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Icelandic stars shine in ‘Reykjavik Fusion’: A crime thriller set to captivate
A new wave in Icelandic television
Icelandic actors Ólafur Darri Ólafsson and Hera Hilmar are set to headline the upcoming crime thriller series, Reykjavik Fusion. This Iceland-set drama is already generating buzz with pre-sales across multiple territories, signaling a promising start for this intriguing project.
A dynamic European ecosystem
The series’ financing model highlights a growing trend in Europe, where local broadcasters and pre-sales are becoming key players in the production of foreign-language shows. This approach allows for greater creative freedom and financial stability without relying on U.S. streaming deals.
Erik Barmack, whose Wild Sheep Content co-produces and handles international distribution for Reykjavik Fusion, notes, “It’s a dynamic ecosystem in Europe right now, full of potential partners.”
Meet the stars
Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, a familiar face to international audiences, is known for his roles in The Tourist, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and True Detective. He has also led Icelandic hits like Trapped and The Minister.
Hera Hilmar, who starred in Peter Jackson’s Mortal Engines and the Apple TV+ series See, brings her talent to the series. Her credits also include Da Vinci’s Demons, An Ordinary Man, and Anna Karenina.
The plot thickens
Reykjavik Fusion is the first project from Icelandic production powerhouse ACT4, launched in late 2022. Co-produced by Arte in France and Germany, the show is a Simmin Premium Original in Iceland.
The series has already secured pre-sales with AMC Iberia for Spain and Portugal, and with public broadcaster YLE for Finland. Other buyers include ERR Estonia.
Created and written by leading Icelandic TV series producer Hörður Rúnarsson and award-winning writer Birkir Blær Ingólfsson, Reykjavik Fusion is described as “Breaking Bad” meets “The Bear”. The story follows Jónas, a gifted chef played by Ólafur Darri, who is falsely imprisoned and tries to regain his family’s trust. Shunned by society, he accepts illicit funds to open a restaurant, plunging him into money laundering and debt, jeopardizing his parole, life, and loved ones.
Hera Hilmar plays Jónas’ closest partner, who plans to use his naivety to build her own escape from their overlord. Together, they sink deeper into the world of crime, where a single wrong step can be fatal.
A closer look at the characters
Hörður Rúnarsson describes Hilmar’s character as “a small, petite woman who manipulates left and right, very clever, street smart, and ruthless.” This dynamic adds a layer of complexity to the series, making it a must-watch for fans of intense crime dramas.
Behind the scenes
Directed by Icelandic duo Sammi og Gunni – Samúel Bjarki Pétursson and Gunnar Páll Ólafsson – Reykjavik Fusion will go into production later this August. The cast also includes Lára Jóhanna Jónsdóttir, Guðjón Davíð Karlsson, Atli Óskar Fjalarsson, Leó Gunnarsson, and Unnur Birna Backman.
The restaurant aesthetic
The restaurant setting is a crucial element of the series. Þráinn Freyr Vigfússon, one of Iceland’s most prominent chefs, is designing the menu and overseeing the cooking on set. He has even trained the actors, including Ólafur Darri, at his restaurant in Reykjavik to ensure authenticity.
ACT4’s vision
Rúnarsson explains, “We’re setting out with a pretty simple but clear and effective strategy: To take time and develop properly and go bigger, better, bolder.” This approach is evident in the series’ fast-paced narrative and high production values.
Jónas Margeir Ingólfsson, ACT4 CEO and executive producer, adds, “We’re trying to do not only bigger and better but also fewer [series]. And we’re only taking on the projects that we love.”
A new era of co-production
Erik Barmack sees a bright future for this financing model. “Wild Sheep will do more and more sales with local broadcasters in Europe. There are just more interesting business models to be done in Europe with local broadcasters.”
With projects like Reykjavik Fusion, the European TV landscape is evolving, offering new opportunities for creative storytelling and international collaboration.
Watch the trailer
For a sneak peek at Reykjavik Fusion, check out the trailer.
This article provides an in-depth look at the upcoming series Reykjavik Fusion, highlighting its unique financing model, star-studded cast, and gripping storyline. With its innovative approach and high production values, this series is set to make waves in the world of crime thrillers.
