According to E! Online, rumors were flying yesterday that True Blood casting directors were possibly considering the internationally acclaimed actor Stellan Skarsgård to play the human viking King Ulfrick, father of our beloved sinister, sexy vampire, Eric Northman. Yes, you read that correctly. Stellan is indeed the real-life father of Alexander Skarsgård. King Ulfrick will be introduced during flashbacks to Eric's mortal life in medieval Scandinavia in order to explore his human origins further, which we were only briefly introduced to in the second season with his maker Godric (Allan Hyde). Stellan Skarsgard's cinema credits include Mamma Mia!, Angels & Demons, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, four episodes of Entourage and the upcoming Thor (currently in production) among dozens of other films.
However, while Stellan would be an absolutely perfect fit considering his familial connection, his reps are steadfast denying that he will be accepting this or any other role on the show.
A disappointment to be certain and one that leaves fans wondering just who will step into the role of Eric Northman's father? The official description for the character is ""In his 40s to 50s, warm, a battle-scarred Swedish Viking king, [Ulfrick] is Eric's father, seen in a flashback to 900 A.D. Though they have a good relationship, there is some tension between father and son, because Ulfrick wants Eric to learn responsibility and behave in a manner befitting royalty...GUEST STAR (47) ACTOR MUST SPEAK FLUENT SWEDISH."
The E! Online article also listed a few names that have been suggested by fans such as Max von Sydow, Bill Nighy or Viggo Mortensen, all fabulous ideas since they all have dominating onscreen presences and two of them, Sydow and Mortensen, actually speak Swedish. While this character may not be long lived on the show, it will definitely take a commanding personality to fill the role of a viking king.
What do you think? Any suggestions for possible actors or should Stellan Skarsgård reconsider and accept the role of King Ulfrick?
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