The long-gestated project due to start filming this year, will be produced by SF Studios’ SVP International Production Fredrik Wikström Nicastro with Rita Wilson (Mamma Mia!, My Big Fat Greek Wedding), and Playtone partners Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman. Marc Forster will serve as executive producer alongside Renée Wolfe for their company 2DUX2.

“Fredrik Backman wrote a novel that has entertained, moved and inspired countless readers through his character of “Ove”, said producer and Tom Hanks’ wife Rita Wilson. “The humanity of the story has resonated with people all over the world, including myself. I have always looked for films that bring people joy and, hopefully, create a common experience of recognising ourselves in others. It’s an honour to be producing this movie and to be bringing it to audiences everywhere.”

Fredrik Wikström added: “Marc has made many films we love. His unique ability to tell human stories that strongly connect with audiences, makes him the perfect filmmaker to helm this beloved story. We couldn't be more excited to have him and David Magee on board - bringing their magic to screens again, following their successful collaboration on Finding Neverland.”

The US adaptation of A Man Called Ove is part of SF Studios’ ambitious international strategy to bring Nordic stories to the world and allow Scandinavian talent to work on major international projects.

Other English-speaking projects lined up include Baltasar Kormákur’s I Am Victor and a reboot of the Snabba Cash universe - read our previous story: CLICK HERE.

The original Swedish film directed by Hannes Holm gathered more than 1.7 million Swedish cinemagoers and Rolf Lassgård won Best Actor at the national Guldbagge awards as well as at the Seattle Film Festival for his role as the grumpy old Ove.

Released through Music Box in the US, the film became the highest grossing foreign language in 2016 and earned two Academy Awards nominations.