"In Treatment" actor Gabriel Byrne has signed on for "Vikings," History Channel's maiden voyage into scripted programming, The Wrap reported.

Byrne will play Earl Haraldson, who surfaces as a challenger to Viking king Ragnar Lothbrok.

The series, which will be produced by MGM Studios and hails from "The Tudors" and "Camelot" producer, will center on Lothbrok, a real-life Viking king who, according to lore, was a direct descendant of warrior god Odin.

"Vikings" will film in Byrne's native Ireland, and will debut next year.