Finland’s Nelonen brings Matti Remes’ crime character Ruben Waara to screen

Murder in Hanko stars Matti Ristinen and Mimosa Willamo

Finnish commercial network Nelonen is on board a 10-part series from Banijay Nordics scripted label Jarowskij Finland, featuring author Matti Remes’ crime fiction character Ruben Waara.

Production is underway on primetime series Murder in Hanko, written by Eriikka Etholén-Paju and directed by Aleksi Mäkelä.

The series is scheduled to air on Nelonen and its streamer Ruutu in spring 2024 and will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.

Set against the backdrop of picturesque Finnish coastal town of Hanko, the show revolves around the enigmatic character of Waara, portrayed by Matti Ristinen.

A charismatic but somewhat aimless bachelor who recently turned 50, Waara sells his company and returns to his hometown in Hanko for the summer. Things take a turn when Waara’s estranged daughter Vera, played by Mimosa Willamo, a dedicated police officer in Hanko, finds herself entangled in a murder investigation on the very day of Ruben’s arrival.

Murder in Hanko joins projects on Jarowskij Finland’s slate such as returning crime series Detective Maria Kallio, comedy series Onnela and the Jill & Joy feature films for younger audiences.