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YEAR-AHEAD PREDICTIONS

SWEDIS

Mikael Persbrandt to up global supremacy bid

Sweden's pre-eminent actor on home soil has been making a little name for himself internationally and is likely to up his ante in 2014. Can he knock Stellan Skarsgård off his perch? asks The Local in our latest prediction for the new year.

Mikael Persbrandt to up global supremacy bid
Swedish actor Mikael Persbrandt. Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT

Mikael Persbrandt is a big fish swimming in the fairly small Swedish talent pool. Chances are if you turn on your TV set in Sweden you'll find him brooding in an episode of Beck or hogging the lead role in another local production. 

If it's a Swedish film chances are Persbrandt will be in it. Don't be surprised if he is retrospectively edited into Bergman films such is his dominance of the local Swedish drama scene.

He's even branched out into Danish movies starring in the Oscar winning 'In a better world.'

But like most actors Persbrandt wants international acclamation and has been stepping up his efforts to shake off the 'tough guy' persona. Mind you, a third instalment of the Hamilton series has been mooted with all the bulging biceps and pouting to boot.

He's got a small role in the latest Hobbit film where he plays a skin changing giant although he will have less than five minutes of screen time.

Director Peter Jackson said it was "wonderful" to work with Persbrandt and praised him for his commitment to the role.

Next year he will appear in another Danish film which also boasts Mads Mikkelsen as well as former Bond villain Jonathan Pryce and ex-footballer Eric Cantona.

Persbrandt is clearly a man in demand and at 50 may be just about to become the latest 'overnight' Swedish success story.

Stellan Skarsgård may need to watch out. Who wouldn't be a bit scared of a man who can change skin after all?  

The Local/pr 

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