Actor James Norton has revealed that he broke his collarbone after falling from a horse while rehearsing in Iceland for the upcoming CBS Studios period drama “King and Conqueror.” Norton, who plays Harold Godwinson in the 1066 epic, shared the incident during a recent Q&A session.
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James Norton Reveals He Broke His Collarbone During ‘King And Conqueror’ Filming
Photo by Deadline
Key Takeaways:
- James Norton suffered a broken collarbone during rehearsals.
- The accident happened when he fell from a horse in Iceland.
- Norton disclosed the injury at a public Q&A event.
- He is starring as Harold Godwinson in “King and Conqueror.”
- The series is a CBS Studios drama set in 1066.
Rehearsal Mishap
James Norton took an immersive approach to preparing for “King and Conqueror,” CBS Studios’ forthcoming drama set against the seismic events of 1066. Speaking at a recent Q&A, the British actor recounted how a horse-training session in Iceland ended abruptly—and painfully—when he was thrown from the saddle, breaking his collarbone.
An Icelandic Setting, A Sudden Fall
Rehearsals for historical dramas often trade the comfort of soundstages for rugged landscapes that mirror a past age. For Norton, that backdrop was Iceland. During one session, “I fell off a horse…and broke my collarbone,” he told the audience, laying bare the risks behind the sweeping vistas viewers will eventually see on screen.
Portraying Harold Godwinson
In “King and Conqueror,” Norton embodies Harold Godwinson, England’s last crowned Anglo-Saxon king. The series, produced by CBS Studios, promises to revisit the fateful clashes of 1066—events that reshaped British history. Norton’s injury, although personal, hints at the physical demands the production places on its cast.
A Q&A Revelation
Fans learned of the mishap not through official press releases but during a candid moment of audience interaction. Norton’s admission underscored how off-camera challenges can rival the battles portrayed on screen.
Physical Demands of Period Drama
Historical storytelling often requires actors to trade modern comforts for armor, weapons, and—crucially—horses. Norton’s broken collarbone is a reminder that authenticity comes with risk. As “King and Conqueror” moves forward, viewers will see the finished product; behind the scenes, a healed bone will mark the price of that authenticity.
