CBS Studios to Begin Production on Icelandic Detective Series

CBS Studios, Stampede Ventures and Truenorth are set to begin production on The Darkness later this year in Iceland, with two-time Oscar nominee Lasse Hallström (Chocolat, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape) to direct.

Based on the best-selling thriller books by Ragnar Jónasson, The Darkness follows Detective Inspector Hulda Hermannsdóttir as she investigates a shocking murder case while coming to terms with her own personal traumas. Oscar nominee Lena Olin (Enemies, A Love Story, Chocolat) will star in the lead role.

The Darkness adaptation is written by Sam Shore (CBBC’s Mystic). John-Paul Sarni and Greg Silverman are executive producers for Stampede Ventures, with Amelia Mysko as co-producer. Jónasson also executive produces. The series will be distributed outside of Iceland by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

“With The Darkness, CBS Studios solidifies its commitment to telling captivating stories with extraordinary talent in front of and behind the camera,” said Lindsey Martin, senior VP of international co-productions and development at CBS Studios. “The team was able to create a visionary, propulsive, English-language crime drama from Jónasson’s rich, fascinating source material, and we are excited for audiences to see this thrilling series come to life on the screen.”

“Ragnar Jónasson created an incredible character in Hulda that we’re thrilled to be bringing to life with the incomparable Lena Olin,” said Sarni, executive VP and head of international content and IP acquisitions at Stampede Ventures. “Sam Shore’s writing of the series further adds to the mystery that will keep audiences riveted and guessing at every turn.”

Silverman, CEO and founder of Stampede, added, “Lasse Hallström is a world-class storyteller who captures humanity on an operatic scale. We’re ecstatic to have him as our partner on this series.”

“Ragnar Jónasson has become synonymous with Nordic mystery, and the Hulda series of books is a clever and captivating world we’re thrilled to explore as premium television drama and to be working with the talent of Lasse Hallström and Lena Olin on this series,” said Kristinn Thordarson, senior VP of film and television at Truenorth.