European film studio Hope Studios, led by veteran producer Fredrik Wikström Nicastro, is setting up a feature adaptation of internationally renowned crime master Jo Nesbø’s recent novel The Night House, a Stephen King-esque twisted tale set in small town America in the eighties. Nesbø has written the screenplay alongside writer and director Jesper Ganslandt – co-creator and director of acclaimed Netflix show “Snabba Cash” and auteur behind critically acclaimed features Falkenberg Farewell, and The Ape. The film is set for production start in the spring of 2025.
The Night House takes place in the mid-1980s. Recently orphaned, Richard has been sent to live with relatives in the remote US town of Ballantyne. One day, during an innocent prank in a phone booth, Richard shockingly witnesses his classmate getting sucked into the phone receiver – disappearing without a trace. The local police suspect Richard to be responsible and no one believes his story. No one, except Karen – a fellow teenage outsider. Together Richard and Karen must embark on a quest to solve the mystery and to prove his innocence, but soon realise evil forces and black magic are closing in on them.
The book debuted in the US in 2023 and will be released in a further 40 languages. It was hailed by NRK Norway as “both exceptional and original”, and by Sunday Express UK as “a beguiling coming-of-age tale that becomes more terrifying as it builds” as well as being selected by the publication as “One of the Best Horror Reads of the Year”, with fans including Josh Malerman, author of Bird Box.
Fredrik Wikström Nicastro, Founder and CEO of Hope Studios, said: “Jo’s novel is both gripping and original – an entertaining roller-coaster of frights, twists and turns. Hope Studios was created to be a vehicle for creators and storytellers to realise projects with meaningful themes and to delve into the human condition. Horror has long been a way of exploring the darker side of humanity, and through that offering insight and sometimes, unexpectedly, hope. To have Jesper leading the project with his deeply individual sensibility is a great gift – and we are excited to be embarking on this adaptation with Jo’s involvement and support.”
“I’m thrilled to be working with such a fine director,” added Jo Nesbø, “Falkenberg Farewell is one of my absolute favorite Swedish films.”
Jesper Gantsland said: “The prospect of writing a script together with such a masterful author who has sold more than 60 million books could easily feel a bit daunting. But, Jo Nesbø was incredibly generous and humble from our very first conversation. And to my great joy, we also happen to share the same goal which is turning this into a seriously disturbing psychological horror movie, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before!”
Jo Nesbø and Niclas Salomonsson serve as Executive Producers on the feature.
Jo Nesbø is one of the leading crime writers in the world, as well as a noted screenwriter, musician, songwriter, economist, and rock climber. He is recognized for having expanded the scope of the thriller with his unique literary craftsmanship, his psychological insights and his investigation of life in a globalized world. Nesbø’s books have garnered countless international awards, sold more than 60 million copies worldwide, are translated into 50 languages and distributed in 180 territories. He is currently showrunning the “Harry Hole” series for Netflix based on his acclaimed international book series.
Hope Studios’ current slate also includes a feature adaptation of Fredrik Backman’s New York Times bestselling novel Anxious People. The book is being adapted for the screen by two-time Academy Award® nominated screenwriter David Magee (A Man Called Otto, The Little Mermaid, Life of Pi, Finding Neverland), with the project reuniting the team behind the box office phenomenon A Man Called Otto, starring Tom Hanks, which grossed $112M globally and subsequently was a huge hit on Netflix. The film was produced by Nicastro and adapted by Magee from Backman’s New York Times bestseller A Man Called Ove.
Hope Studios has offices in Stockholm and London, and develops, finances, produces, and sells international films and TV for the global market. Hope Studios has an overall deal with Black Bear International, which partners with the company on international sales and distribution.
Jesper Ganslandt is represented by Salomonsson Agency, CAA, managers Daniel Cohan and Michael Diamond. Jo Nesbø is represented by Salomonsson Agency, WME, and Tricarico Chavez.
During his tenure at SF Studios, Nicastro produced more than 20 films, launched scores of Scandinavian talent internationally and established the company’s international film division, which he ran up until his recent departure. He has a strong track record of identifying IP that he has developed, produced, and overseen into successful, long running franchises, across different formats including “Snabba Cash”, which he produced and co-wrote. Following its success, Fredrik expanded the project into a film trilogy and a multi-season series at Netflix. Similarly with A Man Called Ove, Fredrik oversaw the original Swedish adaptation which was nominated for two Academy Awards as well as the recent Tom Hanks led A Man Called Otto.
Bloody Flicks 