Fremantle's Norwegian banner Monster, known for hit TV shows like 'Exit,' 'Furia,' and 'Pørni,' is set to present 'The Odesa Wrestlers' at Series Mania Forum's Co-Pro Pitching Sessions. The series, which has received development funding from Norwegian pubcaster NRK, marks the debut collaboration of celebrated Norwegian podcaster Joachim Førsund and actor Thorbjørn Harr as co-creators. Førsund is also the screenwriter, while Harr will serve as the episodic director.
'The Odesa Wrestlers' is a story set in the small town of Elverum in rural Norway, focusing on two young Ukrainian refugee brothers, Andriy and Mago, as they join a local wrestling team in pursuit of a better future. Their exceptional skills and unconventional methods disrupt the social order within the club, led by former world champion Willy, and the local youth community.
The creators aim to use the wrestling arena as a metaphor for global issues of nationalism and segregation. The series portrays a working-class environment in Elverum where status is highly valued. The arrival of the Ukrainian wrestlers challenges established norms, revealing underlying xenophobia and societal tensions.
Despite the serious themes, the creators emphasize that the series aims to offer a narrative of hope and reconciliation. They hope to engage viewers with thrilling and entertaining storytelling while prompting reflection on important social issues.
Producer Cathrine Simonsen plans to seek European co-producers and co-financiers for 'The Odesa Wrestlers' at the upcoming Co-Pro Pitching sessions. While production is expected to commence in late 2025, Monster has a busy year ahead with several other projects.
One of the highlights is the release of 'Furia 2' on Prime Video Nordics in April, a sequel to the popular political thriller created by Giermund Eriksen. Additionally, 'Holmlia Love,' inspired by a true story of a racist killing in Oslo, has begun production. The company's first Swedish show, 'The Scarab Flies at Dusk,' is also in the works, based on a children's literary classic.
Monster's commitment to creating meaningful and impactful content reflects the current demand for engaging stories that provoke thought and inspire positive change in viewers and society at large.
