Inspired by Jo Nesbø’s eponymous best-selling novel, the series produced by Yellow Bird Norway is a co-production between streamer C More in Sweden and TV2 Norway.

Endeavor Content is handling global distribution outside the Nordics.

“The production is already underway, and we are very proud to extend C More’s investment in local drama productions to Norway, with a thrilling story based on the world-famous crime king’s work,” said Piodor Gustafsson, Nordic Head of Scripted Content at TV4 Media and executive producer of the series.

An earlier adaptation of Nesbø’s crime book Headhunters had successfully been adapted by Morten Tyldum in 2011.

Seasoned TV director Geir Henning Hopeland (Lilyhammer, Magnus, The Lawyer) who co-wrote the screenplay with Rolf-Magne G. Andersen (Magnus) said: “When I was asked if I wanted to create a TV series of Headhunters, I started off by reading the novel again. I was struck by the two-three pages where Roger meets Diana in London and that was when the idea was born to have the series set in 2002. Headhunters will be a series in true Jo Nesbø spirit, a fast-paced mix of dark humour and thrills.”

The TV show follows Roger Brown, a headhunter lying and manipulating his way to success both in his career and in his love life. But one lie leads to another, and soon he is so entangled in his own stories that it becomes a danger to both himself and the people around him.

Next to Axel Bøyum (Home Ground, Betrayed) who plays Roger Brown, the strong Nordic cast of newcomers and established names comprises Martin Wallström (Mr. Robot, Parallel) Ingrid Gjæver (Thelma), Mikkel Bratt Silset (Norsemen), Ingeborg Raustøl (Maniac) and Mads Ousdal (Witch Hunt).

Gudny Hummelvoll is producing for Yellow Bird Norway, together with Eleonore Anselme and Alexia af Kleen.

The series is due to premiere in 2022.