Netflix’s German series Barbarians (Barbaren as it’s known in Germany) took everyone by surprise and has already become one of the most popular Originals of 2020. Here’s everything we know about the Barbarians Season 2, including what to expect, filming dates, and the all-important Netflix release date.
Barbarians is a German Netflix Original historical drama created by Jan Martin Scharf and Arne Nolting. Season 1 landed on Netflix around the globe on October 23rd, 2020.
There is no trailer for the second season yet. However, below you can refresh your memory by watching the first season’s trailer.
In the time since its release on Netflix, Barbarians has become the most popular German Netflix Original series (it was the overall but was topped by Blood Red Sky). Before Netflix stopped using the 2-minute metric, Barbarians was the eighth most-watched non-English language title on Netflix with 37 million views recorded in the first 28 days.
Background
Barbarians season 2 will transport viewers back in time to 9 AD for another round of clashes between Roman forces and the uneasy alliance of Germanic tribes trying to put a stop to the Roman empire’s expansion.
The first season of this German Netflix historical drama saw Roman traitor Arminius teaming up with his childhood friends Thusnelda and Folkwin to incite a rebellion against the Romans. This all led up to the show’s depiction of the Battle of Teutoburg Forest, where the Germanic people successfully routed the Roman forces and emerged victoriously.
The series is based on true events and became Netflix’s most successful German original ever (before it was overtaken by Blood Red Sky), so it’s not a huge surprise that it’s getting a second season.
Barbarians Season 2 Plot
*spoilers ahead for Barbarians season 1*
Like the first season, Barbarians season 2 will be based on historical events. Although the show’s creators have not yet revealed exactly what’s next for Arminius, Thusnelda, and Folkwin, history tells us that we might be seeing another terrible battle very soon.
In 16 AD, Roman General Germanicus sought to avenge the fallen legions and returned with even more troops for another war. Unlike the Battle of Teutoburg Forest, the Battle of Idistaviso was a tremendous success for the Romans, so this second series could spell trouble for our leads if the show sticks close to history.
The revelation that Daniel Donskoy is playing the adult version of Arminius’ younger brother Flavus also means that we can probably expect a dramatic family reunion on the cards.
Like his older brother, Flavus was also taken by the Romans when he was a boy. However, he remained loyal to his Roman captors and even served under Germanicus in the Roman army.
Also, we expect Folkwin’s oath with the gods and the revelation that Thusnelda is pregnant with Folkwin’s child will definitely cause some trouble for our three leads, especially as she intends to rule alongside Arminius!
Barbarians season 2 cast
Barbarians leads Jeanne Goursaud, Laurence Rupp and David Schütter will all reprise their roles as Thusnelda, Arminius, and Folkwin for the second season.
New cast members include Daniel Donskoy as Flavus, Murathan Muslu as Marbod, Cynthia Micas as Dido, Katherine Heyer as Odarike, Giovanni Carta as Tiberius, and Alessandro Fella as Germanicus.
Speaking about the second series, showrunner Stefan Ruzowitzky commented: “I am really happy to be part of the continuation of this great series and looking forward to the cooperation with the entire team in front of and behind the camera.
Barbarians Season 2 Release Date
Production didn’t get underway on Barbarians season 2 for quite some time. It was only in September 2021 that Deadline confirmed that production had gotten underway in Krakow, Poland (that’s a change in filming location given season 1 was filmed in Budapest Hungary.)
In early 2022, Netflix Germany confirmed that season 2 of Barbarians is coming to Netflix in Autumn/Winter 2022.
The renewal came alongside confirmation we’ll be getting six episodes for season 2 with each being around 45 minutes in length.
Stefan Ruzowitzky (known for The Counterfeiters and Hinterland) is on board as showrunner for the second season. He is also confirmed to be directing and will even be acting this season too.
