Benedict Cumberbatch is set to replace Tom Hardy in the upcoming movie adaptation of Jo Nesbø’s Blood on Snow. Plans for a movie adaptation of the 2015 Norwegian crime thriller had initially begun even prior to the book’s release, with Warner Bros. potentially eyeing Leonardo DiCaprio for the leading role. In 2017, Tobey Maguire later stepped in to purchase the rights to adapt the book, with the intention of having it become his own directorial debut. However, the project’s latest iteration will now see the movie helmed by No Time To Die director Cary Fukunaga.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, Cumberbatch has been selected to star alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the Blood on Snow role that was originally intended for Hardy. While it is known that Taylor-Johnson will be playing Nesbø’s protagonist, the hitman and mob fixer Olav Johansen, it is believed that Cumberbatch will be playing a rival to Taylor-Johnson’s employer, named the Fisherman. Hardy, who was originally onboard to both act and produce, was forced to step away due to scheduling issues. Other confirmed cast members also include Eva Green, Emma Laird, and Ben Mendelsohn.

What Cumberbatch’s Casting Means For Blood On Snow

Success May Even Lead To The Fisherman’s Potential Return

With Hardy’s collection of memorable gangster roles, including the real-life American mobster Al Capone and Peaky Blinders‘ Alfie Solomons, his original casting Blood on Snow seemed like a natural fit. However, while Cumberbatch may be best known for playing comic book sorcerers and highly astute detectives, he too has played more than his fair share of morally ambiguous roles throughout his career. Whether it be Star Trek: Into Darkness’ Khan Noonien Singh or the domineering rancher Phil Burbank in Netflix’s The Power of the Dog, Cumberbatch has also proven himself capable of playing intimidating characters.

Moreover, Nesbø’s original books could also potentially see Cumberbatch return for a second outing if Fukunaga’s Blood on Snow adaptation proves successful. With Nesbø having also penned a loosely connected sequel, dubbed Midnight Sun, which sees yet another hitman on the run from Cumberbatch’s purported role. Previously serving as the basis for 2022’s Italian-British movie, The Hanging Sun, a successful movie adaptation of Blood on Snow could potentially pave the way for a more faithful adaption with Cumberbatch returning as the Fisherman.

Our Take On Hardy’s Blood On Snow Replacement

Cumberbatch Is An Impressive Choice

As disappointing as the prospect of missing out on Hardy playing another intimidating crime boss, few viewers would consider Cumberbatch’s casting as anything other than a potential boon. With Nesbø’s other works currently forming the basis for a number of other English-language projects, including 2024’s Prime Video movie Killer Heat and 2017’s The Snowman, Fukunaga’s Blood on Snow adaptation is already shaping up to be a potential hit.

Source: THR