Alexander Dreymon Takes on Bold New Role in Upcoming Historical Drama After The Last Kingdom

Alexander Dreymon Takes on Bold New Role in Upcoming Historical Drama After The Last Kingdom

After earning widespread acclaim for his unforgettable portrayal of Uhtred of Bebbanburg in Netflix’s hit series The Last Kingdom, Alexander Dreymon is stepping into a bold new chapter in his career—one that once again thrusts him into the heart of history, but this time with a strikingly different twist.

The German-born actor, known for his intense performances and magnetic screen presence, is set to headline a brand-new historical drama titled Empire of the Dawn, a sweeping saga set during the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The series, currently in pre-production, is a joint venture between major European and American studios and promises to deliver the same epic storytelling and emotional gravitas that Dreymon fans have come to expect—while introducing a more complex and politically charged narrative.

In Empire of the Dawn, Dreymon will play General Aelius Marcellus, a seasoned Roman military commander caught between the collapsing ideals of the empire he’s sworn to protect and the rise of a new world order. Unlike Uhtred, who fought for personal legacy and reclaimed honor, Marcellus is a man battling internal demons, ideological conflicts, and the burden of empire.

“I was drawn to the role because it felt like the right evolution,” Dreymon shared in a recent interview. “Uhtred was about finding identity and belonging. Marcellus is about questioning power and morality. It’s a darker, more introspective journey—and I’m ready for that.”

Fans of The Last Kingdom will still see familiar elements: intense battle scenes, intricate political maneuvering, and a character torn between duty and destiny. But Empire of the Dawn aims to be more grounded in real-world historical tension, with a tone closer to Gladiator meets Game of Thrones—gritty, philosophical, and emotionally layered.

Producers say Dreymon was the “undisputed first choice” for the role. “He brings a regal strength to every performance, but also this vulnerability that makes even the toughest characters feel real,” said series creator Emilia Hartmann. “Marcellus is not a hero in the traditional sense. He’s flawed, brilliant, and burdened by the past. Alexander gets that on a visceral level.”

Production is expected to begin later this year in locations across Italy, Morocco, and Eastern Europe. The first season will consist of eight hour-long episodes and is scheduled to premiere on a major streaming platform in early 2026.

As Dreymon fans eagerly await his return to historical drama, many believe Empire of the Dawn could not only cement his status as a genre icon but also open doors to new accolades. Whether clad in Saxon armor or Roman lorica segmentata, one thing is clear: Alexander Dreymon is far from done conquering the screen.