Redbad is a 2018 Dutch historical drama film directed by Roel Reiné, depicting the life of Radbod, the early medieval Frisian leader. The film is the second installment in a planned trilogy about iconic Dutch heroes, following Michiel de Ruyter and preceding an unproduced film about William of Orange.
Set in the 8th century, the narrative follows Redbad’s struggle against the Christianization of his homeland and the encroaching forces of the Frankish Empire. The film portrays his transformation from a pagan prince to a leader resisting cultural and religious assimilation.
The cast includes Gijs Naber as Redbad, with supporting roles by Huub Stapel, Derek de Lint, Egbert-Jan Weber, Loes Haverkort, and Jonathan Banks. Filming took place across various European locations, including the Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium, utilizing over 10,000 extras—a record for Dutch cinema.
Despite its ambitious production and historical subject matter, Redbad received mixed reviews, with some critics pointing out historical inaccuracies and a lack of narrative cohesion.
