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The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die review – gripping spin-off from Netflix show

There’s a ton of plot packed into this standalone movie derived from the TV series, but the deluge of detail gets steadily more absorbing

H ere is a standalone feature film and final capstone in Netflix’s British-made TV series The Last Kingdom , an epic in every sense of the word that’s based on novels by Bernard Cornwell and unfolds in the 10th century, just before the Norman invasion. Even if you’ve never seen a single episode from any of the show’s previous five seasons of dramatised yet highly researched British history, you’ll probably quite like to go back and start watching the whole saga from the beginning because it gets more gripping the more you surrender to it. This is largely down to the thoughtful way it tries to present a society composed of pagan Danes and Christian Saxons – and folks who are a bit of both – trying with some difficulty to all get along.

The main dude is one such mixed-heritage chap named Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon), who apparently was born a Saxon but raised by Vikings and believes in the Norse gods. A fearsome warrior wielding a sword with a chunk of amber on the hilt, and a mane of tangled hair shaved at the sides so he looks like a new age traveller from the 1990s, Uhtred is the leader of a community in Northumbria, eschewing the title king. His alliance with the royal family of Wessex to the south is tested when newly crowned King Aethelstan (Harry Gilby) comes to power and is persuaded by his closest adviser Ingilmundr (Laurie Davidson) (a fanatical convert to Christianity) to use this moment to seize control of all Britain’s kingdoms, from the Shetland and Orkney islands to Wessex. There are, as the title might imply, eight kings in all, but the wife of a friend of Uhtred’s with a history of making prophecies foretells that seven of them will die.

There’s a ton of plot crammed tightly into the running time, but director Edward Bazalgette manages the storytelling efficiently, helped by the display of place names at the beginning of each scene explaining which castle we’re at now, as well as how it was known in 900-something, and the name it goes by now. If you like that kind of nerdy attention to detail, you will love this – the saga must be essential viewing for Larp enthusiasts and battle recreators. But, Bazalgette and the film never wink at us, and try to stay true to the mindset of the times, from self-hating gay men who try to purge the “sins” they fear they’ve committed by waging war for Christianity, to the way Dark Age folks treated women and conquered enemies with about an equal amount of contempt. The battle scenes are not quite on the scale of the Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones franchises, but they are pretty spicy and well staged for something that clearly has a far smaller budget.

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‘The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die’ Review: Flesh Wounds

Soldiers face off over the fate of England in this overbearingly glib costume drama.

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By Robert Daniels

Far too often, “The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die,” an incomprehensible period epic based on the five-season television series “The Last Kingdom,” mistakes the mere presence of blood for a compelling narrative.

Set during the 10th century, before England was a united kingdom, the movie, directed by Ed Bazalgette, takes place as the recent death of King Edward and the ascent of his son Aethelstan (Harry Gilby) threaten a fragile peace among the country’s pagan and Christian nation states. The loyal Lord Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon), a man of deep honor, wants to avoid a conflict that he thinks will continue for generations.

What occurs is a series of events rather than a story. If you haven’t watched the TV show, itself adapted from novels by the author Bernard Cornwell , then keeping up with the web of allegiances, characters and story lines will prove difficult. In this film alone, Uhtred’s sword is stolen, his land and title are stripped away, and a conniving Danish king, Anlaf (Pekka Strang), seeks to exploit him. Ingilmundr, the lover and Svengali of Aethelstan, also wants to turn the impressionable ruler against Uhtred.

The theme of Christian guilt in the face of homophobia bears no dramatic fruit. The film’s culminating battle isn’t much heartier: The compositions lack clarity, the score of undulating voices is comically clichéd and the visual effects are a dingy, nauseating mess. There are no stakes in a film that not only takes seven royal lives — it snatches several brain cells with them.

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 51 minutes. Watch on Netflix.

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‘The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die’ Review: Long-Running Historical TV Saga Ably Concludes With a Feature-Length Finale

The Netflix drama based on Bernard Cornwell’s popular historical novels ends with a film that sees the machinations of invading Danish warrior king Anlaf pose a new threat to the dream of a united England.

By Catherine Bray

Catherine Bray

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The hero of the hour is Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon), a young Saxon and the protagonist of the TV series, who fans will know was raised by Danes after a Danish attack wiped out most of his family — before he relocated to Wessex to work for the aforementioned Alfred. None of this backstory is really necessary for newcomers to understand that Uhtred is a good guy, happy to respect religious and cultural differences in the name of peace. 

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This is probably not a film that will engage too many people outside the show’s existing fanbase, though “Lord of the Rings” acolytes may get a kick out of seeing its dramatizations of various historical inspirations for J.R.R. Tolkien’s extensive world-building. Certainly in his eventual bid to unite various smaller kingdoms of men in a massive climactic fight against a common enemy, Aethelstan (whose name means “noble stone”) is a possible historical inspiration for Aragorn (who the deep nerds will recall is also referred to as “elf stone”), and there are plenty of similar parallels to to be drawn. 

Where “Seven Kings Must Die” is most interesting, however, is in its approach to religion, sexuality and culture. While it’s tempting to see our current era as unprecedented in its social blending of diverse faiths and identities, early medieval England gives contemporary Western society a run for its money in this respect. The dominant conflict is between Christianity and Pagan religions, but even within these factions there are myriad approaches presented here: We see some characters acting with genuine faith in their beliefs, and others manipulating belief to political social ends. Plus ça change, as nobody in England until at least 1066 would have said.

This interest in the parallels between the present day and events taking place over a thousand years ago is evident in a number of production flourishes, including the approach to onscreen place names: We see the location for a scene spelled out in the appropriate local language, before the letters rearrange themselves into its modern English appellation. (Wintanceaster becomes Winchester and so on.) There are also occasional onscreen excerpts from surviving Anglo-Saxon literature (the epic poem “The Battle of Brunanburh” is both dramatized and quoted), while I shall not spoil an unexpected location-based formal gambit in the final moments. 

Reviewed online, April 12, 2023. Running time: 153 MIN.

• Production: A Netflix presentation of a Carnival Films production. Producers: Nigel Marchant, Gareth Neame, Mat Chaplin. Executive producers: Alexander Dreymon, Martha Hillier.
• Crew: Director: Ed Bazalgette. Screenplay: Martha Hillier, based on the novel by Bernard Cornwell. Camera: Luke Bryant. Editor: Adam Green.
• With: Alexander Dreymon, Harry Gilby, Mark Rowley, Arnas Fedaravicius, Cavan Clerkin, James Northcote, Laurie Davidson, Elaine Cassidy, Pekka Strang.

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The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die (2023)

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The last kingdom: seven kings must die, common sense media reviewers.

Medieval violence abounds in intense historical fantasy.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Uhtred cares more for the king and his soldiers th

Some secondary female characters have active roles

Medieval battle violence throughout. Basically, th

Two men passionately kiss in one scene; implied se

Some profanity, including "c--k," "s--t," "arse,"

Boisterous drinking in alehouses in some scenes.

Parents need to know that The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is a medieval fantasy movie in which kings and armies scheme to unite England in the 10th century. Expect a lot of medieval fighting violence, including an extended battle between two armies that basically comprises the third act. Lots of blood…

Positive Role Models

Uhtred cares more for the king and his soldiers than he does about attaining personal glory.

Diverse Representations

Some secondary female characters have active roles as spies or fighters.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

Medieval battle violence throughout. Basically, the third act is one big battle between opposing forces, all wielding swords, hatchets, bows and arrows, etc. Blood spurts. Lots of fighters killed. A character is executed by blade to the back of the neck, with graphic sound and blood. Hanging execution.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Two men passionately kiss in one scene; implied sex. Kings and soldiers make innuendo-laced jokes about this affair between the two men.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Some profanity, including "c--k," "s--t," "arse," "bastard."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is a medieval fantasy movie in which kings and armies scheme to unite England in the 10th century. Expect a lot of medieval fighting violence, including an extended battle between two armies that basically comprises the third act. Lots of blood spurts and dead bodies. There's a graphic execution in which a man is stabbed in the back of the neck with an ax, with blood spurts and sound effects, plus a hanging death. Two men are shown passionately kissing in one scene; sex is implied. Some drinking occurs in alehouses. Occasional strong language includes "c--k," "s--t," "arse," and "bastard." To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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Based on 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In THE LAST KINGDOM: SEVEN KINGS MUST DIE, it's the aftermath of King Edward's death, and Aethelstan (Harry Gilby) is to inherit the throne. But Aethelstan is young and under the questionable influence of his adviser, Ingilmundr ( Laurie Davidson ), who advocates for violence and oppression at every turn. As Uhtred ( Alexander Dreymon ) witnesses what's happening, he's also aware that rival kings and the Danes are seeking to claim England for themselves. All the while, Uhtred and his men are aware of the haunting prophecy "Seven kings must die." Uhtred must find a way to convince Aethelstan that Ingilmundr has betrayed his trust and must raise an army to stop the rival kings' armies so that Aethelstan can rule a united England.

Is It Any Good?

This is an entertaining, if violent, medieval war movie. The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is a sequel based on the television program, but it stands on its own as a worthy story. There are betrayals and shifting alliances aplenty, but the story doesn't fly off the rails as these plot twists happen. It's very violent, though, and the third act is basically one big battle scene not terribly different from the climactic battle scene in Braveheart .

Edward Bazalgette's direction is steady and effective throughout, and here's a fun fact for you '80s New Wave fans out there: Bazalgette is also in the band The Vapors, who gave the world the one-hit wonder "Turning Japanese." The acting is above average for movies like this, where, typically, the actors are more about the fight scenes than delivering their lines in a credible manner. And the dialogue isn't excruciating, unlike in so many of these movies with their constant lines on the order of "Fulfill your destiny!" etc.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about movies based on TV shows like The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die . What would be the challenges in adapting a TV show into a movie?

This is based on historical events. How accurately do you think the movie portrays what happened? Where do you think it took liberties for the sake of the story?

Was the violence a necessary component of the story, or did it seem excessive? Why?

Movie Details

• On DVD or streaming : April 14, 2023
• Cast : Alexander Dreymon , Harry Gilby , Laurie Davidson
• Director : Edward Bazalgette
• Inclusion Information : Female writers
• Studio : Netflix
• Genre : Action/Adventure
• Topics : Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More
• Run time : 111 minutes
• MPAA rating : NR
• Last updated : May 8, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

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Seven Kings Must Die Reviews

The movie is a rushed mess, trampling over characters from the show, throwing together a conflict that is both jarring and unnecessary, and creating stakes that feel forced at best. It’s hard to care about any of it.

Full Review | Jun 13, 2023

A gripping epic history drama on England is set in the turbulent days of the 10th century.

Full Review | Original Score: B | May 10, 2023

The movie Seven Kings Must Die wraps up the Netflix show The Last Kingdom with a corny flourish that’s not always successful and mostly echoes the high points of the show during its peak.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 25, 2023

In what feels like a fitting conclusion to a story that so many love, Seven Kings Must Die heightens the stakes and nails the tone. The run-time doesn’t fully allow it to deliver, but the film works as a whole.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Apr 25, 2023

The movie delivers viscerally exciting fight scenes and a strong sense of what life was like in an ancient, unsettled world.

Full Review | Apr 24, 2023

Seven Kings Must Die delivers a fitting, feature-film finish to an underappreciated show.

Full Review | Apr 21, 2023

The acting is above average for movies like this, where, typically, the actors are more about the fight scenes than delivering their lines in a credible manner.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 20, 2023

It’s a period piece that will make fans of the series very happy, and those who appreciate historical fiction will feast while watching.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 15, 2023

Creative camera work and immersive battle choreography are complemented by charismatic and devious characters all topped off by a gripping narrative.

Full Review | Original Score: 4.5/5 | Apr 14, 2023

Seven Kings Must Die is a fitting, frenetic end to The Last Kingdom journey... [though] it might not be as accessible to newcomers as the producers hope.

Full Review | Apr 14, 2023

The audience receives a more proper closure through The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die than with just its series...While the blood, sweat, and tears of the series don’t transfer entirely to the film, newcomers will still find it a thrilling watch

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Apr 14, 2023

“The Last Kingdom” mistakes the mere presence of blood for a compelling narrative.

When all the dust settles, The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is a flawed yet fitting finale that serves as a send-off to Uhtred of Bebbanburg and the bloody life he did everything to find a way clear of.

Full Review | Original Score: B- | Apr 14, 2023

Retaining all of the charm — and carnage — of the acclaimed series while condensing it to a two-hour film, Seven Kings Must Die does right by fans of The Last Kingdom for the final (?) adventure of Uhtred, son of Uhtred.

Full Review | Original Score: 9/10 | Apr 14, 2023

Where “Seven Kings Must Die” is most interesting... is in its approach to religion, sexuality and culture.

There’s a ton of plot crammed tightly into the running time, but director Edward Bazalgette manages the storytelling efficiently...

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 14, 2023

If you loved The Last Kingdom as a series, you’ll be very pleased with this final slice of medieval warrior life.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 14, 2023

Home » Movies

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die Review – the grand finale to a historically detailed Netflix series

We review the 2023 Netflix film The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die, which does not contain spoilers.

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die   is the final send-off to a series that has been on Netflix since 2015.  The Last Kingdom   has been a massive draw for the streaming service for the past five years. The series did come to an end in 2022, and this movie was made for television.

The series was based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories series of novels . For fans of historical fiction, this Netflix series was adapted quite well.

Even though it is an extension of the final season ( see: The Last Kingdom Season 5 Review ), the decision to incorporate so much in a two-hour film was undoubtedly a choice.

Fans wanted another season because there is still so much story left to tell, but this movie was the compromise for everyone.

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die Review and Plot Summary

In the wake of King Edward’s death, Uhtred of Bebbanburg and his comrades come across a fractured kingdom, hoping to finally unite England. Uhtred is the leader of a people in Northumbria, and his alliance with the royal family of Wessex to the south is tested when newly crowned King Aethelstan comes to power.

His right-hand man advised him to use this particular moment to gain control of Britain.

READ: Best Netflix Movies of All Time

The title of the film  Seven Kings Must Die  is a prophecy that Uhtred’s wife foresees. There are eight kings in total in the kingdom, but she has said that seven will most definitely die and that one will reign.

Instead of a generic fight for the crown, the prophecy adds another layer to the ongoing battle.

Is The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die good or bad?

The Last Kingdom  has a reasonably wide fanbase for Netflix, so fans of the series will appreciate the work done in this film. As a standalone film, it is a good story that works in much of what could have been used in an entire season on television.

It’s a period piece that will make fans of the series very happy, and those who appreciate historical fiction feast while watching. It is repetitive as the director Edward Bazalgette and writer Martha Hillier make sure the audience understands that “seven kings must die.”

Is The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die worth watching?

The one downfall of this standalone film is that too much is happening at once. It is plot-heavy, even though there are battles throughout, but it’s a lot to take in. If you’re a fan, you already know the characters and the locations, but if you’re going in blind to this, it’s a bit difficult to follow.

If you enjoy historical fiction and have nothing else to watch this weekend, this will be a nice compact two hours filled with everything you love. However, for those who aren’t fans of the genre or the series, the character dynamics don’t hold this together, and it feels cluttered for most of the film.

What did you think of the 2023 Netflix film The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die? Comment below.

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Article by Amanda Guarragi

Amanda Guarragi joined Ready Steady Cut as an Entertainment Writer in June 2022. She is a Toronto-based film critic who has covered TIFF, Sundance Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, and HorrorFest International. Amanda is also a growing YouTuber, with her channel Candid Cinema growing in popularity.

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‘Seven Kings Must Die’ Ending Explained: Does Uhtred Die?

Where to stream:.

• Seven Kings Must Die

‘Seven Kings Must Die’ Marks a “Bittersweet” Farewell For ‘The Last Kingdom’s Tight-Knit Cast and Crew

Stream it or skip it: ‘seven kings must die’ on netflix, a bloody finale to ‘the last kingdom’, ‘seven kings must die’ star and ep alexander dreymon tears up talking about his ‘last kingdom’ co-stars.

The new Netflix action flick Seven Kings Must Die finally wraps up the saga of Uhtred of Bebbanburg ( Alexander Dreymon ), the unification of England, and the story started by The Last Kingdom . We finally learn what happens when young Aethelstan ( Harry Gilby ) takes the throne and it’s, uh, not great. Aethelstan becomes a brother-killing, city-plundering, treaty-breaking little tyrant under the guidance of one Ingilmundr ( Laurie Davidson ). Aethelstan’s actions force an alliance of all the rival kings and a major showdown at the Battle of Brunanburh. How does Uhtred’s strategy change the course of English history? How do the titular seven kings die? And does Uhtred die at the end of The Last Kingdom movie Seven Kings Must Die ?

Spoilers for all of Seven Kings Must Die , but it turns out that Ingilmundr isn’t the Christian reformer he’s presenting himself as. Ingilmundr is a secret Danish spy who has been seducing Aethelstan and pushing him to conquer the rival territories in order to unite the other kingdoms against Mercia. Uhtred realizes this when he is brought into the confidence of the Danes. While the other kings want him to declare himself King of Northumbria to join their cause, Uhtred notices that Ingilmundr is among their number. He returns to a sacked Bebbanburg, rallies his friends and goes to help a defeated Aethelstan. Uhtred and his allies launch a daring plan to survive battle against the united kings’ forces.

So what happens? Do Uhtred’s shield walls fall? Does Aethelstan die? DOES UHTRED DIE?!? And how did Ingrith’s (Ilona Chevakova) prophecy come true? Here’s everything you need to know about the ending of Seven Kings Must Die …

How Did the Prophecy in Seven Kings Must Die Come True?

Early on in Seven Kings Must Die , Finan (Mark Rowley) reveals that his wife Ingrith had a prophetic dream. She shyly tells Uhtred that seven kings and the woman you love must die before England can become united. Uhtred shrugs this off because he doesn’t currently have a lover, but when news arrives that King Edward has died, Finan says he’s the first king down. Six more to go.

When Uhtred meets with the council of kings, he shares this prophecy. One of the kings laughs it off, explaining that if you kill a king, another will simply rise in his place. After all, he’s got a son. Anlaf (Pekka Strong), a daughter. Through their children, kings cannot die, but live forever.

When Uhtred finally returns to Bebbanburg with Finan and Sihtric (Arnas Fedaravicius), they discover that the city has been sacked. The surviving women and children were entombed alive by massive boulders. When Uhtred and Finan finally pull Finan’s wife Ingrith from this horrific tomb, they recall that Ingrith was looking at Finan when she said, “The woman you love must die.” Not Uhtred. Ingrith was the woman who had to die.

Realizing that Aethelstan has been tricked into a position of utter weakness, Uhtred rallies around his friend at the Battle of Brunanburh. There, five of the children of the rival kings are killed. When the kings regroup, they realize they’ve lost too much in the fight against Aethelstan. Because they’re children are dead, the kings and their legacies are dead, too.

So one king died in the beginning of the film, five died “spiritually” on the battlefield, and Ingrith died, too. Who is the seventh king? Well, it’s probably Uhtred…

Seven Kings Must Die Ending Explained: Does Uhtred Die?

Perhaps the biggest mystery at the end of Seven Kings Must Die ? DID UHTRED DIE?!?!

The Last Kingdom and Seven Kings Must Die executive producer Nigel Marchant told Decider that, “You’re going to have to make your own call on that. Which is unhelpful, but it leaves it open to an audience about how they want to, you know, Uhtred isn’t gonna last forever? “

“So I think that’s a lovely thing about the end of this show is there’s an ambiguity in there for an audience to decide was that the end or did he fight another day. And you’ll see at the end we kind of come out of – to the real history, as it were.”

Marchant is, of course, referring to how the final shot reveals that the fortress at Bebbanburg still stands today. Albeit, there have been considerable renovations to the fort since Uhtred’s days.

That said, it seems like Uhtred does die at the end of Seven Kings Must Die . After all, he suffered a grievous injury during the battle. While he awoke back in his home, surrounded by friends and family, he sees a vision of the halls of Valhalla as the film comes to a close. Waiting there are some of his closest friends, foes, and allies who have passed…including Brida (Emily Cox).

Supposing Uhtred does die, who does he see in cameo format in his vision of Valhalla?

Who Did Uhtred See in Valhalla in Seven Kings Must Die ? Cameos From Brida, Magnus, and More

Even if somehow Uhtred managed to pull through that final scene, he got a glimpse of the afterlife: the great feast hall of Valhalla, where warriors who are killed in battle are spirited to by the Valkyries. Not only that, but Uhtred sees four familiar faces who are waiting for him there.

“There’s a few surprises near the end that you might pick up on, all kinds of cameos in there,” Marchant teased Decider before we saw the film, and now we know what he meant! The Last Kingdom fans will recognize Brida, Earl Ragnar (Peter Gantzler), Clapa (Magnus Samuelsson), and Haesten (Jeppe Beck Laursen) celebrating in Valhalla.

The biggest cameo is obviously Brida, Uhtred’s childhood friend, first love, and eventual enemy. She was killed towards the end of Season 5. Earl Ragnar was the Danish warlord who became Uhtred and Brida’s foster father, teaching the Saxon-born children to be warriors and pagans. Clapa was a loyal member of Uhtred’s original household guard who was felled by an axe in an earlier season. Finally, Haesten started off as a villain Last Kingdom fans loved to love and eventually became an ally.

If Uhtred does indeed die in Seven Kings Must Die , then at least we know he’ll be reunited with some of our favorite Last Kingdom characters.

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Seven Kings Must Die Ending, Explained: Does Uhtred Die?

‘Seven Kings Must Die’ (full title, ‘The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die’) is a Netflix historical action drama film. A direct sequel to the BBC Two/Netflix series ‘ The Last Kingdom ,’ the film serves as the epic conclusion to the story of Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon). Both the series and the film are developed from the historical fiction series of novels, ‘The Saxon Stories’ by Bernard Cornwell . ‘Seven Kings Must Die’ is especially based on the last two books in the series: ‘Sword of Kings’ (2019) and ‘War Lord’ (2020). However, considerable creative liberty has been taken during the adaptation process. Even though the film is a retelling of historical events, the narrative is ultimately fictional. Here is everything you might want to know about the ending of ‘Seven Kings Must Die.’ SPOILERS AHEAD.

Seven Kings Must Die Plot Synopsis

The film begins and ends with the narration from Finan (Mark Rowley), a fiercely loyal Irish warrior serving under Uhtred. He sets the stage for the narrative before the story starts. With King Edward on the deathbed, enemies of Wessex begin stirring in their lair, knowing that there are always internal struggle and bloodshed after the death of a Saxon king. Most of England – Wessex, Mercia, and East Anglia – is already under Saxon control. But Northumbria , governed by Uhtred from his castle in Bebbanburg, is technically not. Although Uhtred was born a Saxon, he was brought up as a Dane and is now an adherent of Norse paganism. Toward the end of ‘The Last Kingdom,’ he brokered a peace between King Constantin of Scotia (Rod Hallett) and Edward.

Uhtred effectively made Northumbria a buffer between what was officially England and Scotia. He didn’t swear loyalty to Edward but accepted him as his overlord, agreeing to pay homage to him. As Edward nears his death, Anlaf (Pekka Strang), Hiberno-Scandinavian (Irish-Viking) king of Irland, arrives in West Northumbria with a contingent of Wolf Warriors and slaughters an entire settlement before reuniting with his daughter, Astrid, who came to England earlier as a spy.

After Edward’s death, one of his sons, Aelfweard of Wessex, immediately moves to lay claim to his father’s vacant throne. He tries to arrest Edward’s widowed queen Eadgifu (Elaine Cassidy) and son Edmund, but they manage to flee to Northumbria with Aldhelm and find shelter in Bebbanburg. Uhtred is a father figure for Aethelstan (Harry Gilby), who spent much of his youth in Northumbria and readily supports the younger man’s claim to the throne. This prompts him to leave Bebbanburg after a long while, but not before Eadgifu warns him that Aethelstan is no longer the carefree boy he and his followers remember.

Uhtred soon discovers how true this is. Under the influence of Ingilmundr, his aide and secret lover, Aethelstan has become ruthless and a religious zealot. It seems that the zealotry is influenced by his belief that his feelings for Ingilmundr are an insult to God. He murders Aelfweard even after the latter surrenders and begins systematically targeting the part of the Danish population that still follows the old ways. As Uhtred is the leader of perhaps the only English territory where the pagans and Christians live in harmony, he opposes Aethelstan’s new rules and refuses to swear allegiance to him, though he promises once the younger man proves himself to be a worthy king of everyone that resides in England, he will gladly do so.

Meanwhile, Aethelstan’s expansive ventures make other leaders on the British Isles uncomfortable. Seizing the opportunity, Anlaf rallies them together by convincing them that Aethelstan will come after all of them. And this is not really far from the truth, as Aethelstan proves himself to be a ruthless and ambitious king.

Because of his continued disobedience of royal decrees, Uhtred is apprehended by Ingilmundr and Aethelstan through treachery. His son, Osbert, and Edmund are sent to Ingilmundr’s garrison in Thelwael to serve as common soldiers. Uhtred discovers that Aldhelm has been executed for helping him escape earlier. Uhtred prepares for death, but Aethelstan spares him, banishing him and forbidding anyone to help him.

Uhtred spends weeks roaming aimlessly through the lands — hungry and cold. Just as he nears death, he is found by Anlaf’s people, who bring him to Shetland Isles, where the disgruntled kings and their armies have gathered. The Christian and pagan rulers were at each other’s throats until recently, but Aethelstan’s ascension has forced them to find common ground.

The assembled kings advise Uhtred that if he wants to prevent a war, he has to assassinate Athelstan. As he leaves the camp, Uhtred spots Ingilmundr there and realizes that the other man is Anlaf’s spy among Aethelstan’s close aides. He rushes to Winchester, the capital of Wessex, not to kill Aethelstan but to warn him. Unfortunately, the young king refuses to believe him. However, it isn’t long before Ingilmundr’s treachery becomes apparent. He lets the Irland army through Thelwael, and they slaughter the Saxon soldiers posted there, but Osbert and Edmund manage to survive.

Realizing his folly, a repentant Aethelstan tries to send Uhtred and the others away so that he can face the consequences of his actions alone, but Uhtred refuses to abandon the boy he has always considered a son. At the Battle of Brunanburh, the English army overcomes a much larger force because of Uhtred’s cunning, though when the dust settles, he is found severely wounded.

Seven Kings Must Die Ending: Does Uhtred Die?

In one of the final scenes of the film, Uhtred comes out of the room he has been resting since the battle. The injuries have taken a toll on him; he looks like an elderly warrior for the first time in the movie. In the presence of his successor Osbert, Uhtred finally swears loyalty to Aethelstan under the condition that the young king will never marry and his throne will be passed to his brother Edmund.

As he speaks to his friends, family, Eadgifu — whom Uhtred has grown close to since the start of all this — and Aethelstan, he hears a commotion behind him. He sees the doors to a massive hall open up, and all the people he has lost are there, enjoying a great feast. And that’s when the film ends, with Uhtred standing between the mortal world and Valhalla. Finan, once more serving as the narrator, isn’t clear about Uhtred’s fate. He tells the audience that the Chronicles don’t record if Uhtred survived, but those like him who knew the man recognize him as the greatest warrior of their age.

Cornwell’s books have a much less ambiguous ending than the film. At the end of ‘War Lord,’ Uhtred’s land stretches from one coast to another, and on Aethelstan’s orders, he marries a younger widow. As mentioned above, the film is significantly different from the source material. Uhtred might no longer be able to choose the path ahead, but both things in front of him represent peace. As a warrior belonging to the pagan faith, he has always hoped for Valhalla after death. He can be reunited with his loved ones and feast with them for eternity. However, if he survives, he can get a few more years with his son, Athelstan, and his friends. The women he loves have the tendency to die early. That can change with Eadgifu. One can call this wistful thinking, but Valhalla isn’t going anywhere. So, if it is left to us, we like to presume that Uhtred survives.

Why Does Uhtred Ask Athelstan Never to Marry?

Uhtred learns about Aethelstan’s sexual relationship with Ingilmundr quite early in the film and keeps it a secret. But Ingilmundr informs Anlaf about it, and he tells the Christian kings, which adds another layer to their outrage against Aethelstan. In many ways, Ingilmundr is the antithesis of Uhtred. He is a Dane raised by the Saxons. Unlike Uhtred, Ingilmundr only pretended to accept the religion of his captors; he continued to be a pagan until he was executed on Aethelstan’s orders.

Knowing who he is, Uhtred spares Aethelstan a lifetime of scrutiny and hostility by including the condition of the latter of not marrying and selecting Edmund as the heir for his supplication. Once more, Uhtred is willing to serve as a shield wall for the young king. Aethelstan recognizes what his mentor intends to do and gratefully accepts the offer.

Who Are the Seven Kings Prophesied to Die? What is the Northumbrian Prophecy?

The title of ‘Seven Kings Must Die’ refers to a prophecy spoken by Ingrith (Ilona Chevakova), Finan’s lover. The complete prophecy is, “Seven Kings Must Die, and the Woman You Love.” Believing that both parts are meant for him, Uhtred points out that he is no king, nor he has a woman. When his relationship with Eadgifu starts to deepen, many fears that the prophecy speaks about her. However, it is revealed that the second part of the prophecy is meant for Finan, not Uhtred. Ingrith prophesizes her own death before it happens.

As for the first part of the prophecy, Edward is effectively the first king to die. While none of the seven enemy kings fall during the Battle of Brunanburh, five of their heirs or future kings do —- Scotia, Orkney, Man, Shetland, and Strathclyde. After sustaining the injuries, Uhtred wonders whether he will be the seventh king, though he never proclaimed himself as such. It seems that the Northumbrians didn’t count Astrid among the fallen heirs. She was meant to be her father’s successor, the ruler of Northumbria, after he had regained the land. Her death on the battlefield effectively makes the Northumbrian prophecy accurate.

Read More: Is Netflix’s Seven Kings Must Die Based on a True Story?

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Seven Kings Too Many

The closing movie to ‘The Last Kingdom’ saga puts what’s good about the series in shorthand

The movie Seven Kings Must Die wraps up the Netflix show The Last Kingdom with a corny flourish that’s not always successful and mostly echoes the high points of the show during its peak, its first three seasons.

The Last Kingdom, based on the old-fashioned historical novels of Bernard Cornwell , became one of the best Netflix series of all time by following a simple formula: it’s a mix of swashbuckling action, absurd melodrama, gallows humor bordering on the scatological, with a dash of history, anchored by a legendary performance from German actor Alexander Dreymon as Uthred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon lord raised by Danish invaders. He’s a man of divided loyalties caught in the tides of British history between the Dark and Early Middle Ages, between paganism and Christianity, and between the sheets of many beautiful women.

Seven Kings Must Die contains all the basic elements of a Last Kingdom storyline. Uthred must choose between his king and his Danish roots. He must defend his home, and when he fails to do so, he ends up wandering melodramatically in the wilderness. Meanwhile, scheming assholes scheme assholishly, and seemingly peaceful Christian priests wield surprisingly effective swords. The film features filial betrayals, daring rescues, people wearing ample fur, lots of blood and dirt, and one epic battle scene featuring a shield wall that filled me, as a great fan of The Last Kingdom, with much nostalgia.

But unlike most pop-culture properties, which could definitely stand a little editing to rid themselves of narrative bloat, Seven Kings Must Die has the opposite problem. Part of the fun of The Last Kingdom was that it went on for 10 hours a season, leaving ample time for narrative reversals, betrayals and un-betrayals, shifting loyalties, and intense cliffhangers. In one season, Uthred spent half the time as a prisoner aboard a slave ship, and yet by the end, there he stood on the front lines of King Alfred’s Army again. He goes from Dane to servant of the king, and back again. He loves and loses tragically. In another season, he spent several episodes under the erotic spell of a crazy woman pretending to be a witch. Yet by the end, there he was again, taking the knee.

The series-ending movie has all these elements as well, but they pass by quickly, almost in code, telling its loyal viewers “you know the story beats, let’s just skip them and get to the uniting of England”. But no one actually cares about the uniting of England, which was not yet posh in the 9th century. They want to see Uthred hoist a flagon with his mates and tell the royal advisers to go screw. Uthred has his moment of shame, but he’s in court 10 minutes later begging the king’s forgiveness.

At its peak, Uthred had a great foil in King Alfred, played with wonderful wit and subtlety by the British actor David Dawson. He also had a dark shadow in his childhood love Brita, played by Emily Cox, who turned into a vengeful warrior queen, and an appealing love interest in the angelic Aethelflaed, Lady of Mercia, played by the ridiculously beautiful British model Millie Brady.

In the movie, all those characters have gone, and only Uthred remains, along with his loyal buddies Finan and The Other Guy, as well as a few other minor characters. He has control of his fortress, so all that remains is to conclude the story of the uniting of England, a country no one gives a toss about any more, not even the English. The king is weak and boring, the ladies unappealing, and the remaining Danish marauders distinctly uncharismatic compared with those in previous seasons. It’s always nice to see Uthred and the gang, but the gang’s not all here anymore, so what’s the point?

Finally, there is the “Seven Kings” angle. When three of the Kings represent the Isle of Man, the Orkney Islands, and the Shetland Islands, you just have to laugh. These days, we call those “Mayors.” A movie called Seven Kings Must DIET, now that I would watch. It would also fit in very well on Netflix’s slate.

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Neal Pollack

Book and Film Globe Editor in Chief Neal Pollack is the author of 12 semi-bestselling books of fiction and nonfiction, including the memoirs Alternadad and Stretch , the novels Repeat and Downward-Facing Death , and the cult classic The Neal Pollack Anthology of American Literature . A Rotten Tomatoes certified reviewer for both film and television, Neal has written articles and humor for every English-language publication except The New Yorker. Neal lives in Austin, Texas, and is a three-time Jeopardy! champion.

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Screen Rant

Seven kings must die title: who are the 7 kings in the last kingdom.

Seven Kings Must Die will be a sequel to The Last Kingdom, but who are the seven kings that must die in this highly anticipated Netflix film?

Seven Kings Must Die , the sequel movie to The Last Kingdom , will apparently feature the death of seven kings, but who exactly those seven kings are has not been explicitly stated. Seven Kings Must Die is set to wrap up The Last Kingdom 's story, which is bound to end with the famous unification of England under King Athelstan. The Last Kingdom season 5 was the final season of the show, however, Seven Kings Must Die could be setting up future spinoffs for the franchise.

Seven Kings Must Die is set to take place after The Last Kingdom season 5, which ended with Uhtred reclaiming his ancestral home of Bebbanburg, and King Edward gaining a foothold in Northumbria. Edward's achievements importantly brought England a step closer to his and his father, Alfred's, dream of a unified England. The Last Kingdom season 5 also built-up Athelstan, who is set to be a central character in Seven Kings Must Die .

Related: The Last Kingdom: The Meaning Of Uhtred's Nickname "Arseling"

The Seven Kings Must Die Title Is A Reference To The Battle Of Brunanburh

The Seven Kings Must Die 's title is a reference to the legendary Battle of Brunanburh, in which several kings died. At least four powerful kings were present at this battle - Athelstan of England, Olaf Guthfrithson of Dublin, Constantine II of Scotland, and Owain of Strathclyde - as well as several other powerful leaders and sub-kings, who also fought and died in the battle. Historians say five kings and seven earls from Olaf's army died in the fighting.

The Battle of Brunanburh is considered one of the most impactful battles in the history of the British Isles because it allowed Athelstan to solidify his control over all of England, making it the perfect place to end The Last Kingdom 's movie . King Athelstan fought against the majority of his enemies on a single battlefield and had he lost, it's impossible to say what would have become of England. The seven kings in the Seven Kings Must Die title could be a reference to the various kings who fought and died in this battle.

Why The Seven Kings Must Die Title Has Two Possible Meanings

The Seven Kings Must Die title has two possible meanings, however. While it is likely a reference to the kings that died at the Battle of Brunanburh, it could also refer to the death of King Edward and his son Ælfweard, who succeeded Edward for a few short weeks before his own death. It could be that the title is referring to the five kings historians say died at the Battle of Brunanburh along with fan hated Edward and Ælfweard, or it could be referring exclusively to the Battle of Brunanburh. Either way, the Battle of Brunanburh will be a critical part of Seven Kings Must Die.

More: The Last Kingdom Season 5 True Story: Every Major Change To Real History

Small Details You Missed In The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die

Contains spoilers for "The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die"

Before England became one of the largest empires ever, it first had to unite from within. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle of nation-building is one of the single most important sources for historians about the period between the Romans and William the Conqueror, yet "The Last Kingdom" tells us there's one huge omission: Uhtred of Bebbanburg is nowhere in it. His adventures on the Netflix series span the reign of the great Saxon king Alfred and culminate in the movie "The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die" two generations later.

"The Last Kingdom" has been a Netflix hit in part because it grounds its intrigues, loyalties, romances, and betrayals in a ( mostly true ) adaptation of history. The Uhtred of Bebbanburg portrayed by Alexander Dreymond wasn't a real person, but he was based — albeit loosely — on Uhtred the Bold . Most of the other events, at least as pertain to the kings and Jarls who color the English countryside in "The Last Kingdom," actually happened in some capacity.

"Seven Kings Must Die," the eagerly anticipated movie that finishes the story, ends in an England run by Danes and Saxons, more unified than it had ever been before. Of course Uhtred, the man born as a Saxon noble but raised by Danes, would be the one to unite the major kingdoms of England. Yet given that this is a film finishing up a streaming series based on a book series, it's full of callbacks and details reaching back years. Some of these are pretty obvious, but others you might just have missed.

Wolf Warriors came from the books

"The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die" opens with a raid on a village by Wolf Warriors, led by the Irish warlord Anlaf. A pelt is found later upon the discovery of their destructive slaughter. Yet you would be forgiven for not knowing that Wolf Warriors were known for their savagery and that they used a special ointment that sounds like medieval speed to increase their berserker prowess.

Of course, if you'd read Bernard Cornwell's Saxon series, upon which the Netflix series is based, you'd know he had a novel named " War of the Wolf ." In that novel, Sköll, uncle to Ingilmundr (Aethelstan's seducer in "Seven Kings Must Die"), attacks Sigtryggr's castle, killing Stiorra (Uhtred's daughter, who survives on Netflix). There's an epic final battle where Sigtryggr and Uhtred fight Sköll's army of Wolf Warriors and defeat them.

So while this detail in the movie is a shoutout to the books, it also lets book fans know that Anlaf is on a savage journey of conquest.

We go to the last Kingdom

There are a lot of ways you could interpret the title of the Netflix series "The Last Kingdom." But in "Seven Kings Must Die," the authoritative explanation presents itself: Northumbria, and specifically Uhtred's England, is the last kingdom in King Alfred's dream of unification.

When the series began, King Alfred had Wessex, which was already a big chunk of England. Historians point to the fact that the four kingdoms presented during "The Last Kingdom" — Wessex, East Anglia, Mercia, and Northumbria — were all made up of smaller kingdoms they'd already absorbed. Over the course of the series, Alfred creates an alliance with Mercia by marrying his daughter Æthelflæd to the king of Mercia, Æthelred. He conquers East Anglia and then dies, leaving Mercia and East Anglia to Æthelflæd, which brings it into an even closer alliance with Alfred. So only Northumbria remains (though "Seven Kings Must Die" shows us that Mercia has certainly fallen apart in recent years).

Uhtred and Edward take back Bebbanburg in the "Last Kingdom" series finale, though Uhtred vows not to give it to Edward. When Edward's widow Eadgifu, fearing conquest upon her husband's death, looks for somewhere to escape outside Wessex, she says "We go to the last kingdom." That is, of course, Northumbria: The only one left independent of the rest. 

Uhtred was always the final piece to a unified England

The story of Uhtred is one of the unification of England as told by arguably the man most central to the whole effort. While in the end his own man, Uhtred is the lead sword for Alfred, his children, and his grandchildren as they go about building a nation. He only becomes a king in his own right once he and Edward retake Bebbanburg at the end of the series. 

As Father Pyrlig says on the eve of their final great battle at Brunanburh against five other kings, England has become a country of both Saxons and Danes — who better to lead their army than a man who identifies as both? Uhtred embodies what their vision of England would look like, with English pedigree and Danish intensity. 

Brunanburh was a real battle , as were the deaths of five kings and seven earls in the conflict. A quote from the Chronicle appears in the film:  " No slaughter yet was greater made e'er in this island, of people slain, before this same, with the edge of the sword." Of course, the death count gives this film its name. It is often considered by historians to be the greatest unifying battle of medieval England.

Uhtred can finally give Northumbria to England

Of course, Uhtred's role as a great unifier is made strikingly clear at the end, when he gives Northumbria to Aethelstan, finally bringing together all four kingdoms into one great England. He could not do this previously, in part because at the end of "The Last Kingdom," he'd convinced King Constantine of Scotland not to continue his battles on the border only by promising he would never give his kingdom to Edward.

Now Constantine has been routed after betraying this very agreement. And Uhtred sees in Aethelstan a humbled but respectable king. It should be added that Aethelstan was the only king to thank Uhtred for everything he did for the kingdom, without asking for something in return. Historically,  Aethelstan is acknowledged as the first king of England . As the 12th-century chronicler William of Malmesbury said, "No one more just or more learned ever governed the kingdom."

The Skade and Bloodhair mention

At the beginning of "Seven Kings Must Die," a leisurely Uhtred is carrying on with his friends in Bebbanburg. One mentions Skade and Bloodhair, though Finan is then reminded that his own wife is a seer, as had been the temptress Skade.

This is a reminder of a strange turn in Uhtred's already bizarre tale. Skade had been a bloodthirsty seer, aligned with Bloodhair until she discovered that Uhtred would be a more successful warrior. She used witchcraft to essentially control Uhtred. This was pretty much the most power Uhtred had ceded to any other human in the entire run of "The Last Kingdom." She is also tied to the fact that the movie is focused on a prophecy that seven kings must die. They went on to die by the end of the movie and, voila, England is made. Skade had predicted Uhtred's path would be great, but unfortunately, she didn't have the clairvoyance to see that Uhtred would drown her.

Osbert was kept safe for a reason

Uhtred had three children with his wife Gisela. They should be one happy family, except that Uhtred's life wasn't really conducive to parenting. When he falls out with a king, bam, his kids have to go to a safe place while he runs through the wild. In the series, we see his eldest son, young Uhtred, go to a Catholic monastery to join his father and ultimately wind up castrated. Stiorra marries the Danish king Sigtryggr before starting her own Danish tribe upon his death. But the youngest boy, Osbert, is gone, and you might even forget he ever existed.

Yet at the end of the series, when Hildi returns to Uhtred's fold in his final push to retake his home, we see her talking to a boy. She tells him she's going to take him to somebody who might know about his parentage. When the boy asks if the man might have met his father, she responds coyly, "Something like that."

Of course, that boy is Osbert, and the irony is that the son ignored throughout the series is front and center in "Seven Kings Must Die." It makes sense, since lacking the drama of growing up alongside the peripatetic Uhtred (and possessing the ability to procreate) would make Osbert the kind of son who could actually take over his father's kingdom. Plus, he's all too eager to please the man who the other kids view with a weary admiration laced with some very real daddy issues.

Uhtred's ironic quotes

Uhtred seems to revel in his old age in "Seven Kings Must Die," and brings a certain ironic humor to his role as an aging king. One great quote comes when Uhtred is told about how Aethelstan is being brainwashed by a Catholic brotherhood. "I have scared off such men before — monks find me terrifying." Not only does this comment refer to Uhtred's roots as a Dane, who were known to sack monasteries for all the shiny religious relics, but it's also probably a callback to when Uhtred killed Brother Godwin. Godwin is an angry little man and vehemently opposed to Danes. He tells Uhtred that his beloved Danish wife who died in childhood was a pagan whore. In response, Uhtred knocks the brother down, in a church, and the Brother dies. Alfred then declares Uhtred into a criminal for the murder, despite the fact that it's unlikely he would have won any of his battles without Uhtred.

Another poignant line from Uhtred: "Only fools try to understand destiny." This is an interesting quote, especially because every episode started off with Uhtred saying "Destiny is all." For that reason, he acts as if he is heading in a definite direction to some great point. Then, with a moment of clarity, he admits that if he did think he knew where he was going, he now believes such thoughts to be folly. Think of it as the closest to a crisis of faith he ever has.

Aethelstan: Another Saxon victim of religion

While there is a lot to admire about the Saxons, their blind adherence to their faith is not one. While one could argue that religion helped them conquer England, it has also served as a millstone around the necks of the kings of Wessex — especially when it comes to Uhtred.

Alfred's wife, Eahlswith, spends much of the series telling her husband not to trust Uhtred because he's a pagan. This leads to a lot of infighting between the great king and the great warrior, which could've otherwise been avoided. Then Alfred's son, Edward, is forced to give up his first wife to a convent because his parents deemed her a poor match, thus naming their son Aethelstan a bastard. This creates even more strife, especially when Edward marries a "proper" woman, only to soon grow bored with her as she devotes herself to religion. Uhtred also mentions Edward's unwillingness to accept the Danes, grounded in his religion, as his main cause of hesitation in helping deliver to him a united England.

Finally, in "Seven Kings Must Die," Aethelstan falls victim to the religious guilt imposed on him by Brother Ingilmundr (as he simultaneously pursues a tryst with the holy man, leading to even more guilt). This combination of religious fervor and manipulation by Ingilmundr (who, in fact, is still a Dane) leads Aethelstan to kill Aldhelm, push away Uhtred, and all but destroy himself.

Uhtred loses (and finds) his closest companion

Uhtred's adventure in the land of the Saxons is a long and winding one , with some steadfast friends he picks up along the way. But the only companion with him the whole way is his sword, Serpent's Breath. 

The series begins with Uhtred returning to Saxon land with a chunk of amber he asks a blacksmith to incorporate into a new sword. The amber was the only heirloom from his ancestral line and his brief childhood in Bebbanburg, seen in the brief scenes of young Uhtred early on. That sword is with him throughout his many battles, daring rescues, and thrilling escapes. In "Seven Kings Must Die," Uhtred loses Serpent's Breath during a battle. Finan gets him a better sword, but when Uhtred finds Serpent's Breath hanging off a belt on the eve of Brunanburh, he takes it back, giving the man his new sword: No person or thing has been with Uhtred has been with him as long as the amber that adorns Serpent's Breath's hilt.

Aldhelm does what's right, for the last time

Aldhelm is a truly interesting character. His loyalty belongs firmly to his land, not the royals he serves. He aided Æthelred until he could no longer abide the king's poor treatment of Æthelflæd. As Aldhelm began to see Æthelflæd would be a better ruler, he disobeys his king to protect and save his queen.

Throughout this series, Aldhelm almost invariably does the right thing, including in "Seven Kings Must Die," when Aldhelm helps Uhtred and Aethelstan, who is at this point deep in Ingilmundr's control. Aldhelm allows Uhtred to escape and regroup and, in the end, that decision saves Aethelstan and the united kingdom of England. But it doesn't go so well for Aldhelm: Aethelstan accuses Aldhelm of turning his back on Aethelstan, and so Aethelstan walks away as Aldhelm gets hung.

So a man who had always tried to do the right thing, and was never afraid to question his leader when they were on the wrong path, pays the ultimate price. Such is life in "The Last Kingdom."

Uhtred's vision of Valhalla

There are already debates about whether Uhtred dies at the end of "Seven Kings Must Die."  Only six kings are seen to die, unless Ælfweard's death counts. This means that, since Uhtred is all but considered a king, his death must count. Whatever the final answer, there's one indisputable fact: Uhtred sees Valhalla.

He sees Odin's great hall, where all his Danish people feast and laugh and prepare for the next day's battle. At the first table is his early Danish family. There's Brida, at the front. Then Uhtred's adopted father, Earl Ragnar. Then an early ally, Clapa, and finally his sometimes-friend, sometimes-enemy, Haesten. This is the table Uhtred longs for, though of course it also means he will never see his Saxon friends again.

As Uhtred is left with this great conundrum, he notices the tears of his earthbound friends, and we wonder: Where does Uhtred of Bebbanburg, born a Saxon but raised a Dane, go when he dies? Two things are certain: Brida never left the front of his heart, and he will not go down in history for all he has done. 

Uhtred refuses to be in the Chronicle

While still alive, Alfred shows Uhtred the historical notes he has been gathering that will form the Chronicle. He also says that despite all of Uhtred's efforts and victories, he will never be in the Chronicle, because he is a Dane and a Pagan. Alfred's feelings on the matter are inscrutable, but he absolutely doesn't show any intention of changing his mind on this. It's simply a fact.

After Uhtred helps win the battle of Brunanburh for Alfred's grandson Aethelstan (though, admittedly, one he'd rejected), the young king tells Uhtred he will have his chroniclers add Uhtred to the story. But Uhtred refuses. He doesn't want to be part of it. Perhaps he simply decides he doesn't need such immortal prestige. Or maybe he doesn't think his story is fit for a Saxon history. Whatever the reason, Uhtred's decision means that he will be utterly forgotten after he dies.

His was a journey of adventure and destiny, not a battle for glory. Despite all that he achieved, Uhtred remains surprisingly humble. He'll leave the great stories to the pompous kings he's served with a wry smile his whole life. Fulfilling his own destiny is all Uhtred ever wanted.

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die

Cast & crew.

Alexander Dreymon

Mark Rowley

Arnas Fedaravicius

Rod Hallett

Harry Gilby

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5 must-watch movies & TV shows streaming right now

Welcome to Boston.com’s  weekly streaming guide . Each week, we recommend five must-watch movies and TV shows available on streaming platforms like  Netflix ,  Hulu ,  Amazon Prime ,  Disney+ ,  HBO Max ,  Peacock ,  Paramount+ , and more.

Many recommendations are for new shows, while others are for under-the-radar releases you might have missed or classics that are about to depart a streaming service at the end of the month.

Have a new favorite movie or show you think we should know about? Let us know in the comments, or email [email protected]. Looking for even more great  streaming options ? Check out previous editions of our  must-watch list here .

‘Challengers’ review: Zendaya’s sexy tennis soap opera is a total blast

“7 days in hell”.

You should definitely head to the theaters to see the sexy new tennis drama “Challengers” ( filmed in Boston! ) this weekend. ( Read our full review of the erotic romp here .) But if you’d rather watch over-the-top tennis entertainment at home, Andy Samberg’s 2015 mockumentary “7 Days in Hell” is just the ticket. Inspired by the Isner-Mahut match at the 2010 Wimbledon tournament that took more than 11 hours to complete, Samberg and “Game of Thrones” star Kit Harrington play two tennis pros stuck in a seven-day match. Tennis legends like Serena Williams and John McEnroe lend an air of authenticity to the absurdity, which is anchored by talking heads like Fred Armisen, Lena Dunham, Jon Hamm, and June Squibb playing the Queen of England.

How to watch: “7 Days in Hell” is streaming on Max .

“King Richard”

Speaking of tennis, this biopic of the Williams sisters —or rather, their father, Richard Williams — will forever be associated with its star, Will Smith, slapping Chris Rock at the Academy Awards. And that’s a shame, because Smith gives an Oscar-winning performance as a dad whose dedication to his daughters Venus (Saniyya Sidney) and Serena (Demi Singleton) treads the line between inspirational and pathological. Considering that the real-life Williams sisters served as executive producers, it’s a surprisingly raw look at the sacrifices and tough love required to raise generational talents.

How to watch: “King Richard” is streaming on Netflix .

“Dead Boy Detectives”

While Neil Gaiman fans wait for the second season of “The Sandman” to arrive, Netflix has gone ahead and adapted another of the English writer’s comic books into a series with “Dead Boy Detectives.” Edwin and Charles play two ghosts who decide to remain on Earth to solve mysteries with the help of the living. While digging into the paranormal weirdness is all good and fun, Death himself is hot on the boys’ tail, hoping to drag them back to Hell. Gaiman’s blend of gothic, comic, and macabre energy is put to good use once more — though if you haven’t watched “The Sandman” already, you should probably do so, since this show is set in the same universe and features a couple of overlapping characters.

How to watch: “Dead Boy Detectives” is streaming on Netflix .

Paramount has built a surprisingly robust franchise on the shoulders of Sonic the Hedgehog, the speedy, chili dog-eating video game star voiced by Ben Schwartz. Ahead of December 2024’s “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” the studio is giving a series spinoff to Knuckles (Idris Elba), the brooding echidna warrior who went from villain to ally in “Sonic the Hedgehog 2.” There’s no Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) in this edition. Instead, one of Eggman’s associates (Rory McCann, “Game of Thrones”) seeks to harness Knuckles’ power.

How to watch: “Knuckles” is streaming on Paramount+ .

“Sugar” isn’t so much a modern film noir as it is a direct homage to the heyday of the genre in the 1940s. Colin Farrell plays the hard-boiled detective, who tells us in a steely voiceover about his new case, the search for the missing granddaughter of a Hollywood producer (James Cromwell). Creator Mark Protosevich, has made Farrell’s detective a movie buff, and he casually mentions all the L.A. noirs that this series pays tribute to throughout the eight-episode season. It’s a little distracting, but Farrell and his sidekick (Amy Ryan, “The Office”) are total pros, and keep the show moving.

How to watch: “Sugar” is streaming on Apple TV+ .

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