James R | On 15, Apr 2019

“All the chosen must suffer.” “They will strike and show no mercy.” “I will find her.” “Nobody p*sses in my bath.” That’s the sound of Britannia returning for a second season, and the first trailer for the show’s second coming suggests it’s just as mad as ever.

Written by multi-award winning Jez Butterworth and Tom Butterworth – and starring David Morrissey, Kelly Reilly, Zoë Wanamaker and Mackenzie Crook – the bonkers historical epic follows the Roman army as they return in 43AD to crush the Celtic heart of Britannia, a mysterious land led by warrior women and powerful Druids, who claim to channel the powerful forces of the underworld.

Two years on from invading Britannia, General Aulus (David Morrissey) is romanising willing Celt tribes with the help of Celtic Queen Amena (Annabel Scholey), and crushing those who try to resist. Aulus’ behaviour raises suspicions that he has another agenda; one that raises ghosts in Amena’s past and makes his threat to the Druids ever more critical. The only form of hope for the Druids and Celts is Cait (Eleanor Worthington-Cox), a young girl being trained by outcast Druid Divis (Nikolaj Lie Kaas), to fulfil a prophecy that would save Britannia from the Romans. But when the dead man wakes, two Druid brothers – Veran (Mackenzie Crook) and Harka (Mackenzie Crook) begin an epic battle of wills that divides the Druids and puts the prophecy in jeopardy.

Season 2 sees Mackenzie Crook take on the role Harka – ‘The Dead Man’ and brother of Veran – and also welcomes Steve Pemberton to the ensemble. Judging by his own contribution to the trailer, he’s going to fight right in.

Britannia returns to Sky Atlantic and NOW this autumn. Here’s the video:

 

First look: Britannia returns to Sky this autumn

20th February 2019

Sky is preparing to go back into the deep, dark and unruly world of England’s past this year, with Season 2 of Britannia this autumn.

Written by multi-award winning Jez Butterworth and Tom Butterworth – and starring David Morrissey, Kelly Reilly, Zoë Wanamaker and Mackenzie Crook – the bonkers historical epic follows the Roman army as they return in 43AD to crush the Celtic heart of Britannia, a mysterious land led by warrior women and powerful Druids, who claim to channel the powerful forces of the underworld.

Two years on from invading Britannia, General Aulus (David Morrissey) is romanising willing Celt tribes with the help of Celtic Queen Amena (Annabel Scholey), and crushing those who try to resist. Aulus’ behaviour raises suspicions that he has another agenda; one that raises ghosts in Amena’s past and makes his threat to the Druids ever more critical. The only form of hope for the Druids and Celts is Cait (Eleanor Worthington-Cox), a young girl being trained by outcast Druid Divis (Nikolaj Lie Kaas), to fulfil a prophecy that would save Britannia from the Romans. But when the dead man wakes, two Druid brothers – Veran (Mackenzie Crook) and Harka (Mackenzie Crook) begin an epic battle of wills that divides the Druids and puts the prophecy in jeopardy.

Now, we have our first look at Season 2, with images featuring Morrissey as General Aulus and Worthington-Cox as Cait. Mackenzie Crook, most importantly, is shown for the first time as Harka – ‘The Dead Man’ and brother of Veran.

 

Sky renews Britannia for second season

18th March 2018

Sky is preparing to go back into the deep, dark and unruly world of England’s past, as it renews Britannia for a second season.

Written by multi-award winning Jez Butterworth and Tom Butterworth – and starring David Morrissey, Kelly Reilly, Zoë Wanamaker and Mackenzie Crook – the bonkers historical epic follows the Roman army as they return in 43AD to crush the Celtic heart of Britannia, a mysterious land led by warrior women and powerful Druids, who claim to channel the powerful forces of the underworld. The nine-part first season begins the story of the emotional and physical power struggles between three tribes: the Druids, Celts and Romans, who battle for the heart of Britannia.

The series, which premiered this year, was the biggest Sky original production launch on Sky Atlantic since Fortitude Season 1, with the first episode watched by a cumulative audience of 1.88 million. To date, the series in total has had more than 10 million downloads and views on demand through Sky set top boxes, the Sky Go app and TV streaming service NOW. It’s also been the most downloaded Sky series in Ultra HD and has been sold in 206 territories worldwide.

Britannia was created by the Butterworths and James Richardson (Monsters), with Rupert Ryle-Hodges (Downton, The Hollow Crown ) producing, and it is executive produced by Vertigo Films’ James Richardson (Monsters), Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris and Nicolas Brown from Neal Street Productions (Penny Dreadful), as well as Jez and Tom.

“This is Game of Thrones’ loud, naughty brother, Spartacus’ British cousin, a swords-and-sandals adventure sporting a hoodie and sneakers,” we wrote in our review. “It’s gory, it’s scary, and it’s immensely fun.”

Season 2, written by Jez, Tom and John-Henry Butterworth, will continue to explore the life of the Celts, Druids and Romans.

Cameron Roach, commissioning editor for drama at Sky, says: “The first series of Britannia brought Jez’s unique vision to life. The series is a tale of clashing faith systems, torn apart families, mystic men and fearsome queens, all told with humour, heart, epic drama and violence. Drama on Sky is about the unexpected, the visceral and the memorable, it’s about stories told in a way you won’t find anywhere else. That’s why we are delighted to be working with Jez and the production team on the next instalment.”

Filming will start in spring 2018, ready to air on Sky Atlantic and NOW next year. Season 1 is available on both on-demand. Catch up our spoiler-free review here.

 

Britannia Season 1 is available now on Sky Box Sets. Don’t have Sky? You can also stream it on NOW, as part of a £7.99 Sky Entertainment Month Pass subscription – with a 7-day free trial.

Add to Watchlist