'Vikings' season 4 spoilers: time jump when show returns?

Alexander Ludwig in costume as his character Bjorn on VikingsInstagram/ historyvikings

The season 3 finale of "Vikings" saw Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) faking his own death to allow his people to infiltrate Paris. Not knowing that he faked his death, his loved ones said their goodbyes to him, and now, it's anyone's guess as to who will be sitting on the throne when the show returns.

There have been speculations that Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig), Ragnar's son with Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), will be the one to lead the people of Denmark. Recently, the show's official Instagram account shared a photo of Ludwig in costume, and it was captioned, "Back in action #Vikings." But far from his youthful appearance in season 3, the photo shows the actor sporting a gray beard and looking more like Ragnar, which hints at a massive time jump for the show when it returns to History.

According to Zap2It, the time jump was mentioned by show creator Michael Hirst at the "Vikings" Comic-Con panel in San Diego last July, but Hirst did not say how much time will have passed when the show returns.

Aside from possibly being the new king, Bjorn will also have a new role as he has become a father. At the panel, Ludwig said that when Bjorn had his daughter, he finally found something in him to fight for.

Meanwhile, fans will certainly see Ragnar again on the show, despite persistent rumors claiming that Fimmel will be leaving the series to concentrate on outside projects. At the panel, it was revealed that Ragnar will return to Paris to continue the siege, which will once again see him at odds with his brother Rollo (Clive Standen), who is now engaged to Princess Gisla of France.

Ragnar will also find a new ally, and Hirst said that there will be a new woman coming into his life and that it will be a great surprise to fans.

"It's very unexpected," said Hirst. "When I first thought of it, I did check with a historical expert that this was a possible encounter." Fimmel said that he thinks his character and the woman will have a "unique relationship."

"Vikings" season 4 returns in 2016 on History.