New ‘The Northman’ Trailer Features Viking Rage and Alexander Skarsgård’s Abs

We regret to inform you that the new trailer for Northerner just gives you a glimpse of Alexander Skarsgård’s rock-hard eight-pack (shown in full in the promotional image that accompanies much of the film’s press.) But there it is. To be Lots of good old-fashioned sword swings, bloody violence in this second preview of Robert Eggers’ viking epic.

Northerner tells the story of Prince Amleth (Skarsgård), a figure in Scandinavian lore who was once the inspiration behind Hamlet. Amleth – as Shakespeare supporters have surmised – has commissioned himself to avenge the death of his father (Ethan Hawke) at the hands of his power-hungry uncle (Claes Bang).

“Fate has no mercy,” Skarsgård recounts over the sound of throbbing drums and distant screams. In a word, the next two minutes were chaotic — swords clashing against shields and armor, ships smashed by waves, houses ablaze. If the trailer is any indication, the film is guaranteed to be visually breathtaking, with plenty of rich footage of the rugged, unforgiving Scandinavian landscape (which Northern Ireland serves as the Pit stop).

In addition to talking about historical barbarism, Northerner also seems to talk about how people were spontaneously beautiful in the 12th century despite the lack of indoor plumbing. Besides Skarsgård and Hawke, the two certified leads, the film also stars Nicole Kidman and Anya Taylor Joy. Kidman, Skarsgård’s on-screen ex-wife, plays his mother this time, despite their nine-year age difference. Willem Dafoe, Gustav Lindh and Björk play supporting roles.

Northerner is Eggers’ third feature-length film, following Witch (2015) and Lighthouse (2019). It was co-written by Icelandic poet Sjón. Eggers’ signature style is a combination of dark, brutal brutality with a hearty dose of weirdness. By the looks of the trailer, Northerner Will deliver on both quantities.

See it in theaters on April 22.