Alexander Ludwig, Linus Roache Join ‘Vikings’ Cast

Alexander Ludwig (pictured above) and Linus Roache are joining the cast of Vikings in its second season, set to begin airing on the History Channel next year.

Ludwig, 21, is slated to play Bjorn, the “intelligent and bold warrior son” of Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), the show’s protagonist. Roache, 49, will play Ecbert, King of Wessex. Ecbert is described as a man “full of strength, knowledge and undisguised ambition.”

Ludwig is known for playing the role of Cato in The Hunger Games, while Roache is known as assistant DA Michael Cutter on Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU.

_{Linus Roach in Law & Order: SVU}

Vikings is based on Norsemen stories of pillaging, trading and exploring. Though it has generally received positive reviews, critics point out inaccuracies in the show. Show-runner Michael Hirst insists that accuracy is difficult because not much was recorded from the time period the show portrays.

Vikings is set to begin filming its 10-episode second season this summer.