Icelandic Thriller Set for International Film Adaptation

2026-03-25 - 17:33

An Icelandic novel is being adapted for the screen following a new international production agreement involving local and overseas partners. Act4, in collaboration with Mad Rabbit Productions, has secured the film rights to Gestum, a thriller by Hildur Knútsdóttir, as stated in a press release from the company. What's the Story? Film rights to Gestum by Hildur Knútsdóttir secured by Act4 and Mad Rabbit Productions Directed by Kari Skogland; project in development for screen adaptation Novel to be published in English as Dead Weight on 26 May Screen project announced As first reported by Variety, the project will be directed by Canadian filmmaker Kari Skogland, known for work on major television productions. Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, actor and co-owner of Act4, said: “We at Act4 are very excited to bring Hildur’s work to the big screen. She is one of the freshest and most interesting voices in Icelandic literature at the moment, and the story is both personal and well suited to the film format.” He added: “Kari Skogland and I first worked together on NOS4A2 and more recently on 121212 for Apple TV+. We have long been searching for the right story that would allow us to work together again, and Hildur’s book is a perfect fit. There is no filmmaker better suited to convey this material to an international audience than Kari.” Skogland said: “Darri is an incredibly talented actor and I am thrilled to be on his radar. When he introduced Hildur’s book, Gestir, to me, I was immediately drawn to her feminine voice and the imperfect characters that stay with you long after you finish reading. I look forward to bringing the story to the screen with Act4.” The novel, published internationally as Dead Weight later this year, has received critical attention. The development reflects ongoing growth in Iceland’s screen sector, as covered by Iceland Review.