The Northman, the historical action film directed by Robert Eggers, is slated to land on HBO Max on July 26, 2026. Led by Alexander Skarsgård, the feature also features Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, Anya Taylor-Joy and Björk.
The Northman
Film | 2022
Available on HBO Max on July 26, 2026
Action, History, Drama | Runtime: 2h17
Directed by Robert Eggers | Starring Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, Anya Taylor-Joy, Björk
Nationality: United States
Drawing on a Nordic legend that also helped shape Hamlet, The Northman follows Amleth, a Nordic prince driven to vengeance after his father's murder. Years after fleeing his homeland, he returns to hunt the uncle who seized the throne and abducted his mother.
The film plunges into Robert Eggers’s highly stylized universe, already hailed for The Witch and The Lighthouse. Here the director fuses a sprawling Viking saga, a family tragedy, pagan rites and mystical visions, in a narrative where Amleth’s vengeance becomes both a personal fate and a path shaped by beliefs and prophecies.
The Northman may appeal to viewers drawn to dark historical films, vengeance tales, and Nordic worlds. It speaks less to those seeking a classic adventure movie or an accessible family epic, with the feature favoring a brutal, ritual, and at times dreamlike take on Viking mythology.
The official trailer for The Northman offers a glimpse into the film's world, with battles, Nordic landscapes, pagan rites, and a tragic fate.
To go further, also check out our pick of HBO Max’s July releases, our guide to streaming releases across all platforms, and today’s streaming pick What to watch today.
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