King & Conqueror star recalls moment after training when he thought he was “about to die”

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Actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, known for his role as King and Conqueror in the BBC historical epic, admitted he wasn’t fond of a specific element during filming. This drama follows two former allies – Harold of Wessex (James Norton) and William of Normandy (Coster-Waldau) – who eventually found themselves on opposing sides in battle.

Following their training, the duo will need to perform their usual routine involving ice-cold immersions, as Coster-Waldau explained. Norton, an experienced participant in such chilly dunks, referred to it as an enjoyable experience.

His fellow actor commented, ‘I discovered,’ he said. ‘It was something I hadn’t tried before. In the beginning, you think you’re going to perish, only to find out, surprisingly, that it’s quite enjoyable.’

Instead, Norton mentioned that the training became incredibly enjoyable due to a unique tradition they followed. This tradition involved initially immersing themselves in cold water and subsequently warming up by soaking in warm water.

Nikolaj and I often went down, performed our stunts, and left afterward. We needed to stay sharp. After all, we aren’t as young as we used to be.

In the recollection, Coster-Waldau (being 15 years senior to Norton) reminisced about a heated exchange between them, which unfolded while both were in a bathtub, sans clothing.

“He’s so much younger than me, he’s so much stronger, so it’s very unfair,” he joked.

Norton remarked, “What you’re saying isn’t accurate,” and then humorously referred to Nikolaj Coster-Waldau’s renowned role in Game of Thrones. “This man is no stranger to a medieval film set, as we all know. He can handle a sword… that’s not just fighting, it’s more like an art, if you will.” [Laughs]

The official summary presents “King & Conqueror” as a tale that delineates a pivotal confrontation shaping the destiny of a nation, and indeed an entire continent, over a span of one thousand years. The underlying tensions trace back for many decades and are entangled within two powerful family lineages vying for dominance across two lands and tumultuous waters.

In the year 1066, Harold from Wessex and William from Normandy were two individuals whose paths crossed at the Battle of Hastings. At first, they were friends with no intentions of claiming the English throne; however, due to unforeseen circumstances and personal ambitions, they found themselves drawn into a conflict over the right to rule England.

During a conversation with the BBC, Norton expressed frequent amazement upon reading the scripts, remarking, “It’s hard to believe! This feels absolutely insane.

In every case, Michael Robert Johnson would respond something like, “No, that’s accurately what transpired,” which was indeed remarkable.

In an interview with The Guardian, Norton stated that he wasn’t initially aware of the close relationship between Harold and William prior to the battle. It seems they had been friends and allies for quite some time, only to later realize, due to Europe‘s territorial changes, that they were bound to confront each other on the battlefield.

“And one of them would have to die,” he added.

Among Norton and Coster-Waldau, the ensemble also features Emily Beecham known from “The Pursuit of Love” and “1899”, Clémence Poésy recognized for her roles in “Harry Potter” and “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon”, Eddie Marsan best known as a cast member in “Ray Donovan” and “The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe”, Juliet Stevenson famed for her work in “Bend It Like Beckham” and “Wolf”, Clare Holman recognized from “Lewis” and “Sherwood”, Luther Ford, a star in “The Crown” and “Black Doves”, Bo Bragason known for “Renegade Nell” and “The Jetty”, and Indy Lewis, who appeared in “Industry” and “House of David”.

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2025-08-25 11:04