King & Conqueror: BBC’s 2025 Drama Brings the Battle of Hastings to Life

The BBC is gearing up to premiere its ambitious new historical drama King & Conqueror, a gripping eight-part series that dives deep into the legendary power struggle between Harold Godwinson and William the Conqueror. Set against the backdrop of 11th-century England and Normandy, the series is slated to debut on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in August 2025.

James Norton stars as Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, while Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, best known for his role as Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones, portrays William, Duke of Normandy. The drama chronicles their intertwined rise to power and the epic confrontation that would culminate in the Battle of Hastings in 1066—a turning point in European history.

Created by Michael Robert Johnson, the series promises a raw, character-driven depiction of ambition, betrayal, and dynastic warfare. The tone is gritty and immersive, with Icelandic landscapes doubling for medieval England and Normandy to capture the harsh realities of the time.

Coster-Waldau also steps behind the camera to direct one of the episodes, while acclaimed Icelandic director Baltasar Kormákur helms the pilot. The cast also features Emily Beecham, Clémence Poésy, Eddie Marsan, and Juliet Stevenson in key roles.

Trailers released earlier this year show a tense chess game of diplomacy and bloodshed, with Harold asserting, “I cannot let William even think he can take the crown,” and William declaring, “I am the true King of England!”

With powerhouse performances, high production values, and a rarely dramatized piece of history, King & Conqueror is already one of 2025’s most anticipated dramas. It will also be distributed internationally through Paramount Global Content Distribution, bringing the story to global audiences.