As the highly anticipated series, Börje – The Journey of a Legend, prepares to launch on Viaplay in Canada and the Nordics on November 19, fans are eagerly awaiting the remarkable story of Swedish NHL Hall of Famer, Börje Salming. This six-part drama follows the iconic journey of Salming, who rose from obscurity in Swedish ice hockey to become a trailblazer for European athletes in North American sports. With a star-studded cast, including Valter Skarsgård as Salming and Jason Priestley as legendary talent scout Gerry McNamara, audiences can expect an enthralling portrayal of Salming’s rise to fame.
The first-look footage of Börje – The Journey of a Legend sets the tone with a classic ’70s beat, transporting viewers back to the era when Salming made his mark. Valter Skarsgård, known for his roles in The Playlist and A Class Apart, takes on the challenging role of portraying Salming with authenticity and depth. His performance, combined with the captivating voiceover by Jack Langedijk as Salming’s faithful kit man and close friend Smokey, promises to bring Salming’s journey to life on the screen.
One of the pivotal moments in Salming’s story is when Gerry McNamara, played by Jason Priestley, arrives in Stockholm to make the Swedish player an offer he can’t refuse. McNamara, a legendary talent scout for the Toronto Maple Leafs, recognizes Salming’s potential and is determined to bring him to Canada. The scenes set in the Sheraton Stockholm capture the excitement and anticipation surrounding this life-changing opportunity.
Love and Challenges
While the series focuses on Börje Salming’s career, it also delves into the personal life of the enigmatic sports legend. Hedda Stiernstedt delivers a remarkable performance as Margitta, Salming’s wife, who accompanies him to Canada. Stiernstedt’s portrayal captures the struggle and resilience of a woman navigating the unwritten rules and societal expectations of being married to an NHL player. This dynamic adds depth to the storyline and allows viewers to connect with the emotional journey of both Salming and his wife.
Börje – The Journey of a Legend also features a talented supporting cast, including A.C. Peterson as controversial Maple Leafs owner Harold Ballard, Oscar Skagerberg as Börje’s brother Stig Salming, and Pelle Holmström as hockey star Inge Hammarström. These characters play significant roles in Salming’s life, shaping his career and personal experiences. The depth and complexity brought to each character by the talented ensemble cast ensure a captivating viewing experience.
The series holds special significance as it pays tribute to Börje Salming, the first European inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Salming was actively involved in the production, providing Martin Bengtsson, the scriptwriter, with extensive interviews and feedback on key characters and significant locations. His commitment to the project, even coaching Valter Skarsgård during filming, showcases his dedication to preserving the authenticity of his remarkable story. Tragically, Salming passed away from ALS a year ago, making this series a poignant homage to his legacy.
Amir Chamdin, the director known for Canneseries winner Partisan, helms Börje – The Journey of a Legend. The series is produced by Johanna Wennerberg at Warner Bros International Television Production Sweden, with Sara Askelöf serving as the executive producer for Viaplay. With international sales rights held by Viaplay Content Distribution, the series aims to captivate audiences not only in the Nordics but also in Canada. The distribution strategy includes both weekly releases and binge-worthy availability to cater to different viewing preferences.
For Viaplay, Börje – The Journey of a Legend represents a major launch following significant restructuring within the company. With a renewed focus on its heartland territories and distribution, the streamer has made a conscious decision to prioritize Nordic productions over international originals. The strategic move aligns with Viaplay’s commitment to supporting local talent and providing audiences with authentic storytelling from the region. Canal+ and Norwegian media group Schibsted have also invested in Viaplay, highlighting the growing interest and recognition of the streaming platform.
Börje – The Journey of a Legend promises to be an extraordinary series that not only showcases Börje Salming’s groundbreaking career but also delves into the personal and emotional challenges he faced. With a talented cast, captivating storytelling, and a tribute to Salming’s enduring legacy, this series is set to captivate audiences across Canada and the Nordics. Prepare to embark on an incredible journey through the life of a legend in the NHL.