Astrid Lindgren’s Bestselling Children’s Novel Is Getting Its First TV Adaptation

One of Astrid Lindgren’s most popular books is heading to the small screen on Apple TV.

I was so excited to read on Deadline that Apple TV is finally making a series out of The Brothers Lionheart! It’s based on the classic Swedish book by Lindgren, which I absolutely loved as a kid. Even better, Thomas Vinterberg – who won an Oscar, by the way – is going to direct every episode! He’s teaming up with Simon Stephens, a really talented writer who’s won both Tony and Olivier Awards, to actually create the series together. This sounds amazing!

I absolutely love The Brothers Lionheart! It’s a story that first came out in 1973, and it follows two brothers, Karl – everyone calls him Skorpan – and Jonatan Lejonhjärta, which means Lionheart. It’s so moving because Skorpan dies when he’s only thirteen, being a hero and saving his little brother from a fire. Then, after Skorpan himself passes away from an illness, he finds his way to this amazing place called Nangijala, and he gets to be with Jonatan again. It’s just a beautiful story about brotherhood and courage.

Nangijala initially seems like a perfect world, but it’s soon discovered to have a dark side. The valley of Törnrosdalen is controlled by the cruel Tengil, who uses the terrifying dragon Katla to keep everyone in fear. This won’t be the first time the story has been made into a live-action film or series.

Four years after it was published, The Brothers Lionheart was made into a movie, with Lars Söderhalh playing Skorpan and Staffan Götestam as Jonatan. Georg Årlin played the role of Tengil. Over the years, the story has also been adapted into several musical productions in Sweden.

Bringing The Brothers Lionheart to Apple TV is a great chance for kids today to discover one of Astrid Lindgren’s most beloved stories. Lindgren, a celebrated author who died in 2002 at the age of 94, has seen many of her popular children’s books adapted for television and film.

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2025-12-09 22:07