Amon Amarth Front Man Johan Hegg to Play Viking Warrior in ‘Northmen: A Viking Saga’ Movie
Swedish Metal titans Amon Amarth's vocalist Johan Hegg has been roped in to play the role of a Viking warrior in the upcoming film, "Northmen: A Viking Saga." Hegg's character is named Valli.
By recruiting Hegg as Valli, the makers of the film have actually introduced a real Viking in the cast. Hegg's band Amon Amarth's philosophy is Vikings and Norse mythology. The band's songs sing the saga of rich Viking culture in their brute way that is through metal music.
"The mythology behind our Viking heritage is engrained in everything we do and it is awesome to have the opportunity to be part of Northmen - A Viking Saga," Hegg said, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. "This is going to be one epic adventure and I cannot wait to be on set with my co-stars and this fantastic filmmaking team!" he added.
Amon Amarth released their ninth studio album, "Deceiver Of The Gods" via Metal Blade Records in June. The album did quite well and went straight to No. 3 on Germany's Top 100 and No. 19 on the U.S. Billboard Top 200 album charts.
"Johan Hegg and Amon Amarth were "synonymous with the Viking experience" the filmmakers were looking to bring to life in Northmen," said Ralph Dietrich, CEO of Ascot Elite Entertainment Group, Switzerland. It is producing the film with Jumping Horse Film, Germany and Two Ocean's Production, South Africa.
The plot of the film features a group of Viking predators moving ahead under the command of Asbjorn (Tom Hopper), a young warrior. They are out for a raid of the British Isles only to get caught up in a storm and left stranded on the coast of Scotland. The band of Viking warriors must make their way through the enemy territory to reach the Viking zone.
Joining Hegg is an international star cast featuring Ryan Kwanten ("True Blood" fame), Tom Hopper (Britain), Ed Skrein from "Game of Thrones," Germany's Ken Duken ("Inglorious Basterds"), Anatole Taubman from Switzerland, James Norton and Charlie Murphy ("Philomena") from Ireland.
The film is currently shooting in South Africa.