Lasse Hallström to Direct The Hypnotist

The 2009 Swedish bestseller The Hypnotist, a thriller by Lars Kepler published by Albert Bonniers Förlag, will be the first Swedish feature film from director Lasse Hallström in 24 years. The film will be produced by AB Svensk Filmindustri and Sonet Film AB, with producers Börje Hansson, Peter Possne and Bertil Ohlsson.

Hallström is known for a string of international hits and cult favorites, including films such as What's Eating Gilbert Grape? Something to Talk About, The Cider House Rules, Chocolat, An Unfinished Life, Casanova, The Hoax and Dear John.

Principal shooting of The Hypnotist will start during the winter of 2011/2012 and the film is the first out in a planned series of films based on the writer-pseudonym-duo Lars Kepler's (Alexandra and Alexander Ahndoril) novels about Detective Inspector Joona Linna. The book, published in paperback by Månpocket, was sold by Bonnier Group Agency to more than 30 countries. The Hypnotist is planned for a fall 2012 Swedish theatrical release. 

"This is without doubt a dream project coming true," says Possne. "The Hypnotist is a fantastic crime novel and to have Lasse Hallström on board as the director is very exciting. We are extremely happy and proud to take on this project with Lasse and that Bertil Ohlsson agreed to produce it together with us."