Mark Wahlberg is set to star in a remake of a Norwegian action thriller. The actor has been busy starring and producing several projects, including the recently released Prime Video movie Play Dirty and the upcoming film Family Plan 2.
Wahlberg is not slowing down, however, as he is now set to star and produce the American remake of the Norwegian thriller Headhunters. According to Screen Daily, the thriller will be lined up as part of Apple Original Films, which will set a reunion between the studio and Wahlberg after Family Plan 2.
Bill Dubuque, who wrote The Accountant and the Netflix show Ozark, will adapt the new screenplay. The report does not provide additional details about its filming or release window.
Released in 2011, the original Norwegian movie was directed by Morten Tyldum. The film starred Aksel Hennie, Synnøve Macody Lund, and Game of Thrones alum Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.
Headhunters is based on the 2008 book of the same name by Jo Nesbø. The story follows a titular protagonist, Roger Brown, who actually lives a double life as an art thief to support his and his wife’s luxurious lifestyle. He then plans to steal a very valuable painting, only for things to take a massive turn for the character.
The Norwegian movie was a box office hit that made roughly $18.9 million against a meager $3.6 million budget. It’s also the country’s highest-grossing film in history. Alongside its box office success, the thriller went on to receive multiple award nominations, including Amanda Awards and a BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Headhunters currently has a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score.
Interestingly, Wahlberg has been eyeing a remake of the Norwegian story since 2012. While speaking with Sienne Leone, the actor continued to spark interest in adapting the project last year when he was asked about remaking any movies, particularly noting Headhunters.
While Wahlberg’s dream action movie is finally coming true thirteen years later, it’s expected to be just in early development. It’s unclear whether the remake will retain the title, given that Kevin Costner is starring and producing a surf thriller with the same name. Hopefully, more updates will be provided about Headhunters in the coming months.
- Birthname
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Mark Wahlberg
- Birthdate
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June 5, 1971
- Birthplace
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Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Current Spouse
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Rhea Durham
- Professions
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Actor, Producer, Businessman, Former Rapper