Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired the U.S. rights to the Danish dark comedy, The Last Viking, featuring acclaimed actor Mads Mikkelsen. Directed by Anders Thomas Jensen, this dramedy explores themes of trauma and identity, intertwining a unique narrative with references to the Beatles. The film had its world premiere out of competition at the Venice Film Festival and subsequently debuted in North America at the Toronto International Film Festival.
This latest project reunites Mikkelsen with his Riders of Justice co-star Nikolaj Lie Kaas. The film features an unconventional storyline where Kaas portrays Anker, a bank robber whose stolen money is entrusted to his younger brother, Manfred, played by Mikkelsen. Following Anker’s release from prison, he discovers that Manfred, previously a Viking enthusiast, has been diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder and now believes he is John Lennon. In a bid to recover his brother’s hidden loot, Anker seeks out a group of individuals who believe they are other members of the Beatles, aiming to restore the “Fab Four” dynamic.
Peter Goldwyn, president of Samuel Goldwyn Films, negotiated the acquisition deal with Susan Wendt, managing director at TrustNordisk, which is managing global sales for the film. The success of Mikkelsen’s prior film, Another Round, which won an Oscar, likely influenced this acquisition. Samuel Goldwyn Films previously released the film in the U.S., creating an established track record with Mikkelsen’s work.
The distribution outlook for The Last Viking is promising, with TrustNordisk reporting confirmed deals in over 60 territories, including key markets such as Germany, Spain, Italy, and Japan. This indicates a strong international interest in the film, which has nearly sold out its worldwide distribution rights.
This film marks the sixth collaboration between Jensen and Mikkelsen, alongside their previous works such as Flickering Lights (2000), The Green Butchers (2003), Adam’s Apples (2005), and Men & Chicken (2015). Jensen is also recognized for his contributions as a screenwriter, including his work on Susanne Bier’s Oscar-winning film In A Better World (2010) and Nikolaj Arcel’s The Promised Land (2023).
As audiences await the U.S. release of The Last Viking, the film promises to deliver a blend of humor and emotional depth, framed by the talents of a renowned cast and crew.
