With the launch of Börje Salming biopic as latest original series, NENT Group confirmed the intention of launching at least 40 new production this year. Filming of the series will begin in 2022 and will premiere exclusively on NENT Group’s OTT, Viaplay. The show is written by Martin Bengtsson (Agent Hamilton) and is produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production.
English-language brand-new series based on the Hockey Hall of Famer Börje Salming (Sweden’s greatest-ever ice hockey stars and played 1,100+ NHL games) was created and directed by Amir Chamdin (Canneseries 2020 winner Partisan) and stars Valter Skarsgård (Arn)
This dramatic career is the subject of the next Viaplay Original from NENT Group. The first Swedish player inducted into the prestigious Hockey Hall of Fame,brokenumerous records, captured the hearts of millions of fans and paved the way for countless Europeans to forge careers in the NHL, the world’s best ice hockey league. Salming played over 1,100 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs across 16 seasons (1973-1989), notching 148 goals and 620 assists, and in 2017 was named one of the 100 greatest NHL players in history.
Salming said: ‘It’s flattering and exciting that my story will become a series. When we began discussing this project, I reflected over everything that’s happened in my life, from taking care of myself at a young age after my father passed away, to the journey from Kiruna to the NHL, and I realised there’s a lot of screen potential there. It will be really exciting to see the show when it’s ready’.
Filippa Wallestam, NENT Group Chief Content Officer, completed:‘His sporting achievements rank with fellow Swedish superstars Björn Borg and Ronnie Peterson. Today, when 10% of NHL players come from Sweden, it’s easy to forget that Europeans were once thought too weak for this unforgiving competition. This is a story of remarkable talent, athleticism and perseverance that deserves an international streaming audience. On his 70th birthday, we hope this launch is a fitting homage to the man known simply as The King’.
Skarsgård concluded:‘This is the scariest and coolest thing I’ve ever done. It’s fantastic to get to know Börje personally – he tells such amazing stories with complete humility. His attitude was always to do things his way and enjoy it, and I’ll try to bring the same approach to the task of playing him’.
