'Vikings: Valhalla': Leo Suter, Frida Gustafsson and Sam Collet on Season 2, New Journeys and More Hardships Ahead

In seasons 2 and 3, the trio teases a stronger bromance between Leif and Harald, Freydís internal struggles, and the tougher challenges that await them.

Season 2 of Netflix's Vikings: Valhalla picks up in the bloody aftermath of the Battle of Kattegut. The fate of our heroes Harald Sigurdsson (played by Leo Suter) and Freydís Eiríksdóttir (played by Frida Gustavsson) and especially Leif Eriksson (played by Sam Corlett) now hangs in the balance. With new paths set before each of them, season 2 will explore Harald's struggles with his half-brother Olaf Haralsson (Johannes Houkul Johannessen). Absence and Freddie's journey as "Uppsala's Last Daughter" vie for the crown, while Leif deals with the aftermath of Liv's (Lujza Richter) death.

Since Valhalla season 1, the three mainstays of the series, Corlett, Gustavsson, and Suter, have mastered tricks, hand-to-hand combat, and swordplay, and worked in varying extremes of weather in some of the most beautiful locations in the world. In season 2, the cast will face new journeys specific to their characters, breaking away from the trio formed in season 1 and, as creator Jeb Stewart puts it, into the unknown outside of their comfort zone world.

With Vikings: Hall of Valor season 2 premiering on Netflix on January 12, 2023, Collider's Steve Weintraub was able to chat with the three stars about their hit series. During the interview, each actor Which season was the most challenging was discussed, addressing more physical and emotional obstacles for the Season 2 heroes. They also discuss Leif and Harald's developing bromance in season 2, the inner journey Freydís has to go through, shout out to those who made the series possible, and reveal what fans can expect from season 3. For all of this and more from the stellar actor, you can watch the interview in the video above, or read the full transcript below.

COLLIDER: A bunch of questions for you. You've now filmed three seasons of Vikings: Valhalla. Which season do you think ended up being the more challenging season? I'm just wondering if this is season 1, because that's where you start everything and figure out your character.

FRIDA GUSTAVSSON: I think season 2 was the most challenging for me. From the moment I was first introduced to her on the self-taping stage, I felt so connected to Freydís. Filming Season 1 was one such visceral journey. I have the best actors, my brother and my lover can rely on, we work well together. Season 2 was a bit of a challenge. we are pulled separated from each other. You guys carry on with your bromance and I'm diving into a whole new world as a mother so it's been a very vulnerable experience and definitely... some of the scenes we shot are definitely what I do in my life Most challenging job ever.

LEO SUTER: Yeah, I wouldn't dare say one of them is...they all have different challenges. I think the challenge with season 1 is to start, really push the character where you want it to be, and then over the next couple of seasons, it's already more in your body. It feels more natural. We had COVID competition in season one, which puts the whole weird parameter on how you go about filmmaking. I think the challenge of season 2, Harald has to do some big fight scenes and torture scenes. So, in season two, I was physically challenged more than I was in season one. Wait until season 3.

SAM CORLETT: Also, for myself, with Frida, the first season felt very instinctive, and it felt like we were hitting big strides. The second season, for me, was definitely the most challenging an emotional level. It sees the breakdown of a person. When you play a character, you can't help but open up to aspects of your life that are similar to theirs, or that you're looking for inspiration around you. So if you're looking for sadness, grief, anger, you're going to find it in your own life because you've been in that world for so long. So I found it both mentally and emotionally. Probably the hardest part of filming the entire three seasons.

SUTER: Season 2, this is what (creator) [Jeb Stuart] said earlier. He pushes these characters out of their comfort zones. They are all. We are exiled, we are exiles. So if we do feel comfortable and think we know where we are at the end of season 1, we're in a completely different environment, it's a big update, a big reset. Harald and Freydis say goodbye early, and Leif and Harald find themselves in a foreign land.

You three survived season 3, I'm assuming, so what can you say compared to the first two seasons give away?

SUTER: There's a Netflix guy in the room...

I'm not messing around. I go to the jugular vein.

Suter: Why not?

GUSTAVSSON: Yes, it would be nice if you both did. I mean, season 3 has been absolutely incredible, and I can't wait to talk to you when I get the chance, but now that we're in season 2, it's also pretty exciting, so let's just leave it at that.

Suter: Yes.

CORLETT: I think the life of season 2... I'm sure when you start doing the work you're doing, you're probably like, "Oh, that's exactly what I was supposed to be doing." The step is season 2. When we got to season 3, he realized, "Oh, that's exactly what I want to do."

SUTER: I'll add that because I think...it's a dogfight. Season 2 was the beginning, the early stages of Harald Sigurdsson's transformation into Harald Hardrada. This is the legendary man. Yes, if season 2 is early stage, season 2 3 will be a continuation of the prince's transformation into king.

Thanks for answering the question, some of you... I was kidding. When you read a script, what would you rather see: a scene with great dialogue or a scene where you absolutely kick ass?

CORLETT: Informative Conversation. For me, yes, rich dialogue can...the show has this pace and amazing action, but to have that still moment where we can express what's going on inside our characters, and often It’s each other. Even though we parted ways with Freydís, Leif, and Harald, Leif and Harald definitely showed each other parts of themselves that they wouldn’t show anyone else, and it was those moments.

SUTER: They are each other's North Star. Yes, we have great scenes, when things aren't going our way, when Harald or Leif need a pick-me-up, we deliver it at different times.

GUSTAVSSON: Yes. I love that with Freydís, she's not really... I mean, saying goodbye to two of the most meaningful people in her life. She has to ride season 2 by herself. It's kind of an inner season, and for me, I love being able to have these quiet moments of solitude, whether it's Freddie's prayers, or Freddie's rediscovering new things in her faith, or discovering the forest in the temple. Those delightfully quiet moments are, I think, some of my favorites of the season. ^SUTER: I'd like to add that it's hard to make it clear on the page. When you read an action sequence on the page, it never compares to what you actually see in the stunt booth. Step inside and see what the stuntman has in store for you and the moment you will be performing. Early on, it's pretty intimidating. You think, "Whoa, what am I supposed to do?" But they're an amazing team. Shout out to them for making sure we do.

Making a show like this is a huge team effort. Crew, actors, camera department. Everyone has to come together. For each of you, an unsung hero, someone you just want to shout out, without their participation, this show will not happen?

GUSTAVSSON: I think, for me, I have to give a big shout out to (costume assistant) [Audrey Lynch], who worked fantastically with me in all three seasons in very intricate costumes. She dresses up for me and she is just amazing. Lugging all my unbelievably heavy armor up and down hills, helping me to the bathroom when I can't unzip my pants because the wardrobe is too heavy. We know each other really well and she is the best. Shout out to Audrey.

SUTER: I'm going to give a shout out - because we started work early, 4:30 - but there was a whole bunch of people who got there before us. But yeah, you're with your makeup team and your hair team in those early morning hours. So, Tom, Kate and Peter, thank you. I had the best time. They are the first people you see and the last people you see and that prepares you for the day, such a great love.

CORLETT: Tom, Joey, Virginia, Adriana, Kenny, Shane, Russell. can continue.

SUTER: How long have you had it?

GUSTAVSSON: Yes.

Vikings: Valhalla season 2 titles premiere on Netflix only on January 12, 2023.