Frida Gustavsson
Frida Gustavsson is an actress and former model known for her starring roles in Swedish series and movies such as "Dröm," "De utvalda," and "Tigers." She appeared in "The Witcher," with Henry Cavill and Freya Allan. She currently stars as the female lead in the upcoming series "Vikings: Valhalla," the follow-up series to the original "Vikings." "Vikings: Valhalla" is set 100 years after the original series and follows the characters Freydis, played by Frida, Leif Erikson, Harald Hardrada and the Norman King William the Conqueror.
Coat by Alabama Blonde
Bra by Agent Provocateur
Rings by Bondeye Jewelry
Tell us about “Vikings: Valhalla?”
It is the next chapter in the captivating story about the most famous Vikings who ever lived. Where “Vikings” chronicled Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons, “Vikings: Valhalla” is set after the death of Ragnar and is about the end of the Viking era and the challenges these heroes have to suffer.
What excited you about joining the show?
When I first got to hear about this project I almost harassed my agents, I was such a huge fan of the original show and the prospect of joining the Vikings universe was incredibly exciting. When I had the pleasure of reading for the part of Freydis I fell in love. Apparently, there is a 1,000-year-old spirit of a Viking woman living inside of me, and I just knew what I wanted to say with the part. You can only imagine how thrilled I was to get the call to learn that I was joining the journey.
Left:
Dress by “Ray” by Graham Cruz
Gloves by LA ROXX
Earrings by Melinda Maria
Right:
Dress by Vintage
Boots by K A T M A C O N I E
How did you prepare for your role as Freydis?
As with any part I start with research: research, research, research. I read everything I could find about the Viking era and I was so thrilled to see how much the research had changed since I was a little girl learning about Vikings in school. All of a sudden these incredible women stepped out of the shadows and demanded their space in history, and I am so thankful to get to play one of them. Secondly I had to get into intense training, not only to look the part of a woman who spends her days rowing and hunting, but also to engage in the extensive stunt and combat training.
Are there any moments from this first season of the show that you are particularly excited for audiences to see?
I am so proud and excited about the big shield maiden test that Freydis undertakes in episode 6. Six incredible stunt performers and I spent a long-time training for that fight, and I am so thrilled to say it turned out so strong. It is so rare that one gets to see so many badass women fighting together and cheering each other on. I will never forget that camaraderie and sisterhood.
Left:
Dress by Moschino
Necklace by Vintage
Gloves by Vintage
Shoes by O2monde
Right:
Dress by O R S E U N D I R I S
Jewelry by Melinda Maria
What was your favorite part of filming “Vikings: Valhalla?”
Filming a show of this scale is a dream come true for any actor and I am so thankful to be on this journey. Every aspect of this show is larger than life: our ships, our costumes, our sets, and our epic battles.
Do you have any dream roles or projects?
There are so many incredible women whom history has forgotten. It is about time they get the spotlight they deserve, and I would love the chance to portray them.
What are your goals for the next few years?
To continue to be inspired by my work and to take on new and challenging projects.
Left:
Coat by Alabama Blonde
Bra by Agent Provocateur
Boots by K A T M A C O N I E
Rings by Bondeye Jewelry
Right:
Dress by “Ray” by Graham Cruz
Gloves by LA ROXX
Earrings by Melinda Maria
Outside of acting, how do you spend your free time?
I love nature and spend a great amount of time in it, may it be the Stockholm archipelago or the vast mountains in the very north of Sweden. I also love horses and spend a lot of time in the stable. Furthermore, my favorite pastimes include attending exhibitions, opera, theatre and having long, wine filled dinners with my friends.
What inspires you as an actress?
What attracts me to any part or any project is always the human story. I find humans and their actions infinitely interesting and so full of wonderful contradictions and flaws.
If you weren’t acting today, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t an actor I would pursue my academic dreams in the area of history of ideas.
Social Media.
Instagram: @fridagustavsson
CREW CREDITS:
Editor-In-Chief + Producer: Alison Hernon
Creative Director + Photographer: Mike Ruiz
Talent: Frida Gustavsson
Hair: Marcus Francis at Tomlinson Management Group
Makeup: Loren Canby at A-Frame Agency
Fashion Stylist: Ariel Tunnell
Photographer Assistants: Fabian Pourmand & Ozzie Gutierrez
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Flora Medina, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
