Nent Group has announced the first-ever Norwegian Viaplay Original film will be "Gold Run." The project will begin filming in early 2022 with exclusive premiere on Viaplay later in the year. "How did a diverse group with zero military experience defy an occupation and help shape a nation’s destiny? ‘Gold Run’ is based on an incredible story with global appeal and will offer drama, tension and even a touch of humour. Viewers around the world can expect our first Norwegian Viaplay Original film to deliver entertainment gold from start to finish," Filippa Wallestam, NENT Group Chief Content Officer, said.
‘Gold Run’ will be directed by the award-winning Hallvard Bræin and is produced by Jørgen Storm Rosenberg and Kjetil Omberg at 74 Entertainment, with Tanya Nanette Badendyck as executive producer for Viaplay. Recent Norwegian Viaplay Originals include the hit series ‘Pørni’, ‘Furia’ and ‘Wisting’, which has been shown on the UK’s BBC Four and Sundance Now in the US and acclaimed by The Guardian as “the best Nord-noir ever." The title stars Jon Øigarden, Sven Nordin and Axel Bøyum.
The World War II drama title is based on the extraordinary true story of a group of unlikely resistance fighters who smuggled Norway’s gold reserves out of the country ahead of invading Nazi forces. On 9 April 1940, German soldiers entered Oslo to seize three targets: the country’s king, government and gold. In just a few chaotic hours, parliamentary secretary Fredrik Haslund (Jon Øigarden) assembled an improbable team, consisting of his sister Nini, bank staff, truck drivers and the famous poet Nordahl Grieg, to carry out a highly dangerous, top-secret mission – moving 50 tonnes of gold across the country to reach an Allied shipping convoy.
“I loved my role immediately. This is a man who isn’t a traditional war hero in any way, just a regular politician taking on an enormous task. The film sets itself apart from others in the genre by balancing seriousness with lighter moments, and by telling its story with a glint in the eye," Øigarden said.