Amon Amarth frontman Johan Hegg can finally fully live out his Viking heritage. The Swedish heavy metal master has landed a lead spot in a new movie, Northmen – A Viking Saga, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Hegg is set to play the role of Viking warrior Valli.
Actors from True Blood (Ryan Kwanten) and Game of Thrones (Ed Skrein) are also be included in the cast. Switzerland’s Ascot Elite Entertainment Group is producing the film with Jumping Horse Film of Germany and South Africa’s Two Oceans Production. Ralph Dietrich, CEO of Switzerland’s Ascot Elite Entertainment Group, told Hollywood Reporter Hegg is “synonymous with the Viking experience” they were looking to bring to the film. The lyrical content of much of Amon Amarth’s music and their live stage shows are inspired by Norse mythology and Viking lore, so Hegg was an obvious casting choice.
The film is set for release in 2014. Amon Amarth released their highly successful ninth studio album, Deceiver of the Gods, in June on Metal Blade Records. The band is set to embark on a headlining tour in the U.S. in January.
