Banijay Entertainment Brings Back ‘Wallander’ for Modern-Day Reboot Starring Gustaf Skarsgård (EXCLUSIVE)

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The popular Swedish detective series ‘Wallander’ has returned! Banijay Entertainment has announced plans to revamp and rejuvenate this classic show, casting Gustaf Skarsgård (‘Oppenheimer’, ‘Vikings’) in the lead role.

Originating from Jarowskij/Yellow Bird, TV4, and Banijay Rights, the initial season of this fresh Swedish adaptation consists of three 90-minute episodes. These will be helmed by Molly Hartleb (“Riding In Darkness,” “Top Dog”), as well as Pella Kågerman and Hugo Lilja – the team famous for the much-awaited production, “Egghead Republic.

In the latest installment of the show, Kurt Wallander, now 42 years old and going through a separation after twenty years of marriage, finds himself distant from his daughter as well. Struggling with the pieces of a life that seems to be falling apart, Wallander excessively drinks, lacks sleep, and bears the burden of every unsolved case on his shoulders.

Elin Kvist, CEO of Jarowskij/Yellow Bird, stated that the modern “Wallander” is not only an intelligent and perceptive detective, but also a multi-layered character grappling with challenges as a parent, companion, and confidant.

Kvist noted that “Gustaf Skarsgård delivers a character that feels authentic, brimming with tension, instinct, and emotion.” Primarily, she explained, the concept for the upcoming films aims to deliver “suspenseful thrillers teeming with uncertainty, hardship, and the sensation of perpetually being under high pressure.

Simon Cox, Executive Vice President of Content and Acquisition at Banijay Rights, stated that “Wallander” is one of the most renowned international crime series on television, and this modern adaptation delivers what current viewers desire: thrilling, swift-moving crimes and high levels of emotional intensity.

Gustaf Skarsgård stars in this updated take on a timeless character, making it an enticing option for viewers looking for a fresh, high-end crime series to enjoy on a global scale,” Cox added.

The scripts for these productions were individually penned by Antonia Pyk, a writer from the initial Swedish “Wallander” series, Josefin Johansson (known for “Top Dog”), and Jörgen Bergmark (“Beck”), who adapted three of the series’ most popular books: “One Step Behind,” “Sidetracked,” and “Faceless Killers.

Glenn Lund, working under the banner of Jarowskij/Yellow Bird, is collaborating with TV4, Banijay Rights, Film i Skåne, and Ystad Österlen Filmfond to produce a project together.

Written by renowned author Henning Mankell, the Kurt Wallander series has sold over 40 million copies worldwide and been translated into over 40 languages. The original Swedish series and film adaptations, which aired from 1994 to 2013, achieved widespread international acclaim, including in the U.K., where it topped BBC Four’s list of most successful imported shows in both 2009 and 2010.

A British miniseries featuring Kenneth Branagh, broadcasted on BBC, was also released, winning him a BAFTA for his exceptional performance as the detective character.

Titled simply as “Wallander,” the revamped series is set for international sale by Banijay Rights, the global distribution division of Banijay Entertainment, a prominent player in the content industry.

At the prestigious TV festival Canneseries in Europe, Banijay Entertainment is showcasing a diverse lineup that includes:

1. “The Big F*ck Up,” an engaging ’80s-based crime thriller, co-produced by Jonnydepony (“Arcadia,” “Black-Out,” “Transport”) for Streamz B in Flanders and Amazon Prime Video NL.
2. “Rien ne t’efface” or “Nothing Can Erase You,” a gripping psychological thriller produced by Shine Fiction for TF1.
3. “How to Kill Your Sister,” a heartwarming dramedy about reuniting sisters, produced by Banijay company MadeFor Film and FBO for Play4 & ZDF Neo.

Each of these productions promises an exciting viewing experience at Canneseries!

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2025-04-24 21:16