James R | On 17, Oct 2019

Netflix has given the green light to Anxious People, a new Swedish dramedy based on Fredrik Backman’s book of the same name.

Anxious People is an unreasonably riotous comedy about a hostage drama during an open house. A failed bank robber locks himself in with an over-enthusiastic real estate agent, two bitter IKEA-addicts, a pregnant woman, a suicidal multi-millionaire and a damn rabbit. In the end the robber gives up and lets everyone go, but when the police storm the apartment it is…empty.
In a series of dysfunctional testimonies afterwards, the witnesses all tell their version of what really happened, whereupon a classic puzzle mystery develops around the questions: How did the robber manage to escape? Why is everyone so angry? And: What is wrong with people these days?

Backman made his literary debut in 2012 with the global sensation A Man Called Ove. Wickedly funny, touching and wise, his novels are odysseys of the ordinary man and woman. His books have sold more than 12 million copies in 46 countries and the film adaptation of A Man Called Ove was nominated for two Academy Awards.

The series will be directed by Felix Herngren, creator and director of Bonus Family. The screenwriter is Camilla Ahlgren, the head writer of The Bridge and Netflix series Quicksand and the series is produced by FLX, the production company behind Quicksand.

“Fredrik Backman has a unique sense and ability to portray people and to find interesting stories that reflect Sweden. It will be a privilege to shape this amazing book together with Camilla Ahlgren. Furthermore, it feels great to continue our collaboration with Netflix, which will make this fantastic story come to life to the global audience,” says Felix Herngren.

”My wife and I feel that FLX has in the past few years shown a tremendous range not only in their comedies, but especially in their dramas, and so we are truly glad and proud that they wish to take on this particular story. Felix Herngren is an extraordinary storyteller with a unique sense of comedy who is a dream to work with. Camilla Ahlgren understands the fragile and messy parts of humans and writes real people, not just characters. This book could not be in better hands.” adds Backman.

Tesha Crawford, Director of International Originals Netflix Northern Europe, comments: “We are very happy to continue the great collaboration with FLX after launching our first Swedish series Quicksand earlier this year. It will be exciting to see how comedy and drama will come together in this new series, with Felix Herngren directing and Camilla Ahlgren writing. We really look forward to seeing how they will bring Fredrik Backman’s much loved story to life in a new and thrilling way.”

Anxious people will be produced by FLX, Fatima Varhos and executive producers Pontus Edgren and Martina Håkansson. Executive producers are also Fredrik Backman, Neda Backman and Tor Jonasson, from Salomonsson Agency.

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