Disney has surprised fans and media alike with the release of a brand-new animated film based on the critically acclaimed series The Last Kingdom, with none other than Alexander Dreymon reprising his role in animated form. Known for his powerful portrayal of Uhtred of Bebbanburg in the original live-action series, Dreymon lends his voice and likeness to the bold and battle-scarred warrior in this reimagined animated feature. This marks a notable departure from Disney’s usual catalogue, signaling a new direction that blends historical epic with animated storytelling.
The animated movie, titled The Last Kingdom: Uhtred’s Oath, retains the gritty realism and emotional depth of the original series while infusing it with the visual flair and accessibility that Disney animations are known for. The project has been in quiet development for over two years and was revealed with minimal fanfare, catching both fans of the original series and Disney followers off guard. Animation fans, history buffs, and long-time followers of the Saxon Stories saga by Bernard Cornwell are already buzzing about the film’s daring ambition and artistic style.
What makes this release even more fascinating is Disney’s commitment to preserving the mature themes of the original. Although stylized in animation, the story does not shy away from the internal and external conflicts that defined Uhtred’s journey—from his torn loyalties between Saxon and Dane to his relentless pursuit of honor and homeland. The animation, though vibrant, carries a moody, painterly aesthetic, reminiscent of The Prince of Egypt but shaded with darker tones and historical grit.
Alexander Dreymon’s involvement has been widely praised as the heart of the production. His voice performance carries the same gravitas that made his live-action portrayal so magnetic. Disney’s animators worked closely with Dreymon to capture his expressions, body language, and tone, ensuring that the animated Uhtred felt authentic to fans who have followed the character since the series’ debut. This attention to detail has paid off, as early reviews commend the emotional resonance and authenticity of the character.
The film explores a narrative arc set between the final events of the original Last Kingdom series and the Netflix follow-up movie, Seven Kings Must Die. It provides a previously untold story that sees Uhtred grappling with a fractured England on the brink of unification and personal losses that haunt his every step. Though the format is animated, the stakes remain as high and the storytelling just as grounded as in the live-action source material.
In a bold move, Disney has included scenes of battle, betrayal, and political intrigue, all presented through tasteful direction and artistic choreography. The violence is stylized rather than graphic, yet it carries enough weight to maintain tension and drama. While younger audiences can follow the story, the movie clearly targets teens and adults—those who grew up with the original series and are ready for a new chapter in Uhtred’s legacy.
Perhaps the most astonishing element is how successfully the movie blends traditional animation techniques with modern digital enhancements. Hand-drawn elements bring a nostalgic warmth, while CGI enhances the depth of scenes, especially large-scale battles and sweeping landscapes. The result is a visual tapestry that feels both intimate and epic, capturing the essence of 9th-century England in a fresh, stylized way.
The soundtrack deserves its own praise. Featuring a collaboration between Trevor Morris, who composed for the original series, and Disney’s in-house orchestral team, the score is a haunting blend of old Norse motifs and swelling cinematic themes. It supports the emotional narrative, from moments of quiet reflection to the thunder of war drums in battle sequences. The music binds the old and new together in a way that fans of both Disney and The Last Kingdom can appreciate.
The film has sparked considerable discussion among media critics, particularly for what it represents: Disney’s first major venture into historically grounded, adult-oriented animation. While Disney has flirted with serious themes before, Uhtred’s Oath dives headfirst into a world of moral ambiguity, legacy, and cultural clash, without diluting its seriousness for broader appeal. This might mark the beginning of a new animation era, where storytelling pushes beyond fairy tales and fantasy.
For long-time fans of Alexander Dreymon, the film is a welcome return to a beloved character who had seemingly concluded his journey. Hearing Dreymon once more as Uhtred feels both nostalgic and invigorating, and his performance adds depth to a medium often underestimated in its capacity for serious storytelling. His commitment to the character is clear, and it helps anchor the film’s emotional core.
The movie also introduces several new characters, voiced by a stellar supporting cast including Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Riz Ahmed, and Richard Armitage. These new roles add complexity and fresh perspectives to the ever-evolving political and personal landscape of Uhtred’s world. Their presence signals that this film may not be a one-off, but potentially the first in a new series of animated explorations into The Last Kingdom universe.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original series or simply curious about this unexpected collaboration, The Last Kingdom: Uhtred’s Oath offers something unique. It’s a bridge between storytelling traditions—one that honors its past while exploring new frontiers. Disney has taken a gamble with this release, and if early responses are anything to go by, it’s a gamble that’s already paying off.
