Hollywood Mogul Partners with Scandinavian and South African Companies for "The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden" Film Adaptation
Hollywood mogul Joni Sighvatsson, producer of David Lynch's Palme d'Or-winning "Wild at Heart," has joined forces with The Global Ensemble Drama (TGED) from Scandinavia and Diprente Media from South Africa for the film adaptation of Jonas Jonasson's best-selling novel, "The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden."
The predominantly English-language project will be directed by acclaimed South African talent Kagiso Lediga and written by Karabo Lediga, the team behind Netflix's first African series, "Queen Sono."
"The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden" follows Nombeko Mayeki, a "young woman from Soweto who finds herself caught in an international whirlwind from South Africa to Sweden." Described as an "absurd and heartwarming tale," the film depicts Nombeko's journey from obscurity to becoming a key player in an international nuclear conspiracy, inadvertently saving the Swedish monarchy and averting a global catastrophe.
Shajan Kozegary, managing director of TGED, emphasized the film's international appeal: "The story's humor, heart, and vibrant language resonate across borders, staying true to the original spirit of the book, while capturing the voices of each culture it touches."
Kozegary and Nathalie Laurent-Marke, TGED's head of international co-productions, will serve as producers alongside Sighvatsson and Tamsin Andersson of Diprente Media.
Despite the budget still being finalized, Kozegary aims for a "high-end international production" that will rival the biggest theatrical releases of its release year. Casting and shooting details are yet to be announced, with production scheduled to commence in 2026.