The Danish film The Last Viking (Den sidste viking), directed by Anders Thomas Jensen and starring Mads Mikkelsen, has been selected for the official programme of the 2025 Venice Film Festival. The film will screen out of competition, according to a press release issued by Have Kommunikation.
This marks the first time that a film by Anders Thomas Jensen, known for his darkly comic storytelling and ensemble casts, is included in the prestigious Italian festival, which will take place from 27 August to 6 September.
A stellar Danish cast
Den sidste viking features a star-studded lineup of Danish actors. Alongside Mikkelsen, the cast includes Nikolaj Lie Kaas in the lead role, supported by Lars Brygman, Bodil Jørgensen, Søren Malling, Nicolas Bro, Lars Ranthe, and Sofie Gråbøl.
The film follows Anker (played by Lie Kaas), who is released after 14 years in prison for robbery. The only person who knows where the stolen money is hidden is Anker’s brother Manfred (played by Mikkelsen). However, Manfred is now suffering from a mental illness that has erased his memory of the hiding place.
A milestone for Danish cinema
Although Jensen is a well-known figure in Danish cinema, this is his Venice debut, marking a new milestone in his career. Mikkelsen, who has previously gained international acclaim for performances in Another Round and The Hunt, returns to collaborate with Jensen in what promises to be a psychologically nuanced drama.
With its selection, The Last Viking strengthens Denmark’s presence in the European film festival circuit, underlining the vitality and international reach of Nordic cinema.
