Kristofer Hivju to star in rom-com with Frida Hallgren

Kristofer Hivju will star opposite Frida Hallgren in True Love.

The Norwegian actor - who is best known for playing Tormund in Game of Thrones - and the As It Is in Heaven actress will take the lead roles in Martina Haag's upcoming Swedish-Croatian romantic comedy, which looks at finding love later in life.

Peter Arrhenius has worked on the script for the film, which sees Ellinor (Hallgren) lose faith in life after her marriage ends after 20 years.

But immediately afterwards, she wins €40 million, leaving her struggling more than ever to trust other people - until she meets master of deception Henrik (Hivju).

Martina and Peter said: “As both main characters are flawed and a bit extreme in the beginning of the film, it was important for us to find great actors that are warm and relatable: Real people in exaggerated situations, that we want to be with and see get better.

“Both Frida and Kristofer feel grounded and are capable of going from being extremely funny to super sensitive. And of course, the chemistry and dynamics between the actors is super important in a romantic comedy. If the spark isn’t there, it doesn’t matter how great the story is. We’re so happy to have Frida and Kristofer on board!”

Producers teased the film will allow fans to see Kristofer in a way he has never been seen before.

SF Studios producer Helen Ahlsson told Variety: “Frida is a wonderfully warm and talented actress, and one audiences have taken to their hearts over the years. Kristofer has never really played a romantic lead before, which was perhaps a new challenge he was very keen to take on. In this film, you’ll discover a new Hivju like you’ve never seen before."

Martina insisted making movies for mature audiences comes naturally to her.

She said: “I love stories about and for women – and men – over 50,” she said. “I really can’t understand why we don’t see more of them as a whole scope of relatable, life altering relationship questions appear after surviving Project Family and raising the kids. One being deceit and divorce – as in Little Did I Know – but also how to be able to trust and love again.

“This story is about that. Who we were, who we are, who we try to present ourself as, and who we really want to be. How can anyone dare to let their guard down and risk being hurt once again? We take that premise to the extreme in this film.”

And she didn't hesitate about teaming up with Peter again after their previous work on her directorial debut Little Did I Know.

She said: “It is rare to find a writing partner that both has a skillset that completes your own and at the same time can respect and see your own strengths, like the yin and the yang.

“Peter is very interested in structure and serves up a lot of drastic jokes and situations, while I tend to focus on grounding these ideas in character and ”what would a real person do in this situation.

“When that works, what you get is drastic, funny situations happening to characters that feels true. Real emotions without being kitchen-sink drama. We share that desire to both touch an audience, but in an entertaining way."

Filming will begin on 8 October, with True Love - a working title - due for release in autumn 2027.