Banijay Entertainment has announced the return of the beloved Swedish detective drama “Wallander,” with a modernized and reimagined reboot starring Gustaf Skarsgård in the iconic role. The new series, produced by Jarowskij/Yellow Bird, TV4, and Banijay Rights, will consist of three 90-minute films directed by Molly Hartleb, Pella Kågerman, and Hugo Lilja.
In this updated version, Kurt Wallander, now 42, finds himself separated from his wife of twenty years and estranged from his daughter. Struggling to cope with his personal life falling apart, Wallander turns to alcohol, suffers from insomnia, and carries the burden of unsolved cases. Elin Kvist, CEO of Jarowskij/Yellow Bird, describes the new Wallander as a complex and vulnerable character who not only excels as a detective but also grapples with challenges in his role as a father, partner, and friend.
Gustaf Skarsgård’s portrayal of Wallander is lauded for bringing nerve, intuition, and emotion to the character. The series aims to deliver suspense-filled thrillers with a sense of unpredictability and high emotional stakes. Simon Cox, EVP of content and acquisition at Banijay Rights, praises the reimagining of “Wallander” for modern audiences, combining fast-paced crime stories with compelling storytelling.
The scripts for the new films are penned by Antonia Pyk, Josefin Johansson, and Jörgen Bergmark, adapted from three of the most successful books in the Wallander series. Produced by Glenn Lund for Jarowskij/Yellow Bird in collaboration with TV4, Banijay Rights, Film i Skåne, and Ystad Österlen Filmfond, the reboot promises to captivate audiences with its fresh take on the classic detective character.
Created by bestselling author Henning Mankell, the Kurt Wallander novels have achieved global success, with over 40 million copies sold and translations in more than 40 languages. The original Swedish series and adaptations garnered international acclaim, including a British mini-series starring Kenneth Branagh, who won a BAFTA for his portrayal of the detective.
The new “Wallander” reboot will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights, adding to the company’s diverse lineup of premium content. As part of Canneseries, a prominent TV festival in Europe, Banijay Entertainment is set to showcase other exciting projects such as “The Big F*ck Up,” “Rien ne t’efface,” and “How to Kill Your Sister,” highlighting the company’s commitment to delivering compelling and innovative storytelling to audiences worldwide.
