Anders Thomas Jensen Stars in 'The Last Viking': A Darkly Humorous Tale of Redemption
First-look image for the dark comedy The Last Viking, written and directed by Anders Thomas Jensen.
The film stars Jensen’s frequent collaborators Mads Mikkelsen (Another Round, Fantastic Beasts) and Nikolaj Lie Kaas (Britannia), alongside Sofie Gråbøl ( The House That Jack Built). One of Denmark’s most anticipated titles this year, the Zentropa production has already sold rights in Spain (Avalon), Greece (Videorama), and Bulgaria (Beta Film). Earlier pre-sales included Neue Visionen for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, September Film for Benelux, Plaion for Italy; Estinfilm for the Baltics; Vertigo Media for Hungary, Best Film for Poland,Film Europe for Czech Republic and Slovakia; September Film Rights for Singapore; and Starcat Cable Network Co. for Japan. TrustNordisk will showcase new scenes at a promo reel presentation during Cannes market.
Sales director Nicolai Korsgaard expressed enthusiasm:
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see ‘The Last Viking’ continue to attract strong international interest. These latest sales demonstrate the film’s broad appeal and the talent behind it.”
Described as a “humorous, intriguing, and devious tale about identity,” the story follows Anker (Kaas), who emerges from 15 years in prison after a robbery. Only one person knows where the stolen money is buried — his brother Manfred (Mikkelsen) — who has since developed a mental illness affecting his memory. The brothers embark on an unexpected journey to find the money and explore their true selves. Jensen emphasizes that “every human being is more than one thing,” highlighting themes of identity, forgiveness, and understanding.
Jensen also praises Mikkelsen’s versatile performance, noting that his portrayal covers “many characters,” with a humorous nod that he might even be “the last Viking — though I hope not!” He adds that beyond their barbaric traits, Vikings embody virtues like responsibility and truthfulness.
Produced by Sisse Graum Jørgensen and Sidsel Hybschmann for Zentropa Entertainment 4, The Last Viking is a co-production with Zentropa Sweden and Film i Väst, supported by The Danish Film Institute, FilmFyn, Eurimages, Nordisk Film & TV Fond, The Swedish Film Institute, and Creative Europe Media Programme. It is in collaboration with TV2 and Nordisk Film Distribution. The film is scheduled for local release on October 9, 2025.
