Gustaf Skarsgård, an actor known for his role in the television series “Vikings,” has commenced production on his first feature film as a director. The project is a psychological horror film titled “The Cannibal,” written by Peter Birro. Production began earlier this week on Fårö, an island off Sweden’s east coast, and is scheduled to continue through the end of November. Filming will take place at locations associated with filmmaker Ingmar Bergman’s estate, to which the production has secured access through the Bergman Estate on Fårö Foundation, as well as additional locations in West Sweden.
The film centers on a screenwriter named David, portrayed by Ardalan Esmaili, who travels to Fårö seeking creative inspiration during a period of professional stagnation. The character is drawn back to the island where he previously spent time as a guest of Bergman, attempting to rekindle ideas for a screenplay about the legendary director’s life. Claes Ljungmark has been cast to play Bergman himself. According to the project description, the protagonist becomes entangled in increasingly disturbing supernatural occurrences that prevent him from completing his work, ultimately trapping him on the island and forcing a confrontation with Bergman.
Skarsgård described his directorial approach as an attempt to work within the artistic framework established by Bergman while simultaneously breaking free from his influence. Screenwriter Birro noted that the project draws on a personal encounter he had with Bergman decades earlier. Producer Martin Persson characterized the film as an exploration of the sacrifices artists are willing to make in pursuit of their craft.
The production involves multiple Swedish production companies and organizations, including Anagram, Film i Väst, and the Swedish Film Institute. Scanbox Entertainment holds distribution rights in Scandinavian territories, while international sales representation remains to be determined. Skarsgård’s recent acting work includes appearances in “Oppenheimer” and the Oscar-nominated film “Evil,” with additional projects in development.
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