Jarowskij/Yellow Bird & Mastiff Sweden Team for Björn Borg’s Biopic

Banijay Entertainment labels Jarowskij/Yellow Bird and Mastiff Sweden are co-developing a scripted screen adaptation of Hjärtslag (Heartbeat), a memoir by tennis player Björn Borg.

“Everyone knows Björn Borg for his legendary moments on the court, for his fierce, unparalleled power as an athlete and icon,” said Jonas Åkerlund, writer and director. “With his book, we finally dipped a toe into his enigmatic mind. But with this project, we’re cannon-balling into the deep end.”

The screen adaptation will explore Borg’s childhood, rise to tennis superstardom—including his five consecutive Wimbledon titles—his decision to retire at just 26 years old and personal reinvention.

“We are incredibly proud to have been entrusted with this unique story, about one of the greatest sports heroes of all time, Björn Borg,” said Mattias Olsson, head of creative at Mastiff Sweden, and Elin Kvist, CEO of Jarowskij/Yellow Bird. “There’s only one person who can tell it, and that’s the cultural force of Jonas Åkerlund. This is going to be a memorable biopic that must be seen.”

“I’ve spent my entire life in matches–both on and off the court,” said Borg. “Jonas wants to explore both sides, and I feel the time is right for that. He has the eye, the energy and the courage to tell my story in his own way.”