‘The Last Kingdom’ Season 4: James Northcote Talks about the New Season and Reveals Who He Wishes He Could Work with More
The Last Kingdom will be back for season 4 and fans can’t wait. Luckily, some of the cast have dropped some teases about what’s to come. James Northcote plays Aldhelm and he spoke with Winter Is Coming about what’s to come in the new season. Read on to learn who he wishes he could work with more on the popular series.
Who is Aldhelm?
Aldhelm was always Aethelred of Mercia’s (Toby Regbo) trusty advisor and loyal friend, until recently that is. In season 3, he switches sides to help out Aethelred’s wife, Aethelflaed (Millie Brady), who is also known as the Lady of Mercia.
“Aldhelm has so much love and loyalty to Aethelred in season 2, that the idea of betraying him wasn’t an easy one,” Northcote revealed. “However, it was exactly the right thing to do and I’m really grateful that they came up with the storyline. I think Aldhelm is loyal to whoever he believes will create a better world.”
Aldhelm wants a ‘modern England’
Aldhelm is clearly a practical man. The idea of a strong and “modern England” is an idea he can get behind. He sees a future where people aren’t always fighting each other.
“The project of a united England – at peace – a modern country where learning can flourish and justice can be done appeals to Aldhelm,” Northcote continued. “He wants a modern England – not Danes and Saxons fighting amongst themselves and fighting each other. I think he can see a better future and that is what motivates him.”
Aldhelm chooses sides
Aldhelm knows that Aethelflaed is the best choice for Mercia over Aethelred. Even though he feels loyalty towards Aethelred, his pull towards a better world for Mercia is more important. This is clear when he chooses to help Aethelred’s wife.
“He sees that in Aethelflaed. She’s clearly the best hope for Mercia and despite his strong loyalty to Aethelred, he can’t let him throw everything away on a whim,” Northcote said. “In the end Aldhelm will serve whoever it is who can bring England together and keep Mercia strong. How he feels about Aethelflaed later in the series I think takes him by surprise. These things usually do. Also, Aethelred did kind of stab me, so…”
Who does Northcote wish his character could work with more?
You’ll never guess who Northcote wishes his character had a chance to work with more. “I always wish I could work with the Danes more,” he said. “Aldhelm really is a Saxon guy so he doesn’t hang with them much – unless he’s fighting them.”
It also sounds like Aldhelm will be interacting with Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) and his men more next season. “Season 4 has been a good one though as Aldhem has found himself crossing paths with Uhtred’s gang more than usual,” Northcote said.
It sounds like season 4 of The Last Kingdom is going to be full of surprises and more action for Aldhelm. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait to find out more.
