Jens Lapidus’ bestseller “Paradis City” becomes major Viaplay drama

Viaplay Group will adapt Jens Lapidus’ bestselling novel “Paradis City” into a major scripted series headlined by some of the Nordic region’s most exciting screen talents. A tense drama set in Sweden in a not-too-distant future, “Paradis City” stars Alexander Abdallah and Julia Ragnarsson, and is directed by Fenar Ahmad. The series is produced by Strive Stories and executive produced by Jens Lapidus, who has sold more than 5 million books translated into over 30 languages.

In the six-part show, Sweden’s most deprived areas are surrounded by walls and subject to special laws that claim to protect the rest of society. When the Home Secretary delivers a speech inside the largest area, known as Paradis City, she is kidnapped by masked men. Security Service agent Fredrika (Julia Ragnarsson) turns to Emir (Alexander Abdallah), a former MMA fighter facing a life sentence in prison, with an ultimatum – go undercover in Paradis City and find the Home Secretary if Emir wants to see his daughter again.

“My novel ‘Paradis City’ is an attempt to say something about our times. I am so happy that it is becoming a series on Viaplay, and it has been a pleasure to follow the development process and all the preparations. I am convinced that ‘Paradis City’ will be one of the most awesome Swedish series in recent years. Alexander Abdallah and Julia Ragnarsson are perfect for the lead roles,”  Jens Lapidus commented.

Filippa Wallestam, Chief Commercial Officer, Nordics at Viaplay Group, added: “We continue to set ourselves apart through the high quality and broad appeal of our storytelling. Viaplay’s slate includes many of the biggest IPs in the Nordic region, such as ‘Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter’, a Börje Salming biopic, and now ‘Paradis City’. Jens Lapidus’ thrilling plots and complex characters have made him an international bestseller, and we anticipate a wide audience across all our markets for this timely adaptation. With a top-notch team on both sides of the camera, ‘Paradis City’ will be a must-watch drama about a society none of us want to see.”