Adam Pålsson will play iconic Swedish singer/songwriter Ted Gärdestad for director Hannes Holm (A Man Called Ove).

Scripter Peter Birro and producer Lena Rehnberg (Stella Nova) who collaborated on the award-winning Waltz for Monica are teaming up again on this yet untitled new biopic.

Known in the 1970s as a musical wonder-kid, Gärdestad had several of his albums produced by ABBA-members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. In 1972, aged 17, he released his first album Undringar (Wonders) and in 1979 he represented Sweden at the Eurovision contest with the song Satellite, as always written with his brother Kenneth Gärdestad. In the early 1980s he left music to join a religious group but then returned to the music scene in the 1990s. Suffering from depression he committed suicide aged 41.

Director Hannes Holm said: “This is a project filled with love and music. But to understand the value of love, one must also address the painful sides in Ted’s life. With these elements, together with the immortal music, I think we can create a story that touches many people.”

Kenneth Gärdestad is backing the project and has been involved since its inception.

"I think Adam Palsson is an excellent choice and I look forward to seeing him convey the vitality and joy that Ted stood for.” Palsson played in the critically-acclaimed TV drama Don’t Ever Wipe Tears without Gloves and most recently in The Bridge season 3 and upcoming Before We Die. 

Stella Nova’s Rehnberg is producing with Cecilia Forsberg-Becker, in collaboration with Film Väst, Nordisk Film, TV4 and Universal. Delivery date is set for late 2017. 

Meanwhile Stella Nova’s latest mainstream comedy I Love You (Jag älskar dig-en skilsmässokomedi) was launched on Swedish screens last Friday.    

For the Trailer I Love You CLICK HERE.