The Nordic Noir influence will continue to be felt on British screens next year, with ITV recruiting 'The Bridge' writer Hans Rosenfeldt to pen a brand new crime drama serial.
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Anna Friel will star in 'Marcella', a new eight-part series set in contemporary London, with a a Met Police detective at its centre. 'Marcella' is noir thriller told with Rosenfeldt’s socially consciously, multi-layered Nordic style. The storyline promises to lead the audience through a narrative maze, as Marcella works on a serial murder case where the modus operandi of the killer bares a striking resemblance to an unsolved spate of killings from a decade ago.
Anna Friel at a read-through for 'Marcella', due on ITV next year
As with all of the best Nordic Noir heroines, Marcella's personal life is in freefall, with her husband leaving her unexpectedly, after confessing he no longer loves her. As well as trying to play detective at home, Marcella will also work on a serial killer case that eluded her a decade before, with a series of new crimes hinting at a re-appearance or a copycat criminal.
Appearing alongside Anna Friel will be 'Downton Abbey’s Laura Carmichael, Nicholas Pinnock ('Fortitude', 'Captain America'), Ian Puleston-Davies ('Coronation Street', 'Being Human') and Nina Sosanya ('W1A', 'Last Tango in Halifax').
Filming is due to start in and around London this month, and Anna Friel says of her role: “I’m thrilled to be working on Hans Rosenfeldt’s first English drama. Scandinavian storytelling is hugely inspiring but we Brits usually have to settle for doing a remake, so to be working with Hans on an original piece for ITV is a true privilege. Marcella is a complex woman and a wonderful layered character. Hans’ marvellous scripts have drawn a fantastic cast and crew together. I can’t wait to begin.”
'The Bridge's Saga is left alone to solve the crimes without the help of her partner Martin Rohde
'Marcella' is Hans Rosenfeldt's first drama for the UK, following his worldwide success with 'The Bridge'. Series 3 of that Swedish/Danish co-production will air on BBC Four later this month. Fans will be disappointed that Saga Noren will be operating alone this time without Martin Rohde, following actor Kim Bodnia's decision not to return to the show.
