The season 3 finale of "Vikings" was just as climactic and epic as series creator Michael Hirst promised it would be. Ragnar fakes his death to successfully raid the city of Paris, he confronts Floki about the death of Athelstan, and Rollo is left behind with the decision to either serve or betray his brother.
Sitting down with the Hollywood Reporter, Hirst confided several details regarding what fans can expect from season 4, which was officially green lit this past March and is scheduled to premiere in 2016. One of the first things he confirmed was that there would be a time-jump between the third and fourth season.
Hirst states that there has been a few years in between the journey from Paris back to Kattegat. The Vikings took some time to get to France and it will take some time to go back home, particularly because of Ragnar's failing health. The character's health was deteriorating so badly in the previous season and it will become a highlight in season 4.
"It's very important to note that he's not only sick, he's hovering between life and death. So that impacts hugely on the beginning of season four, which we're working on now," He explained. "It's a big story point."
An interview with Variety also indicates that the fourth season will deal significantly with Rollo's war against Ragnar. Rollo attempted to surpass his brother before but now he was being supported by Emperor Charles, wed to Princess Grisla, and will be given land and power, sufficient enough to fight Ragnar, King of Denmark.
Hirst also hinted that Ragnar Lothbrok may not make it past season 4. The series creator stated that there will be a point where the sons of Ragnar would become the central focus of the show and even confirmed that he wanted to end the series with the sons of Ragnar reaching North America in the pre-Columbian era.
