King & Conqueror cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the latest historical drama on BBC?

King & Conqueror is an eight-part BBC drama that started airing on 24 August 2025. King & Conqueror deals with the history leading to the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and, in particular, with the transformation in the relationship between Harold Godwinson and William, Duke of Normandy. King & Conqueror will attempt to describe the processes of political claims, family relations, and critical decision-making that drove the two men to conflict.

The series does not just present battles but spends time focusing on conversations, councils, and small moments where larger decisions are made. The ensemble includes well-known actors and lesser-known ones, who are used to depict those living with or against Harold and William, allowing an audience to understand who is on the side of which of the two.

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James Norton plays Harold Godwinson and his role in King & Conqueror

James Norton is cast as Harold Godwinson in King & Conqueror, the earl who is crowned king and must respond to mounting threats at home and from across the Channel.

The character is shown carrying out practical duties while facing family tensions and political rivals. Reports during production note that Norton sustained a painful stunt injury after falling off a horse. The situation received media coverage but did not halt filming.

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Nikolaj Coster-Waldau plays William of Normandy, and how he is shown

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau plays William, Duke of Normandy. Across the series, William starts as a battlefield commander and becomes a ruler who matches military force with careful planning. Scenes trace him forming and testing alliances, negotiating support, and answering rival claims.

The character balances personal ambition with political judgment, making decisions that affect many people. Coster-Waldau’s performance emphasizes restraint and steady resolve rather than loud heroics, showing the burden and wider consequences of leadership and accountability.

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Full cast and named characters that have appeared so far

• James Norton as Harold Godwinson: Earl of Wessex; later crowned king.
• Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as William, Duke of Normandy: Norman leader and claimant.
• Emily Beecham as Edith: Harold’s partner (sometimes called Edith the Fair).
• Clémence Poésy as Matilda: William’s wife, and often shown advising him.
• Eddie Marsan as King Edward the Confessor: The king whose death triggers the dispute.
• Juliet Stevenson as Lady Emma: Member of the royal household with political influence.
• Geoff Bell as Godwin: Harold’s father and an important noble.
• Clare Holman as Gytha: Harold’s mother.
• Luther Ford as Tostig: Harold’s brother, whose distancing adds family tension.
• Ingvar Eggert Sigurðsson as Fitzosbern: Norman noble and William’s ally.
• Elliot Cowan as Sweyn: A noble involved in northern politics.
• Bjarne Henriksen as Earl Siward: Northern earldom leader.
• Jean-Marc Barr as Henry I of France: French ruler whose attitude affects Norman plans.
• Léo Legrand as Odo: A Norman figure present in council and campaign scenes.
• Oliver Masucci as Baldwin: Continental noble appearing in early plots.

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Supporting characters in King & Conqueror

• Elander Moore as Morcar
• Calum Sivyer as Tallifer
• Vigdís Hrefna Pálsdóttir as Cécile
• Jason Forbes as Thane Thomas
• Joakim Nätterqvist as Thorolf
• Indy Lewis as Margaret (linked to Mercian houses)
• Sveinn Geirsson as Baron Montgomery
• Valdimar Örn Flygenring as Baron George
• Björgvin Franz Gíslason as Baron Richard
• Ines Asserson as Judith
• Sveinn Ólafur Gunnarsson as Harald Hardrada
• Stormur Jón Kormákur Baltasarsson as Alain of Brittany
• Þorsteinn Bachmann as Baron of Brittany

These supporting roles show the wider network of nobles, representatives, and family members who influence the claims and maneuvers around the throne. Small scenes from these characters often change the balance of local support or lead to key decisions in court.

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Where did filming took place and how are characters credited?

Most of the outdoor filming took place in Iceland, including Heiðmörk and farms near Reykjavík, where the production staged large battle sequences with many extras and horses. Credit lists and episode rolls are the best source for who appears in each show, so the names above match published cast credits and episode pages.

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The limited number of cast members in King & Conqueror makes it easier to identify who gives credence to which argument and on what basis. It also assists viewers to match actions to particular historical or fictional characters.