Prime Video Preps Drama Based on ABBA’s Dancing Queen

Filming is currently underway on Queen Silvia (w.t.), a drama telling the story that inspired ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.”

Jointly produced by Pyjama Pictures and Unlimited Stories for Prime Video in the DACH and Nordic regions and Sat.1 in Germany, the series tells the story of German-Brazilian interpreter Silvia Sommerlath and Sweden’s young Crown Prince Carl Gustaf. Their chance encounter at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich evolved into a royal love story and was immortalized in ABBA’s hit song.

The six-hour drama stars Alicia von Rittberg (Charité, Becoming Elisabeth, Call My Agent! Berlin, Miss Sophie) and Edvin Endre (Eddie the Eagle, Hammarskjöld—Fight For Peace, Vikings, The Playlist) in the lead roles. The show is directed by Miguel Alexandre (Sisi, Gran Paradiso, Shades of Happiness), who also co-wrote the screenplay with Lisa Hofer (Black Island) and Pauline Wolff (Stockholm Requiem, VAKA). The showrunner is Carsten Kelber.

“Queen Silvia (w.t.) is not just another royal drama,” said Justus Riesenkampff, executive VP for the Nordics and Benelux at Beta Film. “It tells the unique story of two people who come from completely different worlds. What begins as a flirtation soon turns into an impossible love. Silvia, born in Germany and raised in Brazil, is a dedicated young professional working at the Olympic Games in Munich in 1972. Carl Gustaf, the Crown Prince of Sweden, is a playboy and the guest of honor. Set between Munich, Stockholm and the French Riviera and brought to life with a lavish cast and stunning costumes, the series promises to be a must-see for audiences around the globe.”

Carsten Kelber, producer of Pyjama Pictures, commented, “This is one of the biggest love stories of our time—not only between two people, but also between two countries! Putting the relationship in focus and telling it in a grown-up way is magical and modern at the same time!”

“Being part of the first dramatized series about our Swedish Royal couple is both a privilege and a thrill,” added Frida Wallman, producer at Unlimited Stories.“With the depth of research woven into the scripts and the remarkable collaboration between Sweden and Germany in this production, we simply cannot wait for audiences everywhere to see what we have created.”