movies

Alexander Skarsgard to Play Big-Screen Viking Warrior

Photo: Toby Canham/2011 Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 21: Alexander Sarsgard arrives for the premiere of HBO's "True Blood" held at the Arclight Cinerama Dome  on June 21, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Toby Canham/Getty Images)
Alexander Skarsgard. Photo: Toby Canham/2011 Getty Images

Alexander Skarsgard is ditching his fangs for a horned helmet. According to Variety, the True Blood actor will star in and co-produce The Vanguard, a Viking epic for Warner Bros. that the studio is hoping to position as a major tentpole in the vein of Gladiator and Braveheart. Playwright Chris Boal is writing the script, which centers on two Viking brothers who are trying to return to Sweden from North America; since Skarsgard’s True Blood character Erik was once a Viking, too, the role shouldn’t prove to be too much of a stretch. Perhaps it’s time for another Skarsgard brother to make the leap to American stardom! Gustaf, this is your moment. [Variety]

Alexander Skarsgard to Play Big-Screen Viking Warrior