NENT’s Viaplay preps hockey star biopic

Nordic Entertainment (NENT) Group’s streaming platform Viaplay is launching an English-language drama series about the career of Swedish retired ice hockey player Börje Salming.

Filippa Wallestam

Created and directed by Amir Chamdin, the as-yet-unnamed biopic will depict Salming’s journey from his humble roots north of the Arctic Circle to becoming an NHL legend and one of Sweden’s greatest-ever ice hockey stars.

Salming will be portrayed by Valter Skarsgård (Arn), son of Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård and brother of actors Alexander, Bill and Gustaf Skarsgård.

The series is written by Martin Bengtsson (Agent Hamilton) and produced by Warner Bros International Television Production. Filming will begin next year.

Salming said: “It’s flattering and exciting that my story will become a series. When we began discussing this project, I reflected over everything that’s happened in my life, from taking care of myself at a young age after my father passed away, to the journey from [Swedish town] Kiruna to the NHL, and I realised there’s a lot of screen potential there.”

Filippa Wallestam, NENT Group’s chief content officer, added: “Börje Salming’s sporting achievements rank with fellow Swedish superstars Björn Borg and Ronnie Peterson. Today, when 10% of NHL players come from Sweden, it’s easy to forget that Europeans were once thought too weak for this unforgiving competition.

“This is a story of remarkable talent, athleticism and perseverance that deserves an international streaming audience. On his 70th birthday, we hope this launch is a fitting homage to the man known simply as ‘The King.’”