Apple TV+ has officially greenlit a new series based on Lars Kepler’s popular Joona Linna novels, with a star-studded cast attached to the project. Liev Schreiber, Zazie Beetz, and Stephen Graham are set to headline the upcoming series, which has been given a 10-episode order. Production is slated to kick off this summer in Pittsburgh.
The series, which is currently untitled, follows the story of Jonah Lynn, portrayed by Schreiber, an ex-soldier turned homicide detective who relocates to a small town in Western Pennsylvania in search of a quieter life. However, his plans for a peaceful existence are disrupted when the town and his family come under attack by the cunning serial killer Jurek Walter, played by Graham. As Jonah races to protect his loved ones, he must confront the ruthless Jurek and grapple with the consequences of sending his adopted daughter, FBI Agent Saga Bauer (Beetz), on a dangerous mission to apprehend the killer.
The project was first announced to be in development in 2023 and has generated significant buzz among fans of the Joona Linna book series penned by Lars Kepler, the pseudonym for the writing duo Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril and Alexander Ahndori. The first novel in the series, “The Hypnotist,” was published in 2009 and has since garnered a massive following, with over 18 million copies sold worldwide.
Rowan Joffe and John Hlavin are on board as writers, executive producers, and showrunners for the series. Schreiber and Beetz will also serve as executive producers, with Beetz representing Sleepy Poppy. The first two episodes will be directed by Tim Van Patten, who will also executive produce. Additional executive producers include Coelho Ahndoril, Ahndoril, Oystein Karlsen, David Rysdahl, Dorothy Fortenberry, and Niclas Salomonsson, with Julie Herrin as co-executive producer. The series is a collaboration between A+E Studios and Range Studios.
Schreiber, a nine-time Emmy nominee, is best known for his role in the Showtime series “Ray Donovan,” which earned him multiple award nominations. Beetz, acclaimed for her work on FX’s “Atlanta,” has also appeared in hit films like “Joker” and “Deadpool 2.” Graham, known for his roles in “Adolescence” and “Boardwalk Empire,” has received widespread acclaim for his performances in both television and film.
The trio of talented actors brings a wealth of experience and skill to the project, promising an exciting and captivating viewing experience for audiences. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly-anticipated series as production gets underway in the coming months.
