Peter Franzén: roles at a glance
Peter Franzén plays King Harald Finehair in the original Vikings series.
Selected work beyond Vikings includes The Gunman, Above Dark Waters and Heart of a Lion. Explore the biography below for the roles, career context and further references.
Reference: Vikings cast credit.
About Peter Franzén
Finnish actor Peter Franzén also works as a writer and director. His international roles include Reiniger in The Gunman. He made his feature directing debut with Above Dark Waters, adapting his semi-autobiographical novel, which was published in 2010 and adapted for the Finnish National Theatre in 2012. His other films include Heart of a Lion, Open Up to Me and Purge.
Harald introduces many international viewers to Franzén, but his Finnish work is essential to understanding the breadth of his career. Heart of a Lion and Dog Nail Clipper place him in substantial film roles, while Above Dark Waters connects his acting to his work as an author and filmmaker. The Gunman provides a route into his English-language action work as Reiniger.
What to watch next from Peter Franzén
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Above Dark Waters
The most useful choice for exploring Franzén as both a storyteller behind the camera and a performer.
Find streaming & rental optionsCheck Amazon US video optionsOpens in a new tab. Paid link: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. DetailsHeart of a Lion
A major Finnish film role as Teppo, distinct from Harald’s dynastic ambition.
Find streaming & rental optionsCheck Amazon US video optionsOpens in a new tab. Paid link: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. DetailsThe Gunman
Choose this for his international action work as Reiniger.
Find streaming & rental optionsCheck Amazon US video optionsOpens in a new tab. Paid link: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. DetailsCompare local availability on JustWatch or search the named title in Amazon US video. Search results may include remakes and similarly named titles; match the performer, year and edition. Confirm whether a title is included, a rental, a purchase or a separate channel subscription before paying.
Selected screen credits
Playing King Harald Finehair: performance & interviews
Watching the performance
Watch Harald when he is negotiating alongside other leaders: the character’s ambitions are often visible before he states them plainly.
Peter Franzén in Vikings
King Harald Finehair
Peter Franzén portrays King Harald Finehair in Vikings.
Harald enters the story with an ambition larger than any single raid: to rule Norway. His willingness to cooperate conceals competition with the Lothbrok family.
Follow the character’s journey, loyalties and place in the wider saga.
Explore King Harald Finehair’s storyPeter Franzén: portrait & roles
Fan questions
Did Peter Franzén direct a film?
Yes. HISTORY records Above Dark Waters as his feature directing debut, adapted from his own novel.