EXCLUSIVE: Following the 2024 launch of The Darkness, the Icelandic series based on his Dimma novel series, author Ragnar Jónasson is expanding his partnership with Stampede Ventures and producer John-Paul Sarni via the launch of Dimma Pictures, a new venture to produce film and television projects from Jónasson’s catalogue of IP, as well as writers from across Scandinavia and Europe.
As of now, the company has several TV projects in motion. First up is a limited series adaptation of The Girl Who Died, Jónasson’s psychological thriller published in 2021. Set in the remote Icelandic village of Skálar, the story follows Una, a burned-out teacher from Reykjavik, who takes a job teaching two girls in the tiny village — though only one student appears. Isolated and unwelcome, Una is haunted by eerie dreams and strange singing at night. As tensions rise and tragedy strikes, she begins to suspect the village harbors dark secrets that no one is willing to reveal.
International Emmy winner and BAFTA nominee Anna Friel (Monarch) is set to star and exec produce via her Wonderwell production banner, with Jónasson adapting.
Also on the TV slate, in collaboration with Iceland’s Truenorth Nordic eh, is Reykjavík: A Crime Story, from the novel by Jónasson and Katrin Jakobsdóttir, which Lynne Kamm will adapt for Icelandic streamer Síminn. In the slow-burning Icelandic mystery, a teenager named Lára vanishes from the island of Viðey in 1956. The case goes unsolved until 1986, when a young journalist named Valur begins investigating amid Reykjavík’s 200th anniversary celebration. His search for the truth uncovers political intrigue, hidden relationships, and dangerous secrets that powerful people want to keep buried.
Snowblind, a TV adaptation of Jónasson’s Dark Iceland book series, which takes its name from the first installment, is also in development. The story follows Ari Thór Arason, a young, inexperienced police officer who takes a job in a quiet town, hoping for a fresh start. But soon after he arrives, a local woman is found bleeding in the snow, and an elderly writer dies under mysterious circumstances. As an avalanche traps the town, cutting it off from the outside world, Ari Thór must uncover the truth amid secrets, suspicion, and a creeping sense of danger. Þorvaldur Davíð Kristjánsson (The Darkness) is set to star.
Jónasson will exec produce these projects for Dimma Pictures, alongside Greg Silverman of Stampede Ventures, and Sarni, Stampede’s former EVP of International Content, who will look after the venture from his London office. Stampede’s Amelia Mysko, who looks after the company’s international slate from Los Angeles, will serve as co-producer.
In a statement to Deadline, Jónasson said, “I love telling stories, in books and on screen, so I am very excited about setting up DIMMA Pictures with Greg Silverman and John-Paul Sarni to make this a reality. I can’t wait to get started on our first series, THE GIRL WHO DIED, with the incredible Anna Friel, with more exciting projects hopefully to follow, from my own books as well as from books by some of my favorite authors.”
Stampede Ventures’ Silverman added, “We are thrilled to expand our working relationship with Ragnar. He was instrumental to the success of THE DARKNESS, and his collaboration with the director, cast and writing team were paramount. As a novelist, his prolific body of work has been the foundation of his brand, but now with opportunities to have him expand that work as executive producer, screenwriter and creative driver, we’re looking forward to continuing the partnership. John-Paul set up our international television division and we’re excited to continue our collaboration as he opens his own shop in Europe.”
The Darkness, the prior project reteaming Jónasson, Stampede, and Sarni, marked the first English-language series for aforementioned streamer Síminn. The project was co-produced with CBS Studios, directed by Lasse Hallström, and stars Lena Olin, Jack Bannon, Douglas Henshall and Björn Hlynur Haraldsson. It is currently airing across the SkyShowtime portfolio of networks in Europe and will premiere on UK’s Channel 4 later this year, with additional territories to be announced.
Founded by Silverman, Gideon Yu and Jaeson Ma, Stampede’s other recent and upcoming projects include Lionsgate’s Ordinary Angels, starring Hilary Swank and Alan Ritchson; Prime Video comedy Space Cadet, starring Emma Roberts; Anderson .Paak’s directorial debut, K-Pops!; and the action comedy Going Places from filmmaker Max Chernov.
Friel is represented by The Artists Partnership in the UK and UTA and 111 Media in the U.S. Jónasson is repped by The Artists Partnership. The deal was negotiated by Emily Hayward-Whitlock and Robert Taylor for The Artists Partnership and Clare Hardwick of Grey Seal Media.