The Last Kingdom season 5 has concluded the series’ run on Netflix – however, Uhtred of Bebbanburg’s (Alexander Dreymon) story has at least one more act. Based on Bernard Cornwell’s historical fiction book series, The Saxon Stories, The Last Kingdom has typically adapted two novels each season. With only 10 of 13 books incorporated into the show by its end, The Last Kingdom has more of its source material awaiting an on-screen portrayal — which audiences are guaranteed to see.
Originally airing on BBC for its first two seasons from 2015-17 before Netflix took over season 3’s production in 2018, The Last Kingdom follows Uhtred as he seeks to claim his ancestral birthright. A Saxon at birth, though raised as a Dane, Uhtred found himself torn between his dual identity over the show’s five seasons before finally attaining his goal. Through alliances, betrayals, and many epic battles, Uhtred sought to restore peace in the midst of heated conflicts between Saxons and Danes in the medieval Anglo-Saxon lands.
Netflix’s The Last Kingdom ended as Uhtred finally reclaimed his ancestral land of Bebbanburg and became Lord of Northumbria, under separate rule from King Edward. Even though the series’ final episode was a fitting ending for the story, the arrival of Uhtred’s estranged third child and Edward’s relentless desire for a united England implicate that more is on the horizon and that Uhtred’s newfound leverage won’t come without consequences. Fortunately for fans, Uhtred’s final chapter is in the works. To complete The Last Kingdom‘s narrative, Netflix will release a follow-up feature film titled Seven Kings Must Die.
The Last Kingdom Season 6: Renewed Or Canceled?
Even though The Last Kingdom‘s source material stretches beyond season 5, Netflix opted to cancel the series rather than greenlight season 6. The streaming service did not provide a reason for ending The Last Kingdom with season 5, though it seems likely that this was the plan all along. Speaking at MCM London Comic Con in 2021, Alexander Dreymon indicated that The Last Kingdom‘s production team “had structured the show in a way that season five was always going to be the last season,” building its narrative around the 10 Saxon Stories novels that had been released through 2016.
The Last Kingdom Movie Updates & Story Details
In lieu of The Last Kingdom season 6, Netflix has switched to the movie format to adapt Cornwell’s remaining books. On January 31, The Last Kingdom‘s Twitter account announced that Seven Kings Must Die had begun filming. The movie’s run time is expected to stretch to around two hours. Netflix is yet to release an official synopsis, but Seven Kings Must Die will be based on the final three Saxon Stories novels: War of the Wolf, Sword of Kings, and War Lord. Casting details have also been kept under wraps for the moment, though it has been confirmed that Alexander Dreymon will return to play Uhtred. Netflix has not provided a release date yet, but viewers should expect the film to premiere in the early half of 2023.
On Seven Kings Must Die‘s story in relation to The Last Kingdom‘s TV series, executive producer Nigel Marchant told Radio Times, “Season 5 does feel like the end of the TV series, and the movie will be much more standalone. It’ll be an extra treat for the fans of the TV series, but you could also watch it even if you’ve never seen the TV show.” Netflix’s epilogue-style conclusion to The Last Kingdom in the form of a feature-length film should deliver a satisfying final act in Uhtred’s story.
The Last Kingdom season 5 is now streaming on Netflix.
