Jo Nesbø Reveals Secrets Behind ‘Detective Hole’ Series

Jo Nesbø Discusses ‘Detective Hole’ Series Adaptation

Author Jo Nesbø recently shared insights into the long-awaited television adaptation of his popular Harry Hole detective series, now titled ‘Detective Hole’. Speaking about the show, Nesbø revealed that the delay in bringing the gritty Norwegian detective to the screen was not due to a lack of interest, but rather a strategic decision to ensure the story could be told in its full scope.

The transition from page to screen was a deliberate choice, with Nesbø himself taking on significant roles in the production. “When we started talking about a TV series, I got interested to participate because then it would be a 10-hour story instead of a two-hour story,” Nesbø explained. He also stepped in as a scriptwriter and later as the showrunner, a move he likened to guiding his own creation rather than handing it over to someone else.

Casting Harry Hole: A Reader’s Dream?

Fans, like the interviewer, often imagine their own perfect casting for beloved characters. Nesbø acknowledged this, stating, “I always figured that you know it’s impossible to cast a perfect Harry because there are so many Harry Hol in the heads of the readers out there.” However, he expressed pleasure when the chosen actor for Harry Hole met expectations.

The actor playing Harry, Tobias Santelmann, faced initial doubts due to being perceived as too good-looking and perhaps too nice for the dark role. “We figured he’s too good-looking. He’s he’s a too nice of a guy,” Nesbø recalled. Despite this, Santelmann’s second screen test convinced the production team. “He did a just a wonderful screen test,” Nesbø added. The actor’s popularity was further highlighted by a poll in a major Norwegian newspaper, where he received overwhelming reader support.

Music as a Character in Nesbø’s World

A signature element in Nesbø’s novels is the integration of music, which often serves as another character. Nesbø sees music as a powerful tool for character description. “The music that you listen to, it says something about your personality, not necessarily who you are, but also who you want to be perceived as,” he noted.

Nesbø himself has a diverse musical taste, ranging from The Beatles, his all-time favorite, to artists like Joy Division, Slipknot, and Johnny Cash. This broad appreciation reflects the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of his characters.

The Dark Heart of ‘Detective Hole’ Remains

One of the most praised aspects of the series is its commitment to the dark and often violent tone of the books. Nesbø emphasized that maintaining the integrity of the novels’ DNA was crucial. “The DNA of the novel was also that you could see it on screen,” he stated.

The showrunners aimed to create a heightened version of Oslo, a “Gotham City version,” as Nesbø put it, with both grittier and glossier elements. This visual style, along with the unflinching portrayal of violence, was a key element that Netflix and Universal embraced. “It’s the real Harry,” Nesbø asserted, confirming the show’s dedication to its source material’s essence.

Why Book Five? The Perfect Starting Point

The series chooses to adapt Nesbø’s fifth Harry Hole novel, ‘The Devil and His Kin’, rather than following a chronological order. Nesbø explained this decision by highlighting that this book firmly established Harry within the classic detective genre.

“Oslo is established as a character. The people around him have been established,” Nesbø said. Earlier books, he felt, were more like detours, exploring themes or settings that might not translate as effectively to a global audience. He preferred to start with a story that felt like a more typical “whodunit” crime narrative, ensuring a strong entry point for new viewers.

A Glimpse into the Plot

Describing the series’ premise, Nesbø offered a brief but compelling summary. The story begins with Harry investigating a bank robbery where a teller is inexplicably shot. This initial mystery leads Harry and his corrupt colleague, Tom Willy, into a murder investigation involving a serial killer targeting women.

The series also delves into Harry’s personal struggles, particularly his battle with alcoholism. “At this point, Harry being an alcoholic again has lost it and started drinking,” Nesbø mentioned. A significant part of the narrative focuses on Harry’s journey to overcome his addiction and get back on his feet, adding another layer of complexity to the detective’s character.

Handling Addiction with Sensitivity

Nesbø praised the sensitive portrayal of Harry’s struggles with alcohol addiction in the series. He noted that the scenes depicting Harry’s internal conflict were handled with care, avoiding melodrama. “I thought very sensitively done, very nicely handled,” he commented.

The author explained that addiction is a core element of Harry’s character, his Achilles’ heel. Harry’s self-destructive tendencies stem from past trauma and the loss of loved ones. His current relationship, with a woman he considers the love of his life, is shadowed by his fear of losing her, a fear exacerbated by his association with him. This exploration of his pain and fear adds depth to his alcoholism.

From ‘Lord of the Flies’ to Literary Success

Nesbø’s own literary journey began at a young age, sparked by the striking cover of William Golding’s ‘Lord of the Flies’. The image of a pig’s head on a stake captivated him, igniting his interest in reading and storytelling.

He recalled his father reading the book to him and his surprisingly critical early reaction: “This William Golden guy, he’s obviously has a talent, but this was a bit boring here and there.” This early, high standard set by a six-year-old Nesbø foreshadowed his own successful career, which has far exceeded those initial expectations.

Source: How Harry Hole Was Cast In ‘Detective Hole’ | Jo Nesbø (YouTube)