James Norton says King and Conqueror made big decision to not just ‘focus on two men, but two couples’

The highly anticipated BBC series, “BBC’s King and Conqueror,” revolves around the historical period leading up to the Battle of Hastings, focusing on the struggle for power between Harold of Wessex and William of Normandy. This epic drama promises captivating discussions among viewers.

In fact, although the series primarily focuses on these two men, it unexpectedly delves into their wives’ lives and the relationships they were involved in as well.

Those relationships were particularly advanced for their time, while many marriages back then were primarily political, calculated, and arranged. In contrast, Matilda was well-educated, and William was not; she was indeed a force to be reckoned with.

He continued by saying, “Much like Edith and Harold, discussing them isn’t easy without giving away spoilers as their story is already written in our history books. However, let me clarify – there’s a spoiler ahead: tragically, Harold does not survive.

Edith is the one who arrives and recognizes him, so she’s with him right from the start until the end, standing by his side throughout. It’s evident that they shared a deep love for each other.

Indeed, that event was unusual yet contemporary, and it marked the beginning of all their adventures. As Mike pointed out, the crux of this tale lay not in determining what transpired but rather understanding the reasons behind it. These two men were driven by an insatiable thirst for power and a coveted crown. The motivations behind their actions stemmed from their personal relationships and familial ties, particularly Harold’s bond with his fathers and brothers.

In this production, Norton portrays Harold, while Nikolaj Coster-Waldau assumes the role of William, Duke of Normandy. Their conflict serves as the main focus, promising a grand depiction of what is known to be a pivotal era in the annals of British history.

Norton plays Harold and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau portrays William, Duke of Normandy, with their conflict forming the heart of the story, anticipating an impressive portrayal of a significant period in British history.

Apart from being a part of the series, Norton has also taken up the role of an executive producer. He invested around seven years of his time into the projects named King and Conqueror, with the aim of transforming the narrative into a captivating visual experience on screen.

During an interview with The Guardian, Norton once confessed that he was not familiar with the full details of the story. He only had a general idea about it from school education.

It turns out that prior to the conflict, Harold and William were long-standing friends and allies. Their amicable relationship had persisted for many years. However, due to shifting political landscapes in Europe, they found themselves on opposing sides, a grim reality that meant one of them would inevitably perish during battle.

The series, titled “King and Conqueror,” is about a conflict that shaped the destiny of a country and an entire continent for a millennium. This struggle can be traced back for many years and involves two families, each vying for power in two different nations, separated by a tumultuous sea.

In the year 1066, Harold of Wessex and William the Conqueror from Normandy were initially unlikely adversaries, not seeking the English throne. However, they found themselves drawn into a bitter conflict over the crown, a result of unforeseen circumstances and personal ambitions.

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2025-08-21 09:41