As previously reported, "Vikings" season 4 may begin with a time jump setting the new season some time after the events of the season 3 finale instead of happening in the moments that immediately follow. However, a new post by the official Vikings Instagram page may have revealed just how much time the series will leap forward.
It was previously stated that some time may have passed in between the raid of Paris and the Vikings' journey back to Kattegast. The latest post via Instagram hints that the journey has taken years instead of months as it showcases Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) sporting a new look that further makes him resemble his father Ragnar (Travis Fimmel).
However, the new look also makes Bjorn appear much older. The photo showcases Bjorn with a shaved head and a slightly greyed-out beared, indicating he may now be almost as old as Ragnar during the season 1 premiere. It is further speculated by fans that right from the season 4 premiere, Bjorn may already be married with kids.
According to a report from Zap2It, this makes for a very dramatic shift in the series particularly when considering how many loose threads were left open in the season 3 finale. Rollo (Clive Standen) had betrayed Ragnar yet again by allying with France and Ragnar was last seen in a severely wounded state.
What events may have happened between the season 3 finale and season 4 premiere may be revisited in flashbacks or explained in expository dialogue. However, because so much time has passed, it is speculated that Bjorn may have already succeeded his father as the leader of Kattegast and King of the Danes.
As previously reported, the decision to shift the show's focus on an adult Bjorn may have been a conscious one, however, as actor Travis Fimmel may be leaving the series to focus on his movie career now that he is set to appear on the big screen next year with the film adaptation of "Warcraft."
"Vikings" season 4 premieres in 2016.
