Viaplay adapts Camilla Läckberg, Henrik Fexeus crime novels as three-season drama

Nordic streaming service Viaplay has partnered with Camilla Läckberg and Henrik Fexeus on an English-language thriller trilogy based on their bestselling crime novels.

Camilla Läckberg (photo: Elisabeth Toll)

Gunnar Järvstad (Top Dog) and Simon Kassianides (The Mandalorian) will script the three-season show for Viaplay, with Warner Bros International TV Production Sweden on board to produce. It is set to begin filming in 2024.

The books, co-authored by crime writer Läckberg and renowned mentalist Fexeus, follow an unlikely crime-solving duo of a police officer and a celebrity mentalist.

Läckberg, who has sold over 30 million books and been published in more than 60 countries, has previously partnered with Viaplay on The Beach Hotel, Hammarvik and Glacier.

Henrik Fexeus (photo: Elisabeth Toll)

Viaplay’s series will be based on the novels Trapped, Cult and the forthcoming Mirage. The first season is set after a woman is found dead in a magician’s box, pierced through by swords. It’s no trick, and the duo are soon hunting a serial killer – while doing everything to keep their own dark secrets hidden.

The series is executive produced by Sara Askelöf for Viaplay Group and sold globally by Viaplay Content Distribution.

Läckberg said: “We’re so excited ahead of filming with Viaplay and deeply impressed by the scripts for this project, which has been several years in the making. Our hope is that the series will be as well-received as the books.

Filippa Wallestam (photo: Peter Knutson)

“This is a story close to our hearts, so we look forward to it taking on new life on the screen.”

Filippa Wallestam, Viaplay Group’s chief content officer, said: “It’s as if we read our viewers’ minds – bringing together the queen of Nordic crime fiction and one of the world’s foremost mentalists on Viaplay is certainly high on many wishlists.

“Camilla and Henrik have international followings, and their thrilling stories are ideally suited to streaming.”