As previously reported, "Vikings" may slowly shift its focus from the lead character Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) to his sons such as Bjorn Ironside (Alexander Ludwig), Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye and Ivar the Boneless. However, new reports indicate that Fimmel may be leaving the show to focus on his movie career.
According to a report from Ecumenical News, Fimmel may be departing in order to put more time into his role as Anduin Lothar in the upcoming 2016 film "Warcraft," which is based on the Activision Blizzard game of the same name. The film is expected to have sequels in which Fimmel may return as the lead character.
If the latter is true then Fimmel's schedule may no longer allow him to continue starring in "Vikings," which could lead to the show writers killing off the character in a manner similar to how he dies in Viking lore: King Aelle (Ivan Kaye) casts Ragnar into a pit of poisonous snakes.
Back in season 3 Ragnar was seen severely wounded and in a previous report, it was explained that he will remain "hovering between life and death" in season 4. It is likely that if Fimmel will leave the show, this weakened Ragnar will fall victim to King Aelle eventually leading to the Viking king's death.
Back in April a report from the Hollywood Reporter stated that series creator Michael Hirst always envisioned the show to focus not only on Ragnar but on his sons as they grow into being legendary Vikings themselves, and it appears that this is exactly how the series will go if Fimmel indeed leaves after season 4.
However, the History channel has yet to confirm if Ragnar is indeed being killed off by the end of this upcoming season and if the reason for doing so is to allow Fimmel to continue starring in the "Warcraft" films.
"Vikings" season 4 is expected to premiere in 2016.
