INTERVIEW! Vikings Royalty Morgane Polanski Talks Gisla’s Marriage With Rollo

WARNING: Minor Spoilers on Season Four

Actress Morgane Polanski is the unbreakable Princess Gisla. Her character was introduced to us last season as the clever and very stubborn daughter of the French Emperor. Gisla proved herself when she alone rallied her forces in the face of Ragnar’s attack.

Morgane had a pivotal scene in the first episode this season when Gisla was forced to marry Rollo.  I asked her if it was difficult to emotionally prepare for that exchange. Morgane stated “Yes, it was hard….especially  emotional scenes when like 300, 400 people are watching you and she (Gisla) was being emotional in public. So that’s even harder because I feel like you try to find the balance between your emotion that you kind of hide yet you’re in public.” She added that the wedding scene was a favorite for her. “I’ve never met anyone that will go in a wedding like sobbing, like they’re walking to the death chamber or something. Yes, that was pretty epic.”

In regards to her relationship with Rollo going forward Ms. Polanski was careful not to give too much away. What she was willing to reveal was exciting. “Let’s just say that there is a journey going on…and stubborn people don’t stay stubborn forever.” Morgane expanded that idea by adding; “Behind every strong man stands a stronger woman. So I think she’s smart and she knows if she doesn’t (rule) for her father, she’ll do it through Rollo.”

When asked about her experience working with Clive Standen, Morgane was enthusiastic. “Working with Clive is absolutely amazing. He is so easy to work with, we get along really well. He’s a very good friend and it’s very easy.”

Morgane described her time working on Vikings as “an amazing experience.” “I’ve had the most amazing time there and everyone works so hard ..so it’s really been lovely. I’ve learned it is just very quick how you work for TV. It has been the best training.”

The actor had positive things to say about Show Creator, Michael Hirst and powerful characters like Gisla. “I think with Michael Hirst…he likes to write for strong female characters. It’s so exciting for me as an actor because although you think you have the fairy tale of the princess she…basically does the job her dad is supposed to do and it’s so brave and ballsy. “ Morgane expanded that thought by adding, “I think she is as strong as the Vikings but in a completely different way. I think that’s what Michael tried to represent with the difference of culture of the Vikings and the French culture.  I think the main thing with Vikings is they are as they come… the French have much more layers.”

In closing I asked the actress if there is one character she would like to see Gisla interact with that hasn’t been explored. Morgane replied without hesitation. “ I would think that ..Gisla would love to meet Lagertha. She (Gisla) just doesn’t image that women like these are allowed to be like this, but wishes that (it is possible.)”

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 Morgane Polanski at @MorganePolanski. Need more Vikings? Check out our interviews with Maude Hirst, Dianne Doan and Alexander Ludwig. Click here for all our Vikings Coverage!