When the second season of Vikings: Valhalla hit Netflix, it didn't just bring back the bloody axes and muddy landscapes we’ve grown to love. It blew the world wide open. We went from the familiar, rain-slicked docks of Kattegat to the frozen rivers of the Dnieper and the shimmering, sun-drenched streets of Constantinople. Honestly, it was a lot to take in.
But the real magic wasn't just in the locations. It was in the people.
The Vikings Valhalla season 2 cast had a massive job to do. They had to bridge the gap between the gritty survivalism of the North and the sophisticated intrigue of the Byzantine Empire. Most people think "Vikings" and just imagine big guys yelling in the woods. This season proved it was so much more than that. You’ve got returning powerhouses like Sam Corlett and Leo Suter, but the fresh faces? They basically stole the show.
The Trio We Already Loved (and How They Changed)
First off, let’s talk about the core. If you’ve seen season 1, you know these three are the heart of the series. But in season 2, they aren't together anymore. They’re scattered.
Sam Corlett returns as Leif Erikson. Now, Leif in season 1 was a bit of a brooding outsider. In season 2, Corlett brings this heavy, grieving energy to the role after the death of Liv. He’s looking for something—science, knowledge, a reason to keep going—and Corlett plays that vulnerability perfectly. He’s not just a warrior; he’s a seeker.
Then there’s Frida Gustavsson as Freydis Eriksdotter. She’s the "Last Daughter of Uppsala," and she’s basically the keeper of the old ways. Gustavsson is a former high-fashion model, which you might not guess seeing her covered in blood and grime. She brings this regal, terrifying intensity to Freydis that makes you believe she really is chosen by the gods.
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And of course, Leo Suter as Harald Sigurdsson. Harald wants to be King of Norway so bad he can taste it. Suter plays him with this incredible "golden boy" charm that hides a desperate, driving ambition. His chemistry with Leif is one of the best "bromances" on TV right now.
The New Heavy Hitters in the Vikings Valhalla Season 2 Cast
This is where things get interesting. To make the journey to Constantinople feel real, the show needed actors who could carry that weight.
Bradley James as Lord Harekr
If you grew up watching Merlin, seeing Bradley James as Lord Harekr was a trip. He’s the leader of Jomsborg, a hidden pagan stronghold. But Harekr isn't a hero. He’s a total bastard. James plays him with this calm, smiling menace that makes him one of the best villains the franchise has ever seen. He’s the kind of guy who thinks he’s doing God’s (or the gods') work while being absolutely brutal.
Hayat Kamille as Mariam
Kinda the unsung hero of the season, honestly. Hayat Kamille plays Mariam, an astronomer from Constantinople whom Leif meets in Novgorod. She is the one who introduces Leif to the world beyond just killing—reading, math, the stars. Her character is actually based on a real-life figure, Mariam al-Asṭurlābiyya, a 10th-century astrolabe maker. Kamille brings a quiet, intellectual dignity to a show that is usually about screaming and swinging swords.
Marcin Dorociński as Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise
You might recognize Marcin Dorociński from The Queen’s Gambit (he was the Soviet chess champion Borgov). Here, he plays Yaroslav the Wise, the ruler of Kyivan Rus and Harald’s uncle. He’s pragmatic, weary, and very, very smart. He adds a layer of political complexity that makes the show feel more like Game of Thrones and less like a standard action flick.
The London Power Players
While Leif and Harald are sledding across frozen rivers, the drama in England is just as cutthroat. The Vikings Valhalla season 2 cast in London is led by Laura Berlin as Queen Emma and David Oakes as Earl Godwin.
Godwin is basically the cockroach of 11th-century England—you just can't kill him. He’s always three steps ahead. David Oakes plays him with this slippery, "I'm your best friend but I'm also planning your downfall" vibe that is just delicious to watch.
Meanwhile, Laura Berlin’s Emma is the perfect foil. She’s one of the few people who can see right through him. Their psychological chess match is arguably the best-written part of the season.
Why This Specific Cast Works So Well
What most people get wrong about historical dramas is thinking they just need "tough-looking" actors. Vikings: Valhalla works because it casts for intellect and contrast.
- Diversity of Backgrounds: You have a Swedish former model (Gustavsson), an Australian Sabrina alum (Corlett), and a Polish veteran (Dorociński). This creates a cultural texture that feels authentic to a world where different nations are constantly colliding.
- Physicality: These actors aren't just standing around. Leo Suter and Sam Corlett have talked extensively about the brutal training and the freezing conditions in Ireland (where they film). You can see the actual cold in their breath and the exhaustion in their eyes.
- New Energy: Adding Florian Munteanu (from Creed II) as the Byzantine general George Maniakes brought a literal "giant" presence to the screen. He’s huge, imposing, and immediately ups the stakes for the third season.
How to Follow the Journey
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world these actors created, here is the best way to do it without getting lost in the historical weeds:
- Watch the "making of" clips on Netflix: You’ll see just how much Sam Corlett and Leo Suter actually did their own stunts. It’s impressive.
- Look up the real-life counterparts: While the show takes huge liberties with the timeline (putting characters who lived 100 years apart in the same room), the personalities are often rooted in the Sagas.
- Pay attention to the background: The recurring cast, like Stanislav Callas (Jorundr) and Sofya Lebedeva (Eleana), do incredible work building out the world of the Rus and the Pechenegs.
The Vikings Valhalla season 2 cast managed to do something rare: they made a sequel feel bigger, smarter, and more emotionally resonant than the original. They took us out of the Scandinavian woods and into a massive, interconnected world.
Whether you're there for the romance, the history, or just the sight of a boat being dragged across a frozen wasteland on a sled, these actors are the ones who make it believable. Next time you’re watching, keep an eye on Earl Godwin. He’s probably planning something right now.
To get the most out of your rewatch, focus on the evolving dynamic between Leif and Mariam. It's the most significant character arc for Leif in the entire series and sets the stage for his eventual "discovery" of the New World. You can also follow the main cast on social media—Frida Gustavsson and Leo Suter often share behind-the-scenes glimpses into the grueling makeup and costume process that transforms them into 11th-century legends.