Mads Mikkelsen to Star in Survival Thriller ARCTIC

Armory Films, Union Entertainment Group and Pegasus Pictures announced today that Mads Mikkelsen (DR. STRANGE, STAR WARS, THE HUNT) is starring in the survival thriller ARCTIC, directed by Joe Penna. Co-written by Penna and Ryan Morrison, the film is being produced by Chris Lemole and Tim Zajaros of Armory Films and Noah C Haeussner of Union, and is being executive produced by Martha De Laurentiis, Einar Thorsteinsson and Cassian Elwes. The film also marks the first re-teaming of Mikkelsen and De Laurentiis since NBC’s “Hannibal.” Production is currently underway, with XYZ Films handling international sales.

 The story surrounds a man (Mikkelsen) stranded in the Arctic, who is finally about to receive his long awaited rescue.  However, after a tragic accident, his opportunity is lost and he must then decide whether to remain in the relative safety of his camp or embark on a deadly trek through the unknown for potential salvation.   

 “We love this script. It’s a very human story about struggle and survival. We couldn’t be happier to have a talent like Mads Mikkelsen. He gives the character a depth and humanity that is essential for a film like this. Ryan and Joe did a fantastic job with the script and Mads was able to bring it to life,” said Lemole.

 Iceland itself is a character in the film, which filmed outdoors, in the Icelandic Mountains, far from civilization, during one of its snowiest and coldest winters.  “As a group of American producers, our goal has been to access untouched scenery in an effort to create something truly special. Our partners at Pegasus Pictures (Game of Thrones) and the incredible Icelandic crew have made it possible, along with the amazing team at Armory and visionary producer Martha De Laurentiis,” said Haeussner.

 Mikkelsen most recently has been seen in two of the largest hits at the box office of 2016: ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY, where he played Death Star designer Galen Urso, and DOCTOR STRANGE, where he played Kaecilius. He is also known for playing Dr. Hannibal Lecter in TV’s “Hannibal” and past roles in CASINO ROYALE and THE HUNT.  Mikkelson is represented by UTA and managed by Ulrich Moeller-Joergensen of Art Management.

 Armory recently produced and financed the Sundance hit film MUDBOUND, which was the largest sale at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. The film stars Carey Mulligan, Jason Clarke, Jason Mitchell, Garrett Hedlund, Mary J. Blige and Jonathan Banks, was directed by Dee Rees, and will receive an Awards Season release by Netflix later this year.

 Joe Penna is a Brazilian director who has amassed nearly 3 million subscribers and over 360 million views for his short films and inventive music videos.  ARCTIC was written with Ryan Morrison.  The duo’s short films have been produced by Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Robert Kirkman, and David Alpert. Their latest project, TURNING POINT, was selected to be screened at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival.  They are repped by CAA and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush & Kaller

 Martha De Laurentiis is a prolific feature & television producer, most recently of the television series “Hannibal” for NBC and Gaumont International Television. Feature credits include FIRESTARTER, RAW DEAL, DESPERATE HOURS, BREAKDOWN, U-571, HANNIBAL, and RED DRAGON. The De Laurentiis Company is presently based on the Universal Pictures lot, where it has a long-standing first-look deal.