04/04/2025 - The six-part series set in the 1930s, directed by Hans Herbots and Matthias Lebeer, sees historical figures such as Salvador Dalí and René Magritte mingle with a mysterious serial killer

Pierre Gervais in This Is Not a Murder Mystery (© Panenka/Ilias van Bambost)

The upcoming series This Is Not a Murder Mystery, currently in post-production, promises to be a visually stunning six-part whodunit that blends classic mystery with surrealism, set against the backdrop of the flamboyant 1930s. Directed by Hans Herbots (The Serpent [+see also:
trailer
series profile], Riviera), the series interweaves historical figures and the art world with a mysterious serial killer on the loose. The narrative follows legendary surrealist artists Salvador Dalí and René Magritte, trapped in a mansion as bizarre and surreal events unfold. Created by Christophe Dirickx (Tabula Rasa) and Paul Baeten (Two Summers), the series is based on an original idea by Dirickx and Matthias Lebeer, who also co-directs.

Producer Kris Verschooten, of Belgium’s Panenka, describes the approach to bringing the 1930s to life as a careful balance between historical authenticity and surrealist flair. “We began by deeply immersing ourselves in the spirit of the 1930s – both visually and production-wise – aiming to ground the audience in the reality of the time,” Verschooten says. “Once that foundation had been established, we allowed ourselves dramaturgical freedom to infuse the narrative with elements that would surprise and enchant.”

Director Herbots elaborates on the visual choices that defined the series: “The costumes, props and set designs were often slightly larger than life, yet were still rooted in historical truth. This balance between authenticity and stylised exaggeration created a world that is both familiar and dreamlike, perfect for a story where mystery meets surrealism.”

At the heart of This Is Not a Murder Mystery are the larger-than-life personas of Dalí and Magritte, who serve as central characters in the mystery. Their contrasting personalities – Dalí’s flamboyant theatricality and Magritte’s more reserved demeanour – add a rich layer to the story. “Bringing together iconic figures like these gave us a rich, layered playground for both character and narrative,” says Verschooten. “These were not just artists; they were provocateurs, philosophers and performers.”

Herbots acknowledges the challenges of balancing historical figures with fictional intrigue. “The greatest challenge was honouring their legacy without turning them into caricatures,” he explains. “We researched their lives meticulously but ultimately allowed ourselves some creative licence to serve the emotional truth of the story. Our goal was not to recreate them exactly as they were, but to imagine how they might behave if drawn into a surreal whodunit, where logic breaks down and art becomes their instrument to find the truth.”

Support from the Council of Europe’s (CoE) Pilot Programme for Series Co-Productions was instrumental in bringing This Is Not a Murder Mystery to life. “Without this initiative, the realisation of the project would simply not have been possible,” says Verschooten. “It not only provided financial backing, but also served as a backbone for gathering production support and knowledge throughout Europe. It helped us find a strong and loyal co-producer in Deadpan Pictures in Ireland, where each partner brought essential knowledge, expertise and insights to the table, making the creative and production process richer along the way.”

Verschooten adds, “We are incredibly grateful to the CoE Pilot Programme for their trust in this project. Their support has been invaluable, and we look forward to sharing This Is Not a Murder Mystery with audiences worldwide.”

The series is a production by Belgium's Panenka, in co-production with VRT, RTL, Proximus, New8 and Ireland’s Deadpan Pictures. The series is supported by the aforementioned CoE Pilot Programme for Series Co-Productions, Creative Europe – MEDIA, the Flanders Audiovisual Fund (VAF), Screen Flanders, Screen Ireland, screen.brussels and the Belgian Tax Shelter, and will be distributed internationally by StudioCanal.