‘The Tourist’s’ Ólafur Darri, ‘See’s’ Hera Hilmar to Star in ‘Reykjavik Fusion,’ from ACT 4, Wild Sheep Content, Arte (EXCLUSIVE)
variety.comJohn Hopewell Chief International Correspondent Internationally celebrated Icelandic actors Ólafur Darri Ólafsson and Hera Hilmar are set to star in “Reykjavik Fusion,” an Iceland-set crime thriller series that is rapidly racking up pre-sales in multiple territories.
The series’ deals underscore an increasingly attractive financing model, at least for selectively produced foreign-language shows, based on tying down partners and pre-sales among local broadcasters in Europe rather than waiting for a U.S.
deal with a streamer for the U.S. “It’s a dynamic ecosystem in Europe right now, full of potential partners,” said Erik Barmack, whose Wild Sheep Content co-produces and handles the international distribution of “Reykjavik Fusion.” A familiar hirsute face and huge body for international audiences, Ólafur Darri is known for “The Tourist,” “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and “True Detective.” He has also played the lead in Icelandic export hits “Trapped” and “The Minister.” Hilmar starred in Peter Jackson’s “Mortal Engines” and Apple TV+ show “See.” Her credits take in “Da Vinci’s Demons,” “An Ordinary Man” and “Anna Karenina.” “Reykjavik Fusion” is the first project to go into production from new Icelandic production powerhouse ACT4, launched in late 2022.
It is also co-produced by Arte in France and Germany. The show is a Simmin Premium Original in Iceland. News of Darri and Hilmar’s casting comes as the crime thriller has scored international pre-sales with AMC Iberia for Spain and Portugal and with public broadcaster YLE for Finland.
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