Sky has found its new Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander, with David Oyelowo and Viola Prettejohn set to lead its upcoming adaptation of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Oyelowo will play journalist Mikael Blomkvist, while Prettejohn takes on the role of hacker Lisbeth Salander in the eight-part mystery thriller, based on the first novel in Stieg Larsson’s bestselling Millennium series.

The new Sky Original brings the story into the present day, keeping the central mystery, characters and investigative focus of Larsson’s novel. Filming begins in Lithuania next month, with the series exploring power, secrecy and misogyny in a modern digital world.

What Is The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Series About?

The series follows Blomkvist and Salander as they investigate the disappearance of Harriet Vanger, who vanished more than 30 years earlier from the secluded island home of one of Sweden’s most powerful industrial families. As they begin digging into the Vanger family’s past, the investigation leads them towards a threat that is much closer and more immediate than the decades-old mystery first suggests.

The themes of power, corruption, violence against women and secrecy will remain key to the series, but will be explored through a world shaped by modern technology and an increasingly connected society.

Who Is Playing Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist?

Viola Prettejohn will play Lisbeth Salander, with David Oyelowo starring opposite her as Mikael Blomkvist. Prettejohn has previously appeared in The Crown and The Testament of Ann Lee, while Oyelowo’s credits include Silo and Selma. Oyelowo will also serve as an executive producer on the series.

The roles of Lisbeth and Mikael have become closely associated with the Millennium franchise over the years, with the new adaptation aiming to introduce both characters to a new generation. Sky has described the pair as two of modern fiction’s most recognisable figures, with this version set to offer a fresh take while keeping the foundations of the original story intact.

Who Is Making The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo?

The series is written and executive produced by Amanda Coe, Steve Lightfoot and Angela LaManna. Reinaldo Marcus Green, whose credits include King Richard and Bob Marley: One Love, will serve as lead director and executive producer, with Andrea Harkin and Amy Neil also directing episodes.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is produced by Left Bank Pictures, the company behind The Crown and Dept. Q, in association with Jarowskij/Yellow Bird. Charlotte Moore, John Phillips and Sam Hoyle are among the executive producers, with Nuala O’Leary serving as series producer. Sony Pictures Television will handle international distribution.

When Will The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Be Released?

Sky has not announced a release date yet, with production set to begin in Lithuania next month. The series will be available on Sky in the UK and Ireland, as well as Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria, with further international distribution handled by Sony Pictures Television.

With filming only just about to get underway, it may be a while before we see the first footage or get a confirmed premiere date. For now, the lead cast and creative team are in place, and more details are likely to follow once production is further along.

For CultureCues, we have always loved The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, so we are very happy to see the story coming back with a new adaptation, and this is a strong casting choice for two such well-known characters. We also like that the series is keeping the core mystery from the first novel while bringing the story into the present day, and with Left Bank Pictures behind it and a strong creative team in place, we are very interested to see how this version comes together. We’re ready to follow Lisbeth and Mikael back down the rabbit hole.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo will air on Sky in the UK and Ireland.

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