Poster · fair useTV › Beartown
Beartown 2020
Beartown is a five-episode 2020 drama series directed by Peter Grönlund. It is based on Fredrik Backman's 2016 novel of the same name and focuses on the consequences of a violent clash between two teenagers in a small, economically struggling town in Northern Sweden, where hockey plays a central role beyond being just a game. The main cast includes Ulf Stenberg, , Oliver Dufåker, Aliette Opheim, and Tobias Zilliacus.
Filmlance International, recognized for co-producing The Bridge (2011–2018), acquired the rights to Backman’s novel in 2017. The following year, HBO Europe confirmed that the series had been approved for production, marking it as their second Swedish project. Bonnie Skoog Feeney and Mattias Arehn were responsible for producing the show through Filmlance. Screenwriters Anders Weidemann, Antonia Pyk, and Linn Gottfridsson adapted the story for television. Casting required hockey experience, with casting director contacting schools and clubs across Northern Sweden. Principal filming occurred in Gällivare, Norrbotten County, from February to May 2019 over 72 days. Post-production was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first two episodes of Beartown aired on 18 October 2020 on HBO Nordic, with the remaining three released weekly until 8 November. The series also appeared in North America through Max on 22 February 2021. Critics responded positively to the show, noting Grönlund’s direction, the accurate depiction of hockey, and the acting performances. Beartown was nominated for Best TV Drama at Kristallen 2021. Stenberg and Ingrid received individual nominations for Best Lead Actor and Actress, respectively. The original soundtrack also earned recognition, with Johan Testad being nominated for the HARPA Nordic Film Composer Award.
Cast
- Tobias ZilliacusMats Erdahl: Kevin's demanding and aloof father
- Charlotta JonssonMaggan Lyt: Niklas and William's hockey-obsessed mother
- Otto FahlgrenBenji Ovich: the [[Enforcer
- Alfons NordbergWilliam Lyt: the [[Pest
- Erik LundqvistBobo: the largest member of the junior hockey team
- Rasmus KarlssonFilip: a member of the junior hockey team
- Sanna NiemiAna: Maya's new friend from school
- Frida SandbergNicki: Kevin's mother
- Hans BlombergRobban: a member of the adult hockey team and an old friend of Peter's
- Gustav LindhLukas: a young bartender whom Benji is secretly seeing
- Mustapha AarabZack: Amat's friend
Crew
- Director
- Peter Grönlund
- Writer
- Anders Weidemann, Antonia Pyk, Linn Gottfridsson
- Producer
- Bonnie Skoog Feeney, Mattias Arehn
- Music
- Johan Testad
Details
- Production
- Filmlance International
- Network
- HBO Nordic