Samuel Goldwyn Films Acquires U.S. Rights to Mads Mikkelsen’s ‘The Last Viking’
Samuel Goldwyn Films has secured the U.S. distribution rights for The Last Viking, a Danish dark comedy featuring renowned actor Mads Mikkelsen. Directed by Anders Thomas Jensen, the film reunites Mikkelsen with his Riders of Justice co-star Nikolaj Lie Kaas in a unique narrative that explores themes of trauma, identity, and the influence of the Beatles.
Film Premieres and Global Sales
The Last Viking had its world premiere at the prestigious Venice Film Festival before being showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film has experienced significant international interest, with TrustNordisk, which is overseeing global sales, reporting nearly complete distribution across over 60 territories. Confirmed deals include major markets such as Germany, Spain, Italy, and Japan.
Peter Goldwyn, president of Samuel Goldwyn Films, negotiated the acquisition with Susan Wendt, managing director at TrustNordisk. This partnership follows the success of Mikkelsen’s previous film, Another Round, which garnered an Academy Award and was also released in the United States by Goldwyn Films.
Plot Overview and Creative Team
The film’s intriguing premise centers around the relationship between two brothers, portrayed by Mikkelsen and Kaas. Kaas plays Anker, a bank robber whose stolen money is entrusted to his younger brother Manfred, played by Mikkelsen. After Anker’s release from prison, he discovers that Manfred has developed dissociative identity disorder and now believes he is John Lennon. In a bid to recover the hidden cash, Anker seeks out individuals who share similar delusions—those who think they are the other members of the Beatles, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and Paul McCartney.
This project marks Jensen’s sixth collaboration with both Mikkelsen and Kaas. Previous works include acclaimed films such as Flickering Lights (2000), The Green Butchers (2003), Adam’s Apples (2005), and Men & Chicken (2015). Jensen is also recognized as a prominent screenwriter, having contributed to Susanne Bier’s Oscar-winning drama In A Better World (2010) and Nikolaj Arcel’s The Promised Land (2023).
As anticipation builds for The Last Viking in the U.S. market, Mikkelsen’s compelling performances continue to attract attention, promising audiences a blend of humor and depth in a story that challenges perceptions of identity and family bonds.
