Benedict Cumberbatch is set to replace Tom Hardy in the upcoming film adaptation of Jo Nesbø’s crime thriller Blood on Snow. Originally, Hardy was attached to star and produce, but scheduling conflicts forced him to step away.
Now, Cumberbatch will star alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson, with Cary Fukunaga (No Time To Die) directing the project.
What Is Blood on Snow About?
- Blood on Snow is a 2015 Norwegian crime novel by Jo Nesbø.
- The story follows Olav Johansen, a hitman and mob fixer caught in a dangerous web of crime, betrayal, and survival.
- The film adaptation has been in development since before the book’s release, with past interest from Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire.
Cast & Characters
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson – Playing Olav Johansen, the film’s hitman protagonist.
- Benedict Cumberbatch – Expected to play the Fisherman, a rival crime boss to Olav’s employer.
- Eva Green, Emma Laird, and Ben Mendelsohn – Also confirmed in undisclosed roles.
Cumberbatch’s casting brings a new dynamic to the film, as he has excelled in dark, intense roles like:
- Khan in Star Trek Into Darkness
- Phil Burbank in The Power of the Dog
- Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock
While Hardy’s departure is disappointing, Cumberbatch’s reputation for playing complex, chilling characters makes him a perfect replacement.
Could This Lead to a Sequel?
- Blood on Snow has a loosely connected sequel, Midnight Sun, which features another hitman on the run from the Fisherman (Cumberbatch’s expected role).
- Midnight Sun was previously adapted as 2022’s The Hanging Sun, but a more faithful sequel could be developed if Blood on Snow performs well.
Why Blood on Snow Could Be a Hit
Directed by Cary Fukunaga (No Time To Die, True Detective).
Jo Nesbø’s books are highly popular, with past adaptations including:
- The Snowman (2017)
- Killer Heat (2024, Prime Video).
✔ Strong cast with Taylor-Johnson, Cumberbatch, and Eva Green.
With crime thrillers gaining popularity, Blood on Snow has the potential to become a major success—and possibly even a franchise.
