EFM 2011: Magnolia Scoop Rights To Norwegian Crime Thriller HEADHUNTERS

If Magnolia continues on their currrent path they're going to own all of Scandinavia by the end of the European Film Market.

Hot on the heels of announcing they have acquired Lars Von Trier's Melancholia it was also announced that Magnolia have picked up North American rights to Headhunters. A Norwegian crime thriller based on the hugely popular novel by Jo Nesbo - so popular that the author's name appears on the poster while director Morten Tyldum's does not - stars Max Manus lead and big time ScreenAnarchy favorite Aksel Hennie.

Roger is a man who seems to have it all: he is Norway's most successful Headhunter, married to the beautiful gallery-owner Diana, owns a magnificent villa - but living larger than he should. To keep up he is stealing art on the side. At a gallery opening, his wife introduces him to Clas Greve. Not only is he the perfect candidate for the CEO position of the GPS company Pathfinder that Roger is currently recruiting for; he is also in possession of a very valuable painting. Roger sees his chance to become financially independent, and starts planning his biggest hit ever. He soon runs into trouble - and it's not financial problems that are threatening to knock him over this time. The headhunt has begun. HEADHUNTERS is based on the bestselling book by author Jo Nesbø.

Hmmm ... Scandinavian crime novel turned into a high profile action thriller. The last couple times this happened the results were massive hits Snabba Cash and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. The hope here is obviously that those results can be duplicated and if the promo shown in the market - a four minute reel of rough footage that was absolutely fantastic - is any indication then that sort of success is certainly possible.

Check the first stills below.