Mark Wahlberg is set to star in and produce an American remake of the acclaimed Norwegian thriller Headhunters. The film, which will be developed under Apple Original Films, marks a significant collaboration between Wahlberg and the studio after their work on the upcoming film Family Plan 2. The announcement confirms Wahlberg’s commitment to expanding his portfolio, as he continues to balance various acting and production roles.
The original Headhunters, released in 2011, was directed by Morten Tyldum and featured a notable cast, including Aksel Hennie, Synnøve Macody Lund, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. Based on the 2008 novel by Jo Nesbø, the story follows Roger Brown, an art thief leading a double life, who finds himself in over his head when a heist goes awry. The film achieved remarkable success, grossing approximately $18.9 million against a modest budget of $3.6 million, making it Norway’s highest-grossing film.
Screenplay Adaptation and Development Status
The screenplay for the remake will be adapted by Bill Dubuque, known for his work on The Accountant and the Netflix series Ozark. While details regarding the filming schedule and release timeline remain undisclosed, the project is currently in the early stages of development. Wahlberg has expressed interest in adapting Headhunters since 2012, and his commitment to the project highlights its longstanding significance to him.
The original film received critical acclaim, earning multiple award nominations, including a BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Language Film and several Amanda Awards. With a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it has been recognized for its gripping narrative and strong performances.
While the title of the remake has yet to be finalized, there is speculation about potential confusion with a separate surf thriller titled Headhunters, starring Kevin Costner. As production progresses, it remains to be seen if the remake will retain the same name.
Fans of Wahlberg and the original film can look forward to updates on this exciting project in the coming months. The combination of Wahlberg’s star power and the compelling source material promises to attract significant interest in the new adaptation.
