With A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms officially concluding its first season, and House of the Dragon set to return in June 2026, there is a renewed interest in anything that can satisfy that big, bloody, politically intricate fantasy craving. For <em>Game of Thrones</em> fans seeking more expansive casts and conflicting factions in the interim, there exists a lesser-known option that surprisingly aligns with the genre. While Kelly Reilly‘s portrayal of the ruthless and often divisive character Beth Dutton in Yellowstone has been hailed as one of the strongest performances in the Paramount+ series, she portrayed an even more formidable woman in the historical fantasy drama Britannia.
Created by brothers Tom Butterworth and Jez Butterworth, Britannia features a sprawling ensemble cast, akin to shows like Game of Thrones and The Wheel of Time. The narrative unfolds in 43 AD, depicting the conflict between the Romans and the mystical Celtic tribes of Britain. In its inaugural season, Reilly plays Kerra, a warrior princess and daughter of the King of the Cantii tribe. This role highlights her versatility and skill, capturing both the fierce determination and emotional complexity of a character torn between adhering to tradition or safeguarding her people.
What Is ‘Britannia’ About?
The first season of Britannia opens with the Roman Army, commanded by General Aulus Plautius (David Morrissey), invading the Celtic territories of Britannia. They encounter significant resistance from the native Celtic tribes, heavily influenced by Druids—mystical beings believed to communicate on behalf of the gods, particularly Veran (Mackenzie Crook). The Romans aren’t the only threat, as tribal warfare among local factions exacerbates tensions throughout Britannia.
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Even when a peace offering is proposed, it culminates in horrific bloodshed. In the show’s premiere episode, a member of the Cantii tribe is set to marry someone from the Regni tribe, with both Cantii King Pellenor (Ian McDiarmid) and Regni Queen Antedia (Zoë Wanamaker) agreeing to this union. However, this entire charade serves as a ploy for mutual attack, marking audiences’ first encounter with Kerra. She appears on horseback, concealed within trees, skillfully using her bow and arrow to eliminate members of the attacking Regni tribe. Kerra is an absolute force, demonstrating remarkable aim, and this scene effectively introduces Reilly’s character.
As the Romans advance, Kerra becomes a pivotal figure in resisting their dominance, which infuriates her father. He attempts to confine her, but she is resolute in her commitment to protect her people, even at great personal risk. Throughout the season, Kerra must navigate not only external threats but also intricate family politics and betrayals, including her fluctuating faith in the mystical Druids who wield significant influence over her tribe.
Kelly Reilly Gives a Standout Performance in ‘Britannia’
While Britannia shares similarities with Game of Thrones, it possesses a bold and distinctive tone that embraces campy fantasy lore. Despite its exaggerated world, Reilly’s portrayal of Kerra remains remarkably grounded, infusing emotional depth into her character’s internal struggles. Although influenced heavily by Druids—especially her father—Kerra harbors disdain for them.
Kera’s father had her mother murdered years prior, an act for which she holds the Druids accountable. Her interactions with King Pellenor are among the most compelling moments in the series, showcasing Reilly’s ability to render even extreme circumstances relatable and authentic. Whether confronting Roman General Plautius while wielding a sword or bow and arrow in battle or sharply reprimanding a Druid, Reilly captivates audiences completely.
The series features numerous strong female characters, particularly women in positions of power, with Reilly’s Kerra standing out as one of its finest. Although this role may be less recognized than Reilly’s lead role in Yellowstone, her character in Britannia allows her to truly demonstrate her acting prowess. Her commanding presence on-screen and sharp delivery elevate the show significantly, making Kerra’s journey unforgettable despite spanning only one season.
The complete three seasons of Britannia are available on MGM+ in the U.S.
