Ragnar Jónasson’s Dark Iceland Novels Getting TV Treatment

Warner Bros. International Television Production Germany (WBITVP Germany) has acquired the exclusive international rights to Ragnar Jónasson’s Dark Iceland series of crime novels.

WBITVP Germany will be working with Herbert L. Kloiber and his company Night Train Media on the development of the series. Set in a remote and idyllic Icelandic fishing village, the stories follow protagonist Ari Thór Arason, a rookie detective troubled by a complex past that he is unable to leave behind.

The Dark Iceland series comprises six novels, published between 2010 and 2020.

Bernd von Fehrn, director of scripted at WBITVP Germany, said: “We are thrilled to have convinced star author Ragnar Jónasson with our vision for a successful adaptation of his successful crime novels. To us, he is by far one of the most exciting authors in the crime genre internationally. The adaptation of these epic novels fits perfectly into our long-term strategy of realizing both local as well as international series at the highest level. Having an excellent partner such as Night Train Media on board for this exciting journey feels like the ideal match.”

Kloiber, Night Train Media’s CEO, and Olivia Pahl, head of development and co-productions, said: “Scandinavian crime series have been extremely popular for many years now and for good reason. We are thrilled to be developing such an outstanding project in this genre with Warner Bros. and are especially looking forward to working with the WB colleagues for the first time.”

Dagmar Konsalik and Tobias Rosen, executive producers of the series at WBITVP, added: “Ragnar Jónasson is a true master of suspense. We are happy that this project already meets big interest of prestigious creatives and potential partners. The Dark Iceland series impresses with its psychological and atmospheric depth and therefore is the perfect template for a film adaptation.”

Jónasson said: “I am incredibly honored and thrilled to be working with Warner Bros. ITVP Germany and Night Train Media. It will be a dream come true to see Ari Thór and the Dark Iceland series brought to life on the screen, and I believe that in Warner—with its strong vision and long history of fantastic storytelling—we have found the perfect partner for that adventure.”