Netflix Officially Adds Anya Taylor-Joy’s Brutal Fantasy Masterpiece
Netflix has added Robert Eggers' Viking epic The Northman to its streaming library, giving new life to a film that struggled at the box office on its 2022 release. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy alongside Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang and Ethan Hawke, the brutal revenge saga has since become a streaming favourite despite its underwhelming theatrical run, and its arrival comes as Taylor-Joy enjoys one of the busiest and most successful stretches of her career.
The Northman cost around $90 million to make but grossed only $75 million at the box office, making it a commercial disappointment at the time. Taylor-Joy, who previously worked with Eggers on The Witch, is currently riding high after The Super Mario Galaxy Movie became the first film of 2026 to cross $1 billion globally; she also stars in Apple TV's Lucky, is set to reprise Alia Atreides in Dune: Part Three this December, and has sold her thriller Sacrifice with Chris Evans to Netflix for later release. Netflix has given no indication that The Northman will leave the platform soon.
- Netflix adds Robert Eggers' Viking film The Northman to its library.
- The 2022 film flopped in cinemas but thrives on streaming.
- Star Anya Taylor-Joy is having a hugely successful 2026.
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The Northman is a 2022 historical fantasy film inspired by the legend that later helped shape Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Set in Viking-era northern Europe, it follows Amleth, a prince who seeks revenge after his father is killed and his mother is taken.
Alexander Skarsgård plays Amleth, with Nicole Kidman and Ethan Hawke as his parents, Claes Bang as his uncle and Anya Taylor-Joy as Olga, an ally he meets during his journey. The film was directed by Robert Eggers, known for atmospheric period horror films including The Witch, which also starred Taylor-Joy.
It was made on a large scale and drew attention for its violent action, mythological imagery and detailed recreation of the period. Although it earned less in cinemas than it cost to produce, it has found a wider audience through home viewing and streaming.