Mark Wahlberg and Apple Team Up for English-Language Remake of Norwegian Hit Headhunters

Apple Original Films is gearing up for an English-language remake of the acclaimed Norwegian dark comedy Headhunters, with Mark Wahlberg set to both star in and produce the project. The film will be based on Morten Tyldum’s 2011 thriller, which itself was adapted from the bestselling novel by Jo Nesbø.

The original Headhunters — known as Hodejegerne in Norway — premiered at the Locarno Film Festival and quickly became a major box office success. It starred Aksel Hennie as Roger Brown, a corporate recruiter who secretly steals valuable artwork to maintain his lavish lifestyle. Things take a dangerous turn when he targets the wrong man, played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, leading to a thrilling game of deception, violence, and survival.

Produced by Yellow Bird, AS Norge, and Friland Film, the 2011 film grossed around $8.9 million at the Norwegian box office and close to $20 million worldwide, making it one of Norway’s highest-grossing local hits of all time. You can read more about the original film here.

The new Headhunters remake is being developed under the Apple Original Films banner, with Apple Studios serving as producer. The screenplay is being adapted by Bill Dubuque, best known for his work on The Accountant franchise and the critically acclaimed Netflix series Ozark. His track record with complex, morally conflicted characters makes him an intriguing choice for this project.

This remake will also reunite Wahlberg with Apple, following their previous collaboration on the action-comedy The Family Plan, which now has a sequel, The Family Plan 2, in development. Apple’s growing focus on building a strong lineup of star-driven, big-budget films for both theaters and streaming platforms continues with this move.

Earlier this week, Apple Original Films also announced another high-profile remake — a modern version of the 1964 French adventure comedy That Man From Rio. The project will be directed by Justin Lin, best known for his work on the Fast & Furious franchise. Sydney Sweeney is set to star and serve as executive producer. The updated version is described as a contemporary reimagining of the Studio TF1 classic about a young soldier who travels to Rio de Janeiro to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend.

Apple Original Films has had a landmark year. Its Formula 1 drama F1: The Movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, became Apple’s most successful theatrical release to date. Starring Brad Pitt, Kerry Condon, Damson Idris, and Javier Bardem, the film has grossed over $630 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing original Hollywood release of 2025 and the biggest sports movie ever made. F1: The Movie is set to arrive on Apple TV+ on December 12.

For Apple, the Headhunters remake fits neatly into its strategy of blending prestige cinema with mainstream appeal, powered by A-list talent and globally recognized stories. With Wahlberg’s involvement, Dubuque’s writing, and Apple’s production muscle, this project could easily become one of the most anticipated thrillers in the studio’s expanding film lineup.

If it manages to capture the sharp wit and tense energy of the original, Apple and Wahlberg might just have another international hit on their hands.