Why Jo Nesbø Was “Not Impressed” With Detective Hole Lead Actor Initially - The Screen Podcast

Why It Matters

Nesbø’s author‑driven, Norway‑centric adaptation shows that strong creative ownership can produce globally appealing, culturally authentic streaming series, setting a template for future literary‑to‑screen projects.

Key Takeaways

• Nesbø insisted series stay Norwegian with Oslo setting.
• He wrote all nine episodes solo, avoiding writer’s room.
• Chose fifth novel “Devil Star” to launch series.
• Tobias Santelmann impressed after second screen test, became Harry.
• Directors’ creative freedom balanced with Nesbø’s hands‑off approach.

Summary

The Screen Podcast episode features Jo Nesbø, the bestselling Norwegian novelist‑turned‑showrunner, discussing the launch of the Netflix crime drama Detective Hole. He explains why the series had to be filmed in Oslo with an all‑Norwegian cast, a condition he secured from Universal and Netflix before green‑lighting the project.

Nesbø chose the fifth novel, Devil Star, as the series’ entry point because it fully defines Harry Hole and makes Oslo itself a character. He wrote the nine‑episode arc alone, rejecting the traditional writer’s‑room model, and relied on gut instinct rather than detailed outlines. The decision to keep the production Norwegian and to adapt a later book reflects both practical rights considerations and creative timing.

A memorable moment comes when Nesbø admits the initial screen test with lead actor Tobias Santelmann was disappointing; the actor was “too nice, too sympathetic, too good‑looking.” After a second test, Santelmann delivered a performance that “blew everybody away,” securing the role. Nesbø also notes his willingness to let directors and actors shape the material, saying he respects their vision and prefers to stay hands‑off.

The series demonstrates how an author can successfully helm a television adaptation, preserving cultural authenticity while leveraging Netflix’s global platform. Nesbø’s hands‑on yet flexible approach may encourage other creators to retain creative control, potentially expanding the market for localized, high‑budget streaming content.

Original Description

In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, Norwegian author and screenwriter Jo Nesbø discusses his Netflix series Detective Hole.

Host Wendy Mitchell talks to Jo about how he transformed his novel into a nine-episode series and why star Tobias Santelmann almost lost out on the lead role.

“Tobias in the first screen test, we were not too impressed,” the writer revealed. “It was a bit disappointing because he was our first choice. He was on top of our list. But the thing about Tobias is that he’s too nice.

“So, we went through some of the other best male actors in Norway and we were getting close to a decision. Then the director, Øystein [Karlsen], asked me, you know, maybe we should have Tobias have one more go at it.”

Nesbo also discussed his previously adapted novel The Snowman, which was adapted into a feature film by other writers and received poor reviews from the critics.

Finally, the author explains why the ‘Nordic Noir’ label does not bother him and whether the market for thriller series has become oversaturated.

The Screen Podcast is hosted by Wendy Mitchell and produced by Ellie Calnan. New episodes every Thursday.