Jonathan Rhys Meyers: Battling bishop of ‘Vikings’

Jonathan Rhys Meyers makes his first appearance as warrior and holy man Heahmund in the Season 4 finale of Vikings. Still, I’m not happy to see the end of this superb, 20-episode season.

I realize everyone needs some time off, especially writer and EP Michael Hirst and his amazing cast and crew. Still, I want more “Vikings”—and I know I’m not the only fan feeling this way.

The Season 4 finale, titled “The Reckoning,” the Vikings’ battle plan vexes Prince Aethelwulf (Moe Dunford) while his father, King Ecbert (Linus Roache), initiates a plan of his own that could slow the Great Heathen Army.

The finale also introduces another epic character fighting for Wessex. Jonathan Rhys Meyers makes his first appearance as battling Bishop Heahmund, the latest historic figure from the 9th Century to make it on the show.

This isn’t the first time Meyers and First have worked together. Meyers twice was nominated for Golden Globe Awards for playing King Henry VIII in Hirst’s earlier series “The Tudors.”

Meyers battles more than ex-wives in “Vikings.” Bishop Heahmund uses both words and weapons to fight for his parishioners. He takes on master war tactician Ivar the Boneless (Alex Høgh Andersen) in Season 5. Ivar likely will take control of the viking army next season, and Andersen told me he’s looking forward to fans seeing what already has been filmed.

“It’s outstanding,” Andersen said of what’s to come. “Some of the stuff we’re doing for Season 5 is absolutely feature quality.”

“We did break the ‘Braveheart’ record for the amount of extras when we shot some of the stuff coming up,” he added. “That was very, very, very interesting.”

But, alas, fans will have to wait for Season 5 and the Ivar versus Heahmund rivalry. Until then, get ready to be wowed by “The Reckoning,” airing at 9/8c Feb. 1 on History.

Finally, check out photos and the video preview from “The Reckoning” here.

King Harald Finehair (Peter Franzen, from left), Halfdan the Black (Jasper Paakonen), Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig), Ubbe (Jordan Smith), Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard), Hviserk (Marco Ilsø) and Ivar the Boneless (Alex Høgh Andersen) in History’s “Vikings.” (Jonathan Hession/History)

The Great Heathen Army attacks the forces of Wessex in History’s “Vikings.” (Jonathan Hession/History)

Ivar the Boneless (Alex Høgh Andersen) prepares to fight aboard his chariot in History’s “Vikings.” (Jonathan Hession/History)

Ivar the Boneless (Alex Høgh Andersen) and Bjorn Ironside (Alexander Ludwig) make plans in History’s “Vikings.” (Jonathan Hession/History)

Bjorn Ironside (Alexander Ludwig) in History’s “Vikings.” (Jonathan Hession/History)

Ivar the Boneless (Alex Høgh Andersen) prepares to fight aboard his chariot in History’s “Vikings.” (Jonathan Hession/History)

The Great Heathen Army attacks the forces of Wessex in History’s “Vikings.” (Jonathan Hession/History)

More Vikings:

• Toronto Blue Jays player raids in Vikings
• Ragnar’s Vikings doppleganger
• Michael Hirst on Ragnar’s death, future
• Alex Høgh Andersen pushes boundaries
• Vikings explores complex father-son relationship
• Meet the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok
• Katheryn Winnick on Lagertha’s lesbian relationship
• Alexander Ludwig teases new Bjorn Ironside

More Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Bishop Heahmund (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) prays before a battle in History’s “Vikings.” (Jonathan Hession/History)

Prince Aethelwulf (Moe Dunford) faces the Great Heathen Army in History’s “Vikings.” (Jonathan Hession/History)

Bishop Heahmund (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) prays before a battle in History’s “Vikings.” (Jonathan Hession/History)

Jonathan Rhys Meyers stars as battling Bishop Heahmund in History’s “Vikings.” (Jonathan Hession/History)