Uhtred Rides Again: Alexander Dreymon Returns in “Seven Kings Must Die” – A Triumphant Finale or a Rushed Farewell?
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After five intense seasons of political intrigue, blood-soaked battles, and unwavering loyalty, The Last Kingdom concludes the journey of Uhtred of Bebbanburg with the Netflix film Seven Kings Must Die, released in April 2023. Alexander Dreymon reprises his iconic role, taking viewers back to the volatile world of 10th-century England. However, despite the excitement surrounding its release, the film has received mixed reactions from both critics and fans.
A Grand Send-Off for Uhtred?
According to a review from MEAWW, Seven Kings Must Die delivers a visually stunning final battle, with standout performances from the cast—most notably Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred and Harry Gilby as Aethelstan. The film is praised as a satisfying end to a saga that has spanned over eight years.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts an 82% critics’ score and a 71% audience rating, reflecting a generally positive reception. It’s clear that many fans appreciated the epic scale and emotional stakes of Uhtred’s final chapter.
The Flaws That Can’t Be Ignored
However, not all feedback was glowing. Many longtime fans criticized the film for feeling rushed and lacking depth. One Reddit user commented, “It felt more like a fast summary of what could have been a sixth season rather than a full-fledged film.”
Key characters such as Uhtred’s daughter Stiorra and the warrior nun Hild were noticeably absent, with no explanation provided—something fans on IMDb and Reddit found frustrating. “Several important characters were just dropped with no closure,” one user wrote.
Additionally, the development of Aethelstan’s character stirred controversy. While Harry Gilby delivered a strong performance, some viewers felt the script reduced Aethelstan to a manipulated figure, stripping away the complexity seen in the series.
Alexander Dreymon: A Bittersweet Farewell
In an interview with Vogue, Alexander Dreymon described saying goodbye to Uhtred as a “bittersweet” experience. He expressed deep gratitude for the chance to conclude the character’s arc through this film. Dreymon also shared that he is currently exploring new creative projects, while enjoying fatherhood with his partner, actress Allison Williams.
Final Verdict: Is Seven Kings Must Die Worth Watching?
For die-hard fans of The Last Kingdom, Seven Kings Must Die is a must-watch. Despite its imperfections, it provides a final glimpse into Uhtred’s world, packed with action, emotion, and closure for many of the series’ overarching themes.
However, if you were hoping for a detailed narrative with the same level of character development as the TV series, you might find the film lacking. It doesn’t quite have the room to flesh out every storyline, and some beloved characters are left out entirely.
Still, Seven Kings Must Die serves as a memorable farewell to one of historical television’s most beloved warriors. Whether triumphant or rushed, it reminds us why Uhtred—son of Uhtred—remains unforgettable.
