A new, as-yet-untitled television series is coming based on the popular Joona Linna books by Scandinavian writing couple Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril and Alexander Ahndoril, who write together under the pseudonym Lars Kepler. The book series is considered by many to be one of the most exciting and successful Scandinavian thriller series of recent years.
Liev Schreiber
For this Apple TV+ television adaptation, however, the original Scandinavian setting is being relocated to the United States, more specifically from Sweden to Pennsylvania. The lead role is played by Liev Schreiber as Jonah Lynn, a former soldier turned homicide detective.
After years of service on the violent streets of Philadelphia, Jonah seeks peace and stability in a small town in Western Pennsylvania. However, his hopes for a calm and safe life are rudely shattered when a devilishly intelligent and ruthless serial killer, Jurek Walter (played by Stephen Graham), targets the town and his family.
Stephen Graham
The threat of Jurek Walter is so intense and personal that Jonah is pushed to the limit to protect his family. He is confronted with his own limits, traumas and responsibilities as a father when he enlists his adopted daughter, Saga Bauer (played by Zazie Beetz), in the desperate search for Jurek’s latest missing victim. Saga is a brilliant but emotionally charged FBI agent who is in turn confronted with her past and the moral dilemmas that come with this case.
The series is developed and led by Rowan Joffe (Tin Star) and John Hlavin (The Man Who Fell to Earth), who serve as showrunners and writers. The first two episodes are directed by Tim Van Patten, known for prestigious projects such as The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire and Masters of the Air. All three also serve as executive producers.
Zazie Beetz
The production will be a combination of psychological suspense, thriller action and character-driven drama, with themes such as fatherhood, trauma, justice and the thin line between good and evil at its core. The creators promise an intense and layered story that should appeal to both existing fans of the book series and newcomers.
The series promises to be a raw, exciting and deeply emotional viewing experience that retains the psychological depth of the original books, but at the same time adds a whole new cultural context and dynamic through the American setting.