"Wallander"
From Canneseries, Banijay Entertainment announces the return of globally acclaimed detective drama "Wallander", reimagined for a new era by Jarowskij/Yellow Bird, TV4, and Banijay Rights. The first season of this new Swedish-language adaptation will consist of three 90-minute films, with Gustaf Skarsgård ("Oppenheimer", "Vikings") taking on the iconic role. The series will be directed by Molly Hartleb ("Riding in Darkness", "Top Dog") and the duo behind the highly anticipated "Egghead Republic", Pella Kågerman & Hugo Lilja. "Wallander" will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of Banijay Entertainment.
The first season has been adapted from three of the most successful novels in the series: "One Step Behind", "Sidetracked", and "Faceless Killers". The scripts are penned by Antonia Pyk, Josefin Johansson, and Jörgen Bergmark, respectively, and the films will be produced by Glenn Lund for Jarowskij/Yellow Bird, in collaboration with TV4, Banijay Rights, Film i Skåne, and Ystad Österlen Filmfond.
A global phenomenon by iconic author Henning Mankell, the Kurt Wallander novels have sold over 40 million copies and been translated into more than 40 languages. The original Swedish series and film adaptations aired between 1994 and 2013, achieving wide international success — including in the UK, where it became BBC Four’s highest-performing import in 2009 and 2010. Additionally, a British mini-series adaptation starring Kenneth Branagh aired on the BBC, earning him a BAFTA for his acclaimed performance as the detective.
At 42, Kurt Wallander’s life is falling apart. Recently separated after two decades of marriage and estranged from his daughter, he’s a man on the edge. Wallander drinks too much, sleeps too little, and carries the emotional burden of every unresolved case. Pushed to his limits, he faces high-stakes investigations in a version of the story that goes deeper than ever before. This new adaptation offers a raw portrayal of a modern man in the midst of personal collapse, trying to hold onto his detective instincts.
Elin Kvist, CEO of Jarowskij/Yellow Bird, praised the storytelling: ‘'Wallander' set in today is not just a strong and intuitive detective, but also a complex, vulnerable character struggling as a father, partner and friend. Gustaf Skarsgård gives us a relatable character packed with nerve, intuition and emotion. But most of all we want these new films to be suspense thrillers filled with unpredictability, struggle and the sense of constantly being in a pressure-cooker," commented.
Finally, Simon Cox, EVP of Content & Acquisitions at Banijay Rights, trusts that the strength of the brand and its contemporary vision will resonate with audiences.: ‘"Wallander" is one of the most iconic global crime brands in television, and this landmark reimagining delivers everything contemporary audiences are looking for – fast-paced crimes and high emotional stakes. With Gustaf Skarsgård in the legendary role, and its revived contemporary lens, this latest version is an exciting proposition for those seeking a new premium crime series for international audiences," stated.