09/06/2023 - Directed by Aleksi Mäkelä, the show is set against the backdrop of the titular picturesque Finnish coastal town and revolves around a particularly enigmatic character

Actors Matti Ristinen and Mimosa Wallamo on the set of Murder in Hanko

Earlier this month, Banijay Nordic announced the making of a new original series from scripted label Jarowskij Finland, titled Murder in Hanko. The ten-part show is based on the renowned character Ruben Waara, created by Matti Remes, who features in many of his acclaimed novels.

Murder in Hanko is penned by Eriikka Etholén-Paju and directed by Aleksi Mäkelä. The Helsinki-born helmer is best known for having directed features such as Häjyt (1999), Bad Boys – A True Story [+see also:
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film profile] (2003), Vares: Private Eye [+see also:
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film profile] (2004) and Matti: Hell Is for Heroes [+see also:
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film profile] (2006).

The series is set against the backdrop of the titular picturesque Finnish coastal town. It revolves around the enigmatic character of Ruben Waara, here portrayed by Matti Ristinen (King of Hearts). A charismatic but somewhat aimless bachelor who recently turned 50, Ruben sells his company and returns to his hometown for the summer. Things take a turn when Ruben’s estranged daughter Vera (Mimosa Willamo), a dedicated police officer in Hanko, finds herself entangled in a murder investigation on the very day of Ruben’s arrival.

Speaking about the project, executive producer Teea Hyytiä said: “Murder in Hanko is a story of familial bonds as the father-daughter duo untangles the mysterious murder, uncovering secrets and delving into the intriguing power dynamics of Hanko’s influential families. This is a warm and witty series, and we believe the charming plot and stunning coastal setting will captivate audiences both here in Finland and internationally with Banijay Rights.”

Production of the series is now under way. It is scheduled to air on Nelonen and Ruutu in spring 2024 and will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.