The Northman: A Call to the Gods is the official look at how this epic Viking revenge thriller was conceived, written, cast, and produced by acclaimed director Robert Eggers.
Set against the ruthless backdrop of tenth-century Norse territory, The Northman is the a new epic Viking revenge thriller by acclaimed director Robert Eggers (The Witch [2015] and The Lighthouse [2019]), featuring an all-star cast including Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Ethan Hawke, Anya Taylor-Joy, Willem Dafoe, and Björk.
Compiled from fascinating interviews with the cast and crew, inspiring storyboards, exclusive behind-the-scenes photographs—including the director’s own firsthand account of his creative processes in writing and directing—The Northman: A Call to the Gods explores the cold and forbidding world of the Vikings, their customs, traditions, and relentless thirst for battle and vengeance that inspired Eggers to write this compelling Norse saga.
Learn how the wardrobe department recreated the intricate chain mail armor and costumes of Viking berserkers and warriors; delve into the research behind the art department’s visual inspiration for replicating the villages of Hrafnsey and Freysdalur; and get the inside scoop on the challenges the cast encountered when creating the iconic characters of Amleth, Olga, Queen Gurdrún, and the Seeress. The Northman: A Call to the Gods is the perfect companion for both film fans and anyone interested in Viking history and legends.
PROFILE OF AN AWARD-WINNING DIRECTOR: Using acclaimed director Robert Eggers’ own firsthand account, The Northman: A Call to the Gods delivers a revealing profile of his inspirations, and his creative process.
EXCLUSIVE PHOTOGRAPHS: Explore dozens of photographs of the set, crew, director Robert Eggers, and the award-winning cast, including Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Ethan Hawke, Anya Taylor-Joy, Willem Dafoe, and Björk.
GO BEHIND THE SCENES: Delve into never-before-seen storyboards and set designs that give a glimpse into the fascinating art and craft of filmmaking.
PERFECT FOR FILM ENTHUSIASTS: The Northman: A Call to the Gods is the perfect gift for movie fans and anyone interested in Viking legend and lore.
Simon Abrams is a NYC film critic and author. In addition to co-writing Guillermo del Toro’s The Devil’s Backbone with Matt Zoller Seitz (also from Insight Editions), Simon’s reviews and features can be found at the New York Times, RogerEbert.com, and The Wrap.com.
Robert Eggers is a Brooklyn-based writer and director. Originally from New Hampshire, Eggers got his professional start directing and designing experimental and classical theatre in New York City. Eggers eventually transitioned to film, directing several short films and working extensively as a designer for film, television, print, theater, and dance. The Witch, his feature film debut as writer and director, won the Directing Award in the U.S. Dramatic category at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, where it premiered to critical acclaim. It also garnered two Independent Spirit Award wins for Best First Feature and Best First Screenplay. His second feature film, The Lighthouse, starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, premiered at Directors' Fortnight in Cannes and won the FIPRESCI prize. The film was nominated for a 2019 Academy Award for cinematography. Eggers has recently completed his Viking revenge saga starring Nicole Kidman and Alexander Skarsgård, and is developing several projects, including a reimagining of F.W. Murnau’s classic Nosferatu.
Robert Eggers is a Brooklyn-based writer and director. Originally from New Hampshire, Eggers got his professional start directing and designing experimental and classical theatre in New York City. Eggers eventually transitioned to film, directing several short films and working extensively as a designer for film, television, print, theater, and dance. The Witch, his feature film debut as writer and director, won the Directing Award in the U.S. Dramatic category at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, where it premiered to critical acclaim. It also garnered two Independent Spirit Award wins for Best First Feature and Best First Screenplay. His second feature film, The Lighthouse, starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, premiered at Directors' Fortnight in Cannes and won the FIPRESCI prize. The film was nominated for a 2019 Academy Award for cinematography. Eggers has recently completed his Viking revenge saga starring Nicole Kidman and Alexander Skarsgård, and is developing several projects, including a reimagining of F.W. Murnau’s classic Nosferatu.
