Seven Kings Must Die, the sequel movie to The Last Kingdom, will apparently feature the death of seven kings, but who exactly those seven kings are has not been explicitly stated. Seven Kings Must Die is set to wrap up The Last Kingdom's story, which is bound to end with the famous unification of England under King Athelstan. The Last Kingdom season 5 was the final season of the show, however, Seven Kings Must Die could be setting up future spinoffs for the franchise.
Seven Kings Must Die is set to take place after The Last Kingdom season 5, which ended with Uhtred reclaiming his ancestral home of Bebbanburg, and King Edward gaining a foothold in Northumbria. Edward's achievements importantly brought England a step closer to his and his father, Alfred's, dream of a unified England. The Last Kingdom season 5 also built-up Athelstan, who is set to be a central character in Seven Kings Must Die.
The Seven Kings Must Die Title Is A Reference To The Battle Of Brunanburh
The Seven Kings Must Die's title is a reference to the legendary Battle of Brunanburh, in which several kings died. At least four powerful kings were present at this battle - Athelstan of England, Olaf Guthfrithson of Dublin, Constantine II of Scotland, and Owain of Strathclyde - as well as several other powerful leaders and sub-kings, who also fought and died in the battle. Historians say five kings and seven earls from Olaf's army died in the fighting.
The Battle of Brunanburh is considered one of the most impactful battles in the history of the British Isles because it allowed Athelstan to solidify his control over all of England, making it the perfect place to end The Last Kingdom's movie. King Athelstan fought against the majority of his enemies on a single battlefield and had he lost, it's impossible to say what would have become of England. The seven kings in the Seven Kings Must Die title could be a reference to the various kings who fought and died in this battle.
Why The Seven Kings Must Die Title Has Two Possible Meanings
The Seven Kings Must Die title has two possible meanings, however. While it is likely a reference to the kings that died at the Battle of Brunanburh, it could also refer to the death of King Edward and his son Ælfweard, who succeeded Edward for a few short weeks before his own death. It could be that the title is referring to the five kings historians say died at the Battle of Brunanburh along with fan hated Edward and Ælfweard, or it could be referring exclusively to the Battle of Brunanburh. Either way, the Battle of Brunanburh will be a critical part of Seven Kings Must Die.