Sky has announced a major new television project that is sure to thrill fans of Nordic noir. The broadcaster is developing an eight-part series adaptation of Stieg Larsson's bestselling 2005 novel, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. The series will be set in the present day and is slated to begin production this spring.
The Legacy of Lisbeth Salander
The central question on everyone's mind is: who will take on the formidable role of hacker and investigator Lisbeth Salander? Casting this part is a monumental task, as previous screen incarnations have catapulted their actors to international acclaim. Noomi Rapace earned a Bafta nomination for her raw performance in the 2009 Swedish film adaptation. Rooney Mara received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal in David Fincher's 2011 Hollywood remake. Most recently, Claire Foy brought a steely intensity to the role in the 2018 film The Girl in the Spider's Web.
The new series will be penned by writers Steve Lightfoot and Angela LaManna. While the lead casting is likely already decided, the announcement has sparked fervent speculation about which actor could next step into Salander's leather jacket.
Top Contenders for the Iconic Role
Several compelling actors could bring a fresh perspective to Lisbeth Salander. Here are some of the most talked-about potential candidates.
Emma Corrin: The Intense Choice
Having captivated audiences as Princess Diana in The Crown, Emma Corrin possesses a unique, otherworldly intensity that aligns perfectly with Salander's enigmatic nature. They have proven fearlessness in tackling iconic, widely scrutinised characters, a skill essential for this role. A significant connection is that the production company behind the new series, Left Bank Pictures, also produced The Crown, making Corrin a plausible and exciting choice.
Jodie Comer: The Versatile Virtuoso
Jodie Comer is renowned for her chameleonic ability to disappear into any role. Her performances range from the troubled survivor in 28 Years Later to the capable carer in Help, and, most notably, the captivating sociopath Villanelle in Killing Eve. This latter role demonstrates her mastery of accents and unpredictable menace, key ingredients for portraying Salander. Comer's proven versatility makes her a standout candidate.
Anya Taylor-Joy: The Terrifying Talent
Anya Taylor-Joy excels when given the screen time to delve deep into a complex character, as evidenced by her star-making turn in The Queen's Gambit. A television series format would provide the perfect canvas for her to fully interrogate Lisbeth Salander's psyche. Taylor-Joy can project an unsettling, razor-sharp intelligence that would make her a genuinely formidable and terrifying Salander.
Alba August: The Authentic Option
Given the story's Swedish origins, casting a Scandinavian actor could add a layer of geographical authenticity. Alba August, a Danish-Swedish actor praised for her work in Netflix's The Rain, is a strong contender. She has consistently delivered powerful performances and seems poised for a major English-language breakthrough. This role could be her perfect vehicle.
Noomi Rapace: The Full-Circle Return
What if the new series took a bold, meta approach? Sky has confirmed the story will be set in the present, which opens the door to exploring an older Lisbeth Salander. Recasting Noomi Rapace, now 46, in her breakout role would be a fascinating experiment. It would allow audiences to see how time and trauma have shaped the character two decades on from the original story.
Anticipation Builds for Spring Production
With production set to commence this spring, an official announcement regarding the new Lisbeth Salander is imminent. Whoever secures the role will be stepping into a legacy defined by powerful performances. Based on the talent speculated, viewers can expect another brilliant interpretation of Stieg Larsson's iconic character. The series promises to reintroduce the dark, twisting world of Millennium to a new generation of television audiences.
