According to the Danish literary agency, Krefeld had declined earlier offers from Hollywood, German and Danish film producers but was convinced by Zentropa’s creative package.

“I have previously said no because I didn’t feel that the right creative forces were attached. But I think that Christoffer Boe is one of the most talented directors in the world, with an incredibly exciting and attractive film language. I am therefore excited to see how the stories will turn out in his hands. Normally I am sceptical about book to screen adaptations, but I'm really looking forward to seeing this one,” said Krefeld.

Boe was attached to Zentropa’s 2018 thriller The Purity of Vengeance (Journal 64), based on the 4th book in the ‘Department Q’ series from best-selling novelist Jussi Adler Olsen, also represented by Politikens forlag.

Krefeld is a multi-awarded crime novelist, most well-known for the best-selling book series about private detective Ravn.

His trilogy book about police inspector Cecilie Mars consists of 'Mørket Kalder' (translated into English last May under the title ‘Darkness Calls’), 'Nattens udyr' and 'Bødlernes daggry' published last spring in Denmark.

“We are proud that Krefeld has entrusted us with his Cecilie Mars, a strong and exciting character that we look forward to redeeming in a crime series for the screens. We already have meetings with possible financial partners internationally and at home,” said Zentropa’s seasoned producer Karoline Leth (DNA, The Dreamer, The Legacy) in an official statement.

Asked to expand on the project, Leth told us she is in very early stages of development on the Cecilie Mars series and could not comment further.

Zentropa’s next big series set to premiere in 2024 is Thomas Vinterberg’s first long form drama Families Like Ours, ordered by TV2 Denmark and Canal+ Création Originale.