On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, Norwegian author and screenwriter Jo Nesbo discusses his Netflix series Detective Hole.
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Host Wendy Mitchell talked to Nesbo about transforming his novel into a nine-episode series, his first time being a showrunner and why star Tobias Santelmann almost lost out on the lead role.
“Tobias in the first screen test, we were not too impressed,” the writer revealed. “It was a bit disappointing because he was our first choice. He was on top of our list. But the thing about Tobias is that he’s too nice.
“So, we went through some of the other best male actors in Norway and we were getting close to a decision. Then the director, Oystein [Karlsen], asked me, you know, maybe we should have Tobias have one more go at it.”
Nesbo also discussed his previously adapted novel The Snowman, which was adapted into a feature film by other writers and received poor reviews from the critics.
“I really have respect for the way [director Thomas Alfredson] fought for his vision, the way he wanted the movie,” he explained.
“It didn’t work as well as he had hoped. But doing this now, later, I guess that maybe Universal [who produced the series for Netflix] had some reflections about, and some thoughts about, what happened back then. I don’t.”
Finally, Nesbo shared his thoughts on the ‘Nordic Noir’ label and whether the market for thriller series has become oversaturated.
“As long as you have a take on that that resonates with other people and you can put that into a story, there’s room for that. There will always be room for good stories,” said Nesbo.
“There’s room for half-good stories also. There’s even room for bad stories. It’s just a matter of opinion.”
The Screen Podcast is hosted by Wendy Mitchell and produced by Ellie Calnan. New episodes every Thursday.
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