News

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are the royals most closely associated with abandoning the monarchy and Britain. However, long before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were even a blip on the radar, there was King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson.

Edward’s Brother, George, Was Made King Upon Edward’s Abdication

When Edward was made the Prince of Wales on his sixteenth birthday, he enjoyed the life of a playboy and had numerous dalliances, sometimes with married women. His lack of interest in settling down became a source of stress for his father. Everything changed when he met Wallis.

On December 11, 1936, King Edward abdicated the British throne to marry an American socialite and divorcee, whom no one in his family approved of.

Edward’s decision left the UK in a state of shock, and, like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, it created a significant rift in the royal family.

Edward VIII was King for less than one year before he abdicated the throne to marry American divorcee and socialite Wallis Simpson. In 1936, Edward was the only British monarch who had ever abandoned the crown.

Edward Abdicated The Throne After 326 Days

Edward’s reign was precisely 326 days long. He married Simpson in 1937, much to his family and the public’s disapproval. Edward’s unwavering devotion to Wallis was clear when an unidentified man hurled a brick through the window of Wallis’s home.

He even threw another brick at Wallis’s neighbor’s home as he was determined to hit his target. Rumors were rampant about Edward’s relationship with Wallis.

The public outcry was the main reason why Edward abdicated the throne. He chose Wallis over the Commonwealth and the royal family. His brother, George VI, became King.

A new book about Wallis Simpson, called “Her Lotus Year,” by Paul French,...

When Netflix's hugely popular Vikings: Valhalla ended, it left me dissatisfied by some of its loose ends. The Vikings spinoff based its main characters on real figures from 11th-century Europe, such as the famed Viking explorer, Leif Erikson, and Canute, the Viking king of England. While Valhalla repeated Vikings lack of historical accuracy, it contained many subtle nods that only history buffs would pick up on. One of these centered around Earl Godwin, Canute's scheming advisor. Along with his heirs, Godwin had a major role to play in an important period of English history.

I became fascinated by this character ever since the shocking scene where Godwin killed King Edmund. Unlike Valhalla's more brutal warlord antagonists, Godwin relied on cunning, surreptitiously pulling strings to bring about his ultimate dream: to see his son become the king of England. Netflix's disappointing decision to end Vikings: Valhalla after season 3 meant...

My Lady Jane's cancellation leaves many unresolved storylines and questions. My Lady Jane season 2 could have included a major battle with Scotland. Characters like King Edward's grandmother and Alice will remain unaddressed due to the cancelation.

My Lady Janes cancellation before season 2 means many important storylines and questions wont be resolved. With a 94% critic score and an 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, My Lady Jane season 2 seemed like a surefire thing. The show established steamy relationships, hilarious characters, and a fantastical spin on English history. Unfortunately, fans of the show were sorely disappointed when, two months after the first season premiered, Amazon Prime Video announced that the series wouldnt continue. This adds My Lady Jane to the list of great comedy TV shows canceled too soon.

The show was canceled because it didnt garner enough of an audience, despite being well-received by those who watched the anachronistic historical comedy.

Amazon Prime is steadily catching up with Netflix, in regards to iconic original shows. Coming up with a new fantasy series My Lady Jane, Prime Video began making waves with its bold reimagination of historical figures and fantasy elements. Based on the YA novels, the show began by sharing a glimpse into a world of magical creatures.

A still from My Lady Jane (2024) | image: Amazon Prime

However, through the process, My Lady Jane put a spellbinding twist by featuring Jordan Peters as King Edward, whose identity defies conventional 16th-century norms. Creating a rich tapestry of storytelling that diverges from traditional historical dramas, the Amazon Prime show featured Peters as a black, gay, and disabled king, which sparked mixed reactions from fans.

My Lady Jane Put a New Spin on the Vision of Royalty and Fantasy Elements

Based on Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows’ YA novels, Amazon Prime’s...

Romance? Check. Enemies to lovers? Check. Plot driven story with fantastical elements? Check. A strong female lead? Check. An epic Princess Bride moment? Check. Literally, My Lady Jane checks all the boxes in what could make a show a great production and one enjoyable for viewers. So I can't understand why Prime Video has decided to cancel this exceptional series. It's a huge disappointment.

On Aug. 16, 2024, the upsetting news came out that the streamer cancelled the fantasy drama after just one season. And according to Deadline, the decision seems to have come due to low viewership numbers. As the news outlet reports, My Lady Jane was not able to crack into Nielsen’s Top 10 weekly streaming rankings for originals.

Courtesy: Prime Video

And this is very surprising since if you search up reviews for the show, it has so many great ones - my own review included. Plus, it did...

The Queen Mother, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, was born Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes Lyon on August 4, 1900.

The Queen Mother Was A “Devoted Drinker”

Queen Elizabeth married the Duke of York, Prince Albert Frederick Arthur George, in April 1923. The couple had two beautiful children. Princess Elizabeth, born on April 21, 1926, would become the Queen.

Lady Elizabeth gave birth to Princess Margaret on August 21, 1930. Elizabeth was not supposed to take the crown and become Queen Elizabeth I

In one of the biggest scandals in the royal family’s history, George’s brother, King Edward, abdicated the throne in December 1936 to marry a divorced socialite, Wallis Simpson, whom Queen Elizabeth’s husband, Prince Phillip, later compared to Meghan Markle.

Elizabeth’s husband became King George VI when Edward stepped down from the throne. Elizabeth was the first British-born Queen Consort since Tudor times.

In February 1952, King George died of lung cancer, and his daughter,...

Quick Links A Show Based on True Events My Lady Jane Has a Strong Female Protagonist An Exciting Combination of the Factual and Mythical

The release of Netflix's Bridgerton series in 2020 ignited the demands of audiences for steamy, drama-filled historical romance watches with a touch of witty humor. The Bridgerton series, centering on the marriage shenanigans of the Bridgerton siblings and the cuttingly smart gossip column authored by Lady Whistledown, flew to success thanks to its compelling characters, gripping storylines, and portrayal of Regency Era London. At the time of writing, the series has had three seasons, the most recent being released in May and June 2024, and one spin-off focusing on Queen Charlotte.

With the success of the Bridgerton series and the appetite that viewers clearly have for enthralling historical romance shows, it was only time until another followed in the footsteps of Netflix's show. Prime Video's My Lady Jane...

Warning: This article contains Major Spoilers for My Lady Jane season 1 and the book upon which it's based.

My Lady Jane series removes the awkward cousin romance subplot, improving the narrative and character development. The show's inclusion of King Edward's gay identity strengthens the central allegory and adds representation. Edward and Fitz's romance showcases the importance of queer joy, which is a powerful form of resistance for marginalized communities.

By removing one book subplot, the writers of Prime Video's My Lady Jane prevented a disaster and strengthened the central allegory. My Lady Jane is 2024's newest anachronistic historical romance, weaving together a story of steamy relationships and power struggles. The show has already been very successful, receiving a higher Rotten Tomatoes score than all three seasons of Bridgerton. My Lady Jane draws its story primarily from the eponymous novel by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows which was...

My Lady Jane has a strong opening for season 2, but source material conflicts may hinder its continuation. The show's ending sets up for My Lady Jane season 2, but the second book follows a different Jane. Adapting other Lady Janies books could be challenging if season 2 proceeds with Jane Grey's story.

The new historical romance series, My Lady Jane, has a perfect opening for a second season, yet Prime Video's intentions may be ruined by its source material. Before My Lady Jane was a TV series streaming on Prime Video, it was a book series written by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows. The first My Lady Jane book, and consequently the first season of the show, follows Lady Jane Grey, a young woman who is unexpectedly made queen of England, and thus, is thrust into imminent danger that she must avoid, alongside her loving husband, Guildford.

In a short amount of time,...

Historical comedy dramas with a hint of dark humor are always fun to watch. Only British writers and filmmakers can get away with presenting real-life historical stories by twisting the narrative. The Prime Video original series chronicles the life of Lady Jane Grey, who served as the queen of England for just 9 days. The story presents the lead-up to her coronation and her life as a monarch. My Lady Jane comes under the genre of alternate history, which means the makers take real-life characters from history and change many aspects of their stories, especially the ending.

Spoilers Ahead

Who was Lady Jane Grey?

Lady Jane Grey was a healer who studied the various medicinal uses of local herbs and flowers. She aspired to be a published author and a healer, living alone far away from her castle, but destiny and her mother had other plans. Jane’s mother was forced to depend on Lord Lester,...

Warning: This article contains Major Spoilers for Amazon's My Lady Jane and the book on which it's based.

In the end of My Lady Jane Season 1, Edward plans to take back his throne with the help of the Ethians, but Mary remains on the throne going into a possible second season. Guildford, who changes into a horse form every day, struggles with his inability to transform at will and desires a cure for his Ethianism. The character's focus on gaining control over his transformation will likely be explored in the second season. Alice, a mysterious character introduced in the finale, is likely in prison for being an Ethian. Her backstory and specific charges remain to be explored in the upcoming season.

My Lady Jane season 1 leaves many mysteries and questions open-ended, setting the show up for a second season. The Prime Video show is a feminist anachronistic historical fantasy retelling...

Warning: This article contains Major Spoilers for Amazon's My Lady Jane and the book on which it's based.

Several changes have been made to the source material or My Lady Jane the eponymous by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows. Here are some of the notable differences: Changes like Guildford's new traumatic background and the scene with the snake help build character arcs. My Lady Jane adds sex scenes that age up the story, making it more appealing to an adult audience.

Prime Videos My Lady Jane makes multiple changes from the book, improving character arcs and adapting the story for the screen. The historical fantasy series twists the true story of Lady Jane Grey, also known as the Nine Days Queen. Rather than making her a 15-year-old victim of the monarchy, My Lady Jane changes the main characters story, empowering her to take an active role in rewriting history.

My Lady Jane is a historical fiction series based on the book by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows, with alternate history and creative liberties. The real Lady Jane Grey was a historical figure, educated and influenced by King Henry VIII's widow, Katherine Parr, but her story differs from the show's Ethian-shapeshifting elements. The series highlights the tragic life of Jane Grey, who faced execution, while also paying tribute to her historical significance and the era's religious tensions.

My Lady Jane is a historical fiction based on actual events in Tudor England. While My Lady Janes characters and royal structure are rooted in fact, the show itself takes many creative liberties. My Lady Jane describes itself as a radical retelling of English royal history, in which King Henry VIIIs son Edward does not die of tuberculosis, Lady Jane Grey is not beheaded, and neither is her rascal of a husband Guildford.

Warning: This article contains major Spoilers for My Lady Jane episodes 1-8.

My Lady Jane makes good on its promise to change its heroine's fate, as Jane and Guildford escape their executions at the end of season 1. My Lady Jane season 1's ending leaves a few loose ends, suggesting there will be a second season. A potential season 2 could pull from the source material, as the book describes what happens to Lady Mary and England.

My Lady Jane debuted with eight episodes on Prime Video, and the Amazon series takes viewers on a tense and magical adventure before reaching its thrilling ending. Based on Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows' novel of the same name, My Lady Jane reimagines the story of the real-life Jane Grey, England's first queen. The real Jane's reign was a short-lived part of the Tudor era, but My Lady Jane crafts a new narrative and fate for its heroine.

In the 16th century, Lady Jane Grey was briefly queen of England but met a tragic fate when, just nine days after taking the throne, she was overthrown and later executed at the age of 16. But what if the story didn’t have to end that way? The new Prime Video series My Lady Jane explores what could have been if Jane’s reign continued and she lived to rule another day, with more than a few unexpected twists.

In this reimagining, England is divided not only politically but also between regular humans and a people called the Ethians, who have the remarkable ability to shapeshift into animals. Jane herself comes from a noble family but dreams of a life outside the strict rules of her time. That seems impossible when her ambitious mother betrothes her to a man against her will. But fate has more in store when Jane...

[Editor’s note: The following article contains spoilers for a big twist in “My Lady Jane,” which is revealed about 10 minutes into Episode 1.]

Watching the trailer for “My Lady Jane,” the pseudo-feminist alt-Tudor history show based on the bestselling 2016 YA novel of the same name, you’d be forgiven for assuming the plot.

In real life, Lady Jane Grey, alongside her husband Guildford Dudley, was executed months after a mere nine days on the throne in 1553. In the opening seconds of the Prime Video show, the modern British narrator of “My Lady Jane” asks: “What if history were different?”

What if, indeed. Instead of immediate death, in the first few moments of the show teenage Jane (newcomer Emily Bader) is a smart medical gal, curing her friend’s 16th century Sti. She’s then told she’ll have to marry for a political alliance. Instead, she grabs her maid, Susannah (Máiréad Tyers), and attempts to make a run for it. The duo are immediately caught,...

“My Lady Jane” may be chock full of corsets but this is not your average bodice ripper. A feminist retelling of the life of Lady Jane Grey – famous for being on the throne for a mere nine days before she got the chop (literally) – the series stars Emily Bader as a kickass Jane who dreams of running away from her overbearing mother and forced marriage to write a compendium about medicinal herbs.

The show, which drops today on Prime Video and is based on the books of the same name, also contains plenty of cursing (not the magical kind), anachronisms and a sprinkle of romantasy (a sub-plot involves persecution of people who can turn into animals at will). So it’s not surprising that showrunners Gemma Burgess and Meredith Glynn took delight in peppering the show with both Tudor and pop culture references including, in no particular order, Mark Smeaton...

History doesn’t have to be set in stone. Dramatically retelling the story of Lady Jane Gray, the young Tudor noblewoman-turned-Queen of England for nine days before her beheading, the all-new British alt-fantasy series “My Lady Jane” sees Jane save herself from distress and is unexpectedly crowned Queen. With newfound power, Jane must avoid the nefarious villains after her head in an epic tale of true love and high adventure.

The eight-episode first season of “My Lady Jane” is streaming on-demand beginning on Thursday, June 27. You can watch it exclusively on Prime Video with a 30-Day Free Trial of Amazon Prime Video.

How to Watch “My Lady Jane” When: Thursday, June 27 Where: Prime Video Stream: Watch with a 30-Day Free Trial of Amazon Prime Video. 30-Day Free Trial $8.99+ / month amazon.com About “My Lady Jane”

Created by “Brooklyn Girls” trilogy author Gemma Burgess and co-showrun by Burgess and Meredith Glynn (“The Boys...

Amazon Prime’s series, My Lady Jane, is inspired by the life of the infamously known 9-Day Queen, Jane Grey. It would be wrong to say that it is based on the real-life of the Queen of England, as the makers added certain fantastical elements to the story. The narrative presents Jane Grey as a victim of a patriarchal society, and it steers away from the actual reason why she was murdered in the first place. Religion does not play a significant role in the narrative, though in real life, the conflict between the Protestant and Catholic sects of Christianity became a major reason for the demise of the 9-day queen. It can be said that the makers have romanticized the life and struggles of Jane Grey and presented them in a manner that resonates with the socio-political climate of today’s world. So let’s find out what all...

Meghan Markle is desperate to salvage her tainted public image and remain relevant in literally any area she thinks she can.

Meghan’s Lifestyle Brand Is A Dud

Her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, shows no sign of promise, and the momentum behind it has stalled significantly since she first announced the launch at the same time Prince William gave a speech at an awards ceremony in honor of Prince Harry and William’s mother, Diana, this past March.

Meghan’s Lemonada podcast deal has barely been mentioned since she first inked the contract in February. The Sussexes jaunt to Nigeria had the appearance of a “royal” visit without the benefit of actually being royal.

Harry and Meghan’s association with Netflix appears to be lagging, as all the “exciting projects” Meghan said she and her husband were preparing have yet to come to fruition. And her shiny new...

Emily Bader plays Lady Jane Gray in My Lady Jane for Amazon Prime Video, here’s the trailer for the new show.

Historical swashbucklers with female leading roles are becoming a regular feature, what with the success of Netflix’s Damsel and the Enola Holmes series, as well as Sally Wainwright’s wonderful Renegade Nell on Disney+.

The latest to hit the market is My Lady Jane, which comes to Amazon’s Prime Video service next month.

The synopsis reads as follows:

Gird your loins for the tragic tale of Lady Jane Grey, the young Tudor noblewoman who was Queen of England for nine days and then beheaded in 1553… F*ck that. We’re retelling history the way it should have happened: the damsel in distress saves herself. This is an epic tale of true love and high adventure set in an alt-universe of action, history, fantasy, comedy, romance, and rompy-pompy.

Prime Video has released the first photos from My Lady Jane, the quick-witted romantic new series set in an alt-fantasy Tudor world. The series will premiere exclusively on Prime Video on Thursday, June 27, in more than 240 countries and territories around the world.

Inspired by the best-selling book, My Lady Jane is a radical retelling of English royal history, in which King Henry VIII’s son Edward does not die of tuberculosis, Lady Jane Grey is not beheaded, and neither is her rascal of a husband, Guildford.

At the center of this rollicking new series is the brilliant and headstrong Jane, who is unexpectedly crowned queen overnight and finds herself the target of nefarious villains coming for the crown (and her head)… My Lady Jane is an epic tale of true love and high adventure, where the damsel in distress saves herself, her true love, and then the Kingdom.

The cast...

They certainly aren’t winning any of their critics over with their behavior these days. There’s a new report that says Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are getting slammed once again as they are being called ‘hapless.’

That’s because the couple only seems to be “steely determined” in making money more so than anyone else in the royal family. And some people think it’s too much. Keep reading below for everything you need to know.

Royal Family News – Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Branded ‘Hapless’ For This Reason

At this point, it’s safe to say that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are primarily focused on making money and only money.

They are also being compared to the relationship that King Edward had with American socialite Wallis Simpson, as some people are calling them a modern day version of the controversial royal pair. At least that...

CBS Studios and the BBC’s period drama series “King & Conqueror” has revealed additional cast members, including “The Crown’s” Luther Ford and “Game of Thrones” actor Joseph Mawle, as it begins production in Iceland.

According to its official plot description, “King & Conqueror” is “the story of a clash that defined the future of a country – and a continent – for a thousand years, the roots of which stretch back decades and extend out through a pair of interconnected family dynasties, struggling for power across two countries and a raging sea. Harold of Wessex and William of Normandy were two men destined to meet at the Battle of Hastings in 1066; two allies with no design on the British throne, who found themselves forced by circumstance and personal obsession into a war for possession of its crown.”

Additional cast members include Eddie Marsan, Juliet Stevenson, Jean-Marc Barr, Geoff Bell, Elliot Cowan,...

The Last Kingdom mixes real history with fiction, featuring historical figures in embellished roles for an authentic flavor. Seven Kings Must Die takes liberties with historical chronology, with key events altered for dramatic effect in the movie. Although Uhtred of Bebbanburg is fictional, real historical figures like Aethelstan and Cnut play pivotal roles in shaping England's history.

Although The Last Kingdom franchise brings a definitive end to Uhtred of Bebbanburg's story in the concluding Seven Kings Must Die movie, what happens to the rest of England isn't entirely clear. Based on Bernard Cornwell's acclaimed The Saxon Stories book series, The Last Kingdom has always mixed real history with fiction. Although specific characters and personalities are embellished and adjusted to suit the narrative, most of the stories feature real historical figures, giving both the TV series and books an authentic flavor.

Just as in the rest of The Last Kingdom series,...

Osbert, Uhtred's third living child in The Last Kingdom, was separated from his father as an infant and was responsible for the death of Uhtred's wife. Osbert's storyline was excluded from earlier seasons of The Last Kingdom but was introduced in the season 5 finale as a potential major player. Despite expectations, Osbert played a minimal role in the final movie, Seven Kings Must Die, focusing on Edward's sons instead.

The Osbert Last Kingdom introduction in the season 5 finale seemed to set up a new major player, as the teenage boy arrived with the abbess Hild on the shores of Bebbanburg following Uhtred and King Edward's conquest of the fortress. Although seemingly a mystery character at first, Osbert (Olly Rhodes) is quickly revealed to be Uhtred's third living child, who was separated from his father as an infant when Uhtred fled to Northumbria in exile from Wessex. He was also...

The Last Kingdom depicts critical historical events in the formation of the first unified Kingdom of England through the eyes of its fictional protagonist, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. The show includes many key turning points in England's history, such as King Alfred's coronation, the Battle of Edington, and the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum. King Edward's conquest of East Anglia and the Battle of Brunanburh were vital moments in history that solidified Wessex's control and led to the eventual creation of the Kingdom of England.

The Last Kingdom focuses on the formation of the first unified Kingdom of England, depicting eight critical historical events along the way. The Last Kingdom is based on Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Stories novel series, which explores the formation of England through the eyes of its fictional protagonist, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. Though Uhtred is a fictional character, many of the events he finds himself tangled...

Aethelflaed, the beloved Mercian Queen in The Last Kingdom, dies of advanced breast cancer, as revealed by Eadith's examination. The depiction of Aethelflaed's death in the show is an artistic liberty, with her dying in Uhtred's arms, while historically she died from an unspecified illness. In the movie Seven Kings Must Die, multiple characters die, including King Edward, Aldhelm, Ingrith, Domnal, Rognvaldr, and the fate of Uhtred is left ambiguous.

The Last Kingdom season 5 saw the death of the beloved Mercian Queen, Aethelflaed, from a mysterious illness — so what did Aethelflaed die of? Following the history of England, The Last Kingdom shows the war between the Danes and the Anglo-Saxons. Caught in the middle is Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon). Uhtred’s shared loyalties lead to his becoming a great warrior and advisor for the Anglo-Saxons, with the first seasons of the series covering his time serving King Alfred. When King Alfred...

Where to Watch Powered by The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die, the sequel film, falls short compared to the show's five seasons, with rushed storytelling and less detail from the novels. Despite a higher budget, The Last Kingdom season 5 receives mixed reviews due to less authentic fight scenes, although it still provides a satisfying conclusion to the main series. The Last Kingdom season 2 is the best season, with outstanding storytelling, complex characters, and strong production value, making it the highlight of the series.

Netflix's The Last Kingdom spans five seasons and also includes a sequel film, but not all of these seasons or the spinoff are equal in terms of their overall quality. Based on Bernard Cornwell's historical novel series The Saxon Stories, The Last Kingdom generally adapts two books per season. The show quickly became a hit for Netflix, causing its budget to balloon and earning...

The Last Kingdom has done a fair amount of tinkering with the source material's timeline in order to make its adaptation work, leading to the premature deaths of these 5 characters. The Last Kingdom, based on Bernard Cornwell's novel series, The Saxon Stories, ended its 5-season run in 2022 before wrapping up the story with a Netflix original film, The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die. The series has become a sensation for Netflix since it was acquired in full from the BBC in 2018.

The Saxon Stories is a 13-book novel series, meaning The Last Kingdom has to make some necessary changes to the plot in order to squeeze it all into 5 television seasons and one film. This has led to some Last Kingdom characters that should be dead living on in the television series and vice-versa. These decisions are sometimes based on casting, but overall, it's about finding the best...

Life in the 10th century was intense. Look no further than The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die, which recently hit Netflix. The stand-alone feature-length film marks a fitting final touch to the popular British Netflix series, The Last Kingdom, which is based on the compelling novels by Bernard Cornwell. Written by Martha Hillier and directed by Ed Bazalgette, the film takes place eight years after the events of season five, leaping off the series to bring back Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon).

He’s the daunting warrior leader of a Northumbria region who now is confronted by the death of King Edward, to whom Uhtred vowed allegiance when season five bowed. The King’s son, Aethelstan (Harry Gilby) rises to power and decides — advised, perhaps — to take over all of Britain’s kingdoms.

Bold move. How will he overthrow eight kings? A prophecy suggests that seven of those kings will perish...

Netflix pulled off a three-peat with the strong debut of “The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die,” the new movie that serves as the coda to the popular British historical fiction TV series, topping Whip Media’s movie ranker, which looks at the most-streamed movies in the U.S. over the past weekend, using viewership data from TV Time, its TV and movie tracking app with more than 25 million global registered users.

If you’re unfamiliar, “The Last Kingdom” series followed the uneasy and often violent relationship between the Anglo-Saxons and Viking invaders in ninth-century England. “Seven Kings Must Die” picks up where the series left off, with rival clans and invaders battling for the crown following the death of King Edward. The film, which is set to be the final chapter in “The Last Kingdom” saga, premiered on Netflix last Friday.

The streaming giant finished atop Whip Media’s...

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die completed The Last Kingdom's story, killing off several of the show's beloved characters. Seven Kings Must Die has thus far been a success for Netflix, topping its list of most streamed movies in the United States. While The Last Kingdom's story has now been completed, the series has become one of Netflix's most popular properties and could be in line for further spinoffs, depending on the long-term success of Seven Kings Must Die.

Unfortunately, if the franchise is renewed for further spinoffs, it will have to be without some of the series' most cherished characters. Seven Kings Must Die racked up quite the butcher's bill during its two-hour run time, which means the franchise's future would depend on either crafting a new set of characters or skipping backward in time to when some of them yet lived. However, all of that remains speculation,...

Warning! Spoilers for Seven Kings Must Die!

Seven Kings Must Die deviates heavily from its source material, including making a much-needed ending change to the book series. As always, in adaptations between literature and the screen, some changes are necessary to finish the story in a way that best suits the medium and the abridged story, even when it deviates from the source material. The Last Kingdom and, by proxy, Seven Kings Must Die change many elements of the original novels and have done throughout their production. As such, it makes sense that the series and film lead to a significantly different ending in Seven Kings Must Die than the one found in the books.

Seven Kings Must Die is a sequel to The Last Kingdom series and is roughly based on the book series The Saxon Stories. The film catches up with Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon), with his...

Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die has officially wrapped up Uhtred of Bebbanburg's story, though his ultimate fate is somewhat unclear. Seven Kings Must Die covers parts of the last three of Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Stories novels in two hours of thrilling action-packed adventure. The Last Kingdom has become one of Netflix's biggest successes, and though it is sad to see the main story come to a close, Seven Kings Must Die provides a satisfying conclusion to this thrilling story.

Seven Kings Must Die takes place several years after the end of The Last Kingdom season 5, beginning with the twilight of King Edward's reign and the succession of his eldest son Aethelstan to the throne of Wessex. Aethelstan has always been the endgame of The Last Kingdom's story, which is ultimately based on...

Warning: spoilers for The Last Kingdom seasons 1-5 and the Saxon Stories .

It’s been over a year since The Last Kingdom TV series ended, and this multi-location show with its many Aethelflaeds, Aethelreds, Aethelhelms, Aethelstans, Aelswiths and Aelfwynns (honestly just the tip of the ‘ae’ iceberg) has never been the easiest to keep straight. If you’d benefit from a reminder of where things were left and who everybody is in new feature length Netflix film Seven Kings Must Die then, you’re more than excused.

First of all, it’s important to know that the TV show ended roughly in line with events at the end of The Flame Bearer, Book 10 in Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories saga. That’s when Uhtred Ragnarsson took possession of his ancestral fortress of Bebbanburg, after winning it back from his treacherous cousin Whitgar. Three further novels exist to conclude Uhtred’s story,...

Seven Kings Must Die concludes the story of Uhtred Ragnarsson, a decades-long frenemy of the English crown since the days of King Alfred the Great. It’s largely adapted from Bernard Cornwell’s final instalment in his Saxon Stories books, War Lord, along with elements of the two previous novels, and tracks the contested succession to the royal throne following the death of King Edward.

A significant time jump has taken place since the final moments of The Last Kingdom season five, during which Aelswith, Hild and Eadith have all passed or moved away. A core of male characters remains though, including Uhtred, Finan, Sihtric, Father Pyrlig and Aldhelm. They’re joined by brand new characters, as below.

Laurie Davidson as Ingilmundr

The biggest addition to The Last Kingdom’s regular cast is Aethelstan’s new trusted advisor, Ingilmundr, a Danish-born Christian who shows a powerful influence over King Edward’s successor.

The Last Kingdom TV series (2015 – 2022) was a pretty glorious adaptation of Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories. Like the books, it played merry hell with historical fact, but won fans over with action and heart. The tale of Saxon-born, Danish-raised warrior Uhtred Ragnarsson pinballing between enmity and mentorship with Saxon kings as he sought to reclaim his familial lands struck the right note between sincerity, humour and bloody action.

Over five seasons, the show covered the first ten of Cornwell’s novels before ending, which left three books unadapted. Enter: Netflix movie Seven Kings Must Die to wrap things up. We join Uhtred several years after his return to Bebbanburg, when Edward the Elder’s succession is being contested by sons Aelfweard and Aethelstan, and Danish invader Anlaf is making dangerous alliances in the north. Immediately, we’re back in the thick of it: ungrateful Saxon kings, scheming traitors and more...

There's lots of great stuff hitting streaming this week, but the debut of the Netflix film "Seven Kings Must Die" and the return of HBO Max's fourth season of "Titans" are two guaranteed to deliver high-intensity action. Fans looking to pair brutal historical epics with their watch of "Seven Kings Must Die" need to look no further than Robert Egger's Shakespearean Viking epic "The Northman" on Prime Video or Neil Marshall's Romans-vs-Picts action-adventure film "The Centurion," available on more than half a dozen streaming services. For those looking for something less bloody and closer tied to "Titans," there's always the Superman origin story series "Smallville," streaming on Hulu, or if you want to get really vintage, there's the young adult shapeshifting series "Animorphs," streaming on Prime Video. There's no shortage of action and adventure available on streaming this week, so let's get to it. 

Seven Kings Must Die...

After it was announced that Uhtred Bebbanburg's story would be concluded in the movie, The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die, Netflix have revealed details about the cast and story, and released the trailer. Based on Bernard Cornwell's novels, The Last Kingdom follows the life of Uhtred, an Anglo-Saxon nobleman, who finds himself trying to reclaim his birthright after he was taken and raised by Danes when he was young. While Uhtred would do anything to protect his "new family", his loyalties to them are tested as he begins to reconnect with his roots and help King Alfred (David Dawson) with his dream to unite all kingdoms under one ruler.

While the ending of The Last Kingdom did end on a positive note for Uhtred as he finally reclaimed his birthright and became the Lord of Bebbanburg again, his story wasn't finished just yet as his region is the...

Seven Kings Must Die can end The Last Kingdom's story in these five ways. The Last Kingdom is based on Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Tales, and it follows the unification of England from King Alfred the Great to King Aethelstan. The story is told through the eyes of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a fictional character who was born Saxon but raised by Danes.

Seven Kings Must Die will be the conclusion of The Last Kingdom and is expected to cover parts of the last three of Cornwell's novels. It is widely assumed that the movie will feature the decisive Battle of Brunanburh, one of the most influential battles in the history of the British Isles. The Last Kingdom season 5's ending set up Seven Kings Must Die by finally reuniting Uhtred with his ancestral home of Bebbanburg and setting up Aethelstan as a contender for the throne once his father,...

"Seven Kings Must Die" is a new Brit-produced historical drama film directed by Edward Bazalgette, based on the "The Saxon Stories" by Bernard Cornwell and is a sequel to the "The Last Kingdom", starring  Alexander Dreymon as 'Uhtred of Bebbanburg', streaming April 13, 2023 on Netflix:

"...following the death of 'King Edward', invaders and rival heirs battle for the crown and 'Uthred' must adventure once again with his comrades as they attempt to form a united England..."

Click the images to enlarge...

War is a living nightmare, wreaking its destruction on innocent lives and civilizations. It casts deep wounds that shape our history, present circumstances, and potential prospects for the future.

War has been a central theme in all of human history since its inception. It inspires both captivation and terror, with stories of bravery, resilience, and courage, as well as violence and death. It is the peak of danger – where any semblance of safety or security ceases to exist for those who fight. All that remains are humanity’s yearning for survival against insurmountable odds.

Hollywood has no shortage of war films meant to both awe and educate. Some promote the best humanity can offer as people come together for a common cause. Others reveal the horrific truth behind conflict’s brutality and man’s capacity for harm on an unimaginable scale.

Here is the ultimate fan selection of the top...

Seven Kings Must Die, the sequel movie to The Last Kingdom, will apparently feature the death of seven kings, but who exactly those seven kings are has not been explicitly stated. Seven Kings Must Die is set to wrap up The Last Kingdom's story, which is bound to end with the famous unification of England under King Athelstan. The Last Kingdom season 5 was the final season of the show, however, Seven Kings Must Die could be setting up future spinoffs for the franchise.

Seven Kings Must Die is set to take place after The Last Kingdom season 5, which ended with Uhtred reclaiming his ancestral home of Bebbanburg, and King Edward gaining a foothold in Northumbria. Edward's achievements importantly brought England a step closer to his and his father, Alfred's, dream of a unified England. The Last Kingdom season 5 also built-up Athelstan, who is set to be a central character in Seven Kings Must Die.

Seven Kings Must Die is an upcoming Netflix spinoff film of the television series, The Last Kingdom, but it's unclear when exactly it takes place in the show's timeline. Following the fictional character, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, across tenth-century Britain as he struggles to navigate life as a Saxon-born man raised by Danes, The Last Kingdom spans several of early England's most formative years. The series uses Uhtred to tell the story of the unification of England, especially in the early days under King Alfred the Great. However, with Seven Kings Must Die looking to wrap up the story, understanding it's place in the timeline is crucial.

The Last Kingdom season 5 was the final season of the show, however, Seven Kings Must Die is set to expand the franchise into the movie world. The series finale of The Last Kingdom featured Uhtred finally reclaiming his ancestral home, Bebbanburg. Retaking possession of...

"We can defeat them... united!" Netflix has debtued a trailer for another spin-off movie titled Seven Kings Must Die, based on the series The Last Kingdom. Uhtred of Bebbanburg and his comrades travel across a fractured kingdom in the hopes of uniting England at last. The Last Kingdom is a British historical fiction television series based on Bernard Cornwell's The Saxon Stories series of novels. It first premiered in 2015 and has run for 5 seasons so far, with the last season now available on Netflix. This film brings back other recurring characters from the series for an epic showdown. Following the death of King Edward, a battle for the crown ensues, as rival heirs and invaders compete for power. Starring Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred, Mark Rowley as Finan, Arnas Fedaravicius as Sihtric, Rod Hallet as Constantin, Harry Gilby, Ross Anderson, Ingrid García-Jonsson, James Northcote, and Cavan Clerkin. This looks like any other medieval battle epic,...

"Seven Kings Must Die" is a new Brit-produced historical drama film directed by Edward Bazalgette, based on the "The Saxon Stories" by Bernard Cornwell and is a sequel to the "The Last Kingdom", starring  Alexander Dreymon as 'Uhtred of Bebbanburg', streaming April 13, 2023 on Netflix:

"...following the death of 'King Edward', invaders and rival heirs battle for the crown and 'Uthred' must adventure once again with his comrades as they attempt to form a united England..."

Click the images to enlarge...

Netflix has released the first trailer for Seven Kings Must Die, a movie which continues the story of The Last Kingdom.

The Last Kingdom aired its fifth and final season on Netflix last year, but series producer Nigel Marchant said that while the last season of the show was meant to “fully conclude the series, there was always one more story that we wanted to tell,” leading to the announcement of the movie in 2021.

Alexander Dreymon stars in Seven Kings Must Die as Uhtred of Bebbanburg, who “must ride once more across a fractured kingdom with several of the series’ much-loved returning characters, as they battle alongside, and against, new allies and enemies. Following the death of King Edward, a battle for the crown ensues, as rival heirs and invaders compete for power. And when an alliance comes seeking Uhtred’s help in their plans, Uhtred faces a choice between those he cares for most,...

Here is a wrap-up of all the news you need to know from Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

Apple TV+ has dropped the official trailer for the character-driven comedy The Big Door Prize, created by Emmy Award-winner David West Read, and starring an ensemble cast led by Chris O'Dowd.

The new 10-episode half-hour comedy, set for its premiere this month at SXSW, will debut globally with the first three episodes on Wednesday, March 29, followed by one new episode weekly every Wednesday through May 17 on Apple TV+.

Based on M.O. Walsh's novel of the same name, The Big Door Prize tells the story of a small town that is forever changed when a mysterious machine appears in the general store, promising to reveal each resident's true life potential.

"Dusty Hubbard (O'Dowd), a seemingly content, cheerful family man and high school teacher, watches everyone around him reevaluate their life choices and ambitions - based...