Prime Video has entered into a significant partnership with Scanbox Entertainment to develop a new slate of theatrical films and streaming series. The project is based on the Hamilton franchise, a bestselling Swedish espionage thriller created by author Jan Guillou. This collaboration aims to relaunch one of Scandinavia's most enduring spy franchises for a broader international audience.
The production of these new adaptations will be handled by Dramanation, a Swedish production company that is part of Scanbox Entertainment. They will work alongside Odeon Fiction, a German production house that operates under the Mediawan umbrella. This joint venture represents a strategic push to leverage established Nordic intellectual property across both cinema and digital platforms.
The character of Carl Hamilton, an elite Swedish intelligence officer, has a rich history on screen. Previous adaptations have featured prominent actors such as Stellan Skarsgård, Peter Stormare, and Mikael Persbrandt. A new actor is expected to take on the role in the upcoming projects, though specific casting choices have not yet been revealed.
Guillou's novels have achieved global success, with more than 10 million copies sold internationally. The stories follow a Swedish operative trained by the U.S. Navy SEALs as he navigates complex international espionage, covert missions, and shifting geopolitical alliances. The franchise has spawned numerous film and television adaptations over the decades, maintaining a steady presence in popular culture.
Patrick Nebout, who has executive produced projects like Midnight Sun and the previous Agent Hamilton television reboot starring Jakob Oftebro, will serve as an executive producer for Dramanation. He will be joined by Britta Meyermann, known for her work on Spy City and Deadwind, who will executive produce for Odeon Fiction. Both producers are bringing extensive experience in Nordic crime and thriller genres to the new slate.
Nebout emphasized the timeliness of the franchise in the current global climate. He noted that amid ongoing power shifts and rising chaos, the character feels more urgent and relevant than ever. He described Hamilton as a complex Scandinavian icon with true crossover appeal, adding that the character offers much more depth and political awareness than a simple action hero.
The vision for the new adaptations is to capture the nuances present in Guillou's original novels. The project will span feature films designed for theatrical release and television series intended for streaming. This dual approach reflects a strategy to build a broader screen franchise around the extensive literary universe created by the author.
Brad Morley, head of content acquisitions for the Nordics at Prime Video, stated that the franchise aligns with the streamer's goal of supporting locally rooted stories with global appeal. He expressed enthusiasm for bringing this iconic series to a new generation of viewers, highlighting the compelling nature of the character created by Guillou.
For Scanbox Entertainment, a division of the European distribution group Vuelta, the project offers a chance to combine its theatrical distribution capabilities with Prime Video's streaming reach. CEO Thor Sigurjonsson stated that the time is right to introduce the character to new audiences. He committed to giving the story the scale it deserves in both cinemas and home viewing environments.
The project is currently in active development, with announcements for casting, directors, and other key creative attachments expected in the coming months. Alongside the lead producers, Annica Bellander Rune, the local marketing and acquisitions manager at Scanbox, and Torben Thorup Jørgensen, the company's chief commercial officer, will also serve as executive producers. Prime Video's Morley will join them in this capacity.
