of that Disney experience because the audience range is so limited.”

She described her experience with Vikings was a great opportunity and “I was definitely pushed as an actor…coming on to a show that is already so established over the course of three years…working with Travis and the new director…it definitely was intimidating and it pushed my limits.” Dianne expanded that thought by adding “It was difficult… being pushed outside of my comfort zone I had never been challenged like that before..I couldn’t have asked for a better project.” Dianne commented that moving across the world to work was new experience, but the cast and crew were welcoming. The real difficulty turned out to be the unpredictable Irish weather.

Diane did her research when it came to her character. She wanted to play Yidu historically correct.  “Women at that time… had a voice and had an opinion and had rights to an education. So I wanted to make sure Yidu was a strong character…even though in certain circumstances she was a slave.”

We do not see much of Dianne’s character till episode four this season. The Viking King has always been enamored with anything “other” and after the murder of his beloved Athelstan, Ragnar mourns the loss of that friendship. Yidu was kidnapped on the Red Sea and brought to Paris. She was taken back to Kattegat as a slave and then sold to Queen Aslaug.

Ms. Doan describes the fourth episode as “the start of their (Ragnar & Yidu’s) relationship.” The actress added; “It’s not just Ragnar that is intrigued or curious” all of Kattegat is interested with her character. “But with Ragnar specifically he is a person who seeks to learn about different cultures and religions, which is why I think he does raid lands.”

Regarding any potential intimate relationship between the two, Dianne remained cryptic. The actor did share that “I am a confidant of sorts.” Ragnar “doesn’t feel like he has anybody to talk to…everyone talks at him and not with him.”

Ms. Doan revealed “Episode four and five were really special to me. I got the chance to really play around and explore my character and I think you will really learn a lot about Yidu.” The actor added that working with director Helen Shaver, who she described as “amazing,” was a wonderful learning experience as well.

In closing, Dianne shared one tidbit regarding working with Travis Fimmel who is well known to be the biggest prankster on set. “I didn’t actually get it that bad. I think the worst that I got …he definitely tied me to a boat by my life jacket and as I was trying to exit to the dock I got pulled back. And, then everybody laughed at me.”

Vikings season four premiers, TONIGHT at 10 E, only on The History Channel. Join with us ( @nicegirlstv & @PxlWvr) as we live tweet each episode. You can also follow Dianne Doan at @diannedoan. For more Vikings coverage, interviews and sneak peeks, click here!