History is often written by the victors, but it’s rarely as cinematic as this. This February, M-Net is transporting viewers back to the most pivotal year in English history: 1066.
When King Edward dies without an heir, a power vacuum opens that threatens to suck the entire continent into a bloody vacuum. In one corner, we have Harold of Wessex; in the other, William of Normandy. The prize? The English throne. The result? The Battle of Hastings and a legacy that changed the world forever.
A Heavyweight Casting Duel
This isn’t just a clash of dynasties; it’s a clash of screen titans. King & Conqueror features a powerhouse duo leading the charge:
James Norton (Happy Valley, Playing Nice) steps into the boots of Harold of Wessex.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones) swaps Westeros for Normandy as William the Conqueror.
The ensemble cast is equally impressive, featuring seasoned talent including Emily Beecham, Clémence Poésy, Eddie Marsan, Juliet Stevenson, and Jean-Marc Barr.
Behind the Scenes
The 8-part series is created by Michael Robert Johnson (who also serves as Executive Producer). In a move that highlights his passion for the project, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau doesn’t just star—he also takes a seat in the director’s chair alongside Baltasar Kormákur, Balint Szentgyorgyi, and Erik Leijonborg.
Why This Matters
For history buffs and drama junkies alike, 1066 is the ultimate “Game of Thrones” scenario – except the stakes were real, and the consequences shaped the modern world.
“King & Conqueror is an epic tale told with power and ambition, and we’re confident it will resonate deeply with audiences in South Africa and across the continent,” says Waldimar Pelser, Director of Premium Channels at MultiChoice.
This production marks a significant milestone as a first-of-its-kind global content rollout between M-Net and CANAL+.