Banijay Brings Back ‘Wallander’ for Reboot Starring Gustaf Skarsgård

Banijay Entertainment has announced the return of the beloved Swedish detective drama “Wallander,” this time with a modernized and reimagined reboot. The iconic role of Kurt Wallander will be played by Gustaf Skarsgård, known for his work in “Oppenheimer” and “Vikings.”

Produced by Jarowskij/Yellow Bird, TV4, and Banijay Rights, the new Swedish-language adaptation will consist of three 90-minute films directed by Molly Hartleb, Pella Kågerman, and Hugo Lilja. The series will follow a 42-year-old Kurt Wallander who is recently separated and estranged from his daughter, struggling to cope with the weight of unsolved cases while battling personal demons.

Elin Kvist, CEO of Jarowskij/Yellow Bird, described the new Wallander as a complex and vulnerable character, not just a detective but also a father, partner, and friend. Gustaf Skarsgård’s portrayal of Wallander is said to be relatable, packed with nerve, intuition, and emotion.

Simon Cox, EVP of content and acquisition at Banijay Rights, expressed excitement for the reimagined “Wallander,” promising fast-paced crimes and high emotional stakes for contemporary audiences. The scripts for the series are adapted from three successful books in the Wallander series, written by Antonia Pyk, Josefin Johansson, and Jörgen Bergmark.

The Kurt Wallander novels, penned by bestselling author Henning Mankell, have sold over 40 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 40 languages. The original Swedish series and film adaptations were highly successful internationally, with a British mini-series adaptation starring Kenneth Branagh earning critical acclaim.

The reboot of “Wallander” will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights, showcasing the global appeal of the iconic detective character. In addition to “Wallander,” Banijay Entertainment has a diverse lineup of TV series for Canneseries, including crime thriller “The Big F*ck Up,” psychological thriller “Rien ne t’efface,” and dramedic road trip “How to Kill Your Sister.”

Overall, the new “Wallander” series promises to deliver suspenseful thrillers filled with unpredictability, struggle, and high stakes, appealing to fans of the original series while introducing a fresh take on the beloved character.