Michael Hurst will direct The Viking Wars for Cardinal XD’s Cannes market roster, chief content officer Jeff Goldman announced.

Production will kick off at the end of the year in New Zealand on the story of a band of warriors who liberate Paris from the tyrannical Charles The Fat.

Cardinal’s Cannes slate includes Blood Reef directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith, set to open in 2015; Slamdance audience award-winner for best narrative feature romantic adventure, Copenhagen; and comedic drama Story Of Luke starring Seth Green, Cary Elwes and Lou Taylor Pucci.

“We are thrilled to be making our international debut at the world’s premiere film market and anticipate strong interest in our slate of upcoming and award-winning films,” said Goldman.