Seven Kings Must Die Ending Explained, Plot, and More
by Aishwarya R
Updated Apr 22, 2023
Seven Kings Must Die
Hold on to your swords, fans of The Last Kingdom! The epic finale is finally here, and it's guaranteed to leave you breathless. Seven Kings Must Die, the movie adaptation of Bernard Cornwell's best-selling novels, will take you on a heart-pounding journey as Alexander Dreymon reprises his role as the fierce Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
The film is directed by Edward Bazalgette and features a talented cast including Mark Rowley, Pekka Strang, and Zoltan Andrasi. The script was penned by Martha Hillier and Bernard Cornwell. After the passing of King Edward, Uhtred of Bebbanburg and his loyal companions embark on a perilous journey through a divided kingdom, determined to unite England once and for all.
The Last Kingdom may have ended its series run, but fear not! This movie is jam-packed with even more stunning battle scenes, gut-wrenching losses, and jaw-dropping action than ever before. Set in a time of violent unrest as various rulers vie for the throne of England, Seven Kings Must Die is a gripping tale of heroism and sacrifice as Uhtred fights to unite his people and defend his home.
So, unsheathe your swords, gather your fellow warriors, and brace yourself for the ultimate showdown in this thrilling finale. The Seven Kings Must Die, and Uhtred is ready to lead the charge to bring peace to the land. Don't miss out on the action and drama that will leave you wanting more!
Seven Kings Must Die Ending Explained
Weaving together fictional and real historical figures, the Seven Kings Must Die movie marks the emotional end of the original Netflix series, The Last Kingdom. The film centers around Uhtred of Bebbanburg, an Anglo-Saxon raised by Vikings, and his fight for the English throne. As King Edward dies, his sons Æthelstan and Ælfweard wage war to claim their father's seat of power.
The Quest for a United England
Having been a friend of King Alfred the Great, Uhtred is determined to see England united under one ruler, as was Alfred's dream. When Edward's third son Edmund arrives at Uhtred's home in Northumbria seeking his help, Uhtred decides to join the fight. However, before doing so, he hears Ingrith, the wife of his friend Finan, prophesize that seven kings must die before England can be united.
The Battle for the Throne
Initially, Uhtred tries to broker peace between Æthelstan and Ælfweard, but Æthelstan ends up stabbing his brother to claim the throne. As the stakes get higher, Uhtred and Æthelstan team up against the invading Anlaf, King of Dublin, and his allies. Anlaf invades Bebbanburg and kills several people, including Ingrith, by sealing them in a cave.
The Battle of Brunanburh
At the Battle of Brunanburh, Uhtred and his allies face off against the Scottish-Danish alliance, led by Anlaf. Despite being outnumbered, they emerge victorious, with many of the enemy kings killed and their bloodlines extinguished.
Fulfilling the Prophecy
Returning to Bebbanburg, Uhtred realizes that only six kings have died so far, leaving Ingrith's prophecy technically unfulfilled. He contemplates whether he could be the seventh king, given his unofficial title of King of Northumbria, and pledges his allegiance to Æthelstan. With Uhtred's help, Æthelstan becomes King of all England, fulfilling Alfred's dream of a united country. Uhtred surrenders his title to Æthelstan, with the condition that the throne will pass to Edmund peacefully upon his death. In history, Edmund did become King of England in 939.
How does Seven Kings Must Die end?
The Last Kingdom's Uhtred of Bebbanburg has been a fan-favorite character since the beginning of the show. However, the Seven Kings Must Die movie ending has left his fate ambiguous, neither dead nor alive. Uhtred barely survived the Battle of Brunanburh and was brought back to Bebbanburg, gravely wounded, by his friends.
The Battle of Brunanburh and Æthelstan's victory
In the Seven Kings Must Die ending, King Æthelstan of England achieved victory at the Battle of Brunanburh. Unlike in history, where Æthelstan was already King of a united England and just solidified his position at the battle, in the movie, he achieved it. Uhtred reflects on the prophecy that gave the movie its name, wondering whether he is one of the seven kings who must die.
Uhtred's vision of Valhalla
In the Seven Kings Must Die ending, Uhtred is caught in an in-between realm where he sees Valhalla, the Viking afterlife for warriors slain. He is temporarily reunited with his fallen friends Brida and Haesten. Uhtred questions whether he died of his injuries or not, leaving his fate ambiguous.
Alexander Dreymon and Martha Hillier on Uhtred's fate
Alexander Dreymon, who plays Uhtred, expressed satisfaction with the ambiguous ending, stating that it leaves the fate of his character up to interpretation. Screenwriter Martha Hillier explained that they leaned into the idea of not knowing the ending and did not form a solid conclusion. Fans can form their own opinion over Uhtred's fate, with the option to decide that he didn't die.
Seven Kings Must Die Plot
Seven Kings Must Die is a historical drama movie that follows the story of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon-raised Viking warrior who has been the anchor of the action in The Last Kingdom TV series since its first season. The movie takes place in the 10th century and revolves around the Battle of Brunanburh, where King Æthelstan of England achieves victory and unites England.
As Uhtred reflects on the prophecy that gave the Seven Kings Must Die movie its name, he questions whether he counts as one of the seven kings who must die. He is gravely wounded in the battle but is brought back to Bebbanburg by his friends. However, his fate remains ambiguous as he experiences a vision of Valhalla, the Viking afterlife for warriors slain, and is temporarily reunited with his fallen friends Brida and Haesten in the in-between realm.
The ending of the movie does not confirm whether Uhtred dies of his injuries or not, leaving his fate up to interpretation. Alexander Dreymon, the actor who plays Uhtred, expressed satisfaction with the way the movie ends, emphasizing the beauty of Uhtred's ultimate choice to go to the feasting hall of Valhalla if he wishes to. The screenwriter, Martha Hillier, also highlighted that the ambiguity of the ending was intentional, allowing the audience to form their own opinion on Uhtred's fate.
Seven Kings Must Die offers an emotional and thought-provoking exploration of Uhtred's character and his beliefs. The movie's plot is filled with intense action and dramatic tension, making it a must-watch for fans of historical dramas.
Seven Kings Must Die Ending Explained - FAQs
Seven Kings Must Die is a historical drama film based on the popular book series, The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell. The movie serves as a continuation of the TV show, The Last Kingdom and follows the story of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon-raised Viking warrior in the 10th century.
Seven Kings Must Die was released on November 19, 2021, and is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
No, Seven Kings Must Die is not the final chapter of The Last Kingdom. The movie is a continuation of the TV show, and there are still more books in the series that have not been adapted for screen yet.
Seven Kings Must Die is based on the books in The Last Kingdom series, but it is not a direct adaptation. The movie takes some liberties with the story, and there are some differences between the movie and the books.
At the moment, there is no official announcement of a sequel to Seven Kings Must Die. However, the success of the movie and the popularity of The Last Kingdom franchise make it a possibility for a continuation of Uhtred's story in the future.