Content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces Jarowskij/Yellow Bird and Mastiff Sweden are co-developing a scripted interpretation of Björn Borg’s bestselling memoir Hjärtslag (Heartbeat). The adaptation will be helmed by internationally renowned filmmaker Jonas Åkerlund, one of Sweden’s most influential directors, known for his groundbreaking music videos for Madonna, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and The Rolling Stones, as well as films like Polar, Spun, Lord of Chaos and the Netflix series Clark.
Björn Borg says: “I’ve spent my entire life in matches – both on and off the court. Jonas wants to explore both sides, and I feel the time is right for that. He has the eye, the energy, and the courage to tell my story in his own way.”
Currently in development, the screen adaptation will explore Borg’s meteoric rise to tennis superstardom, including his unprecedented five consecutive Wimbledon titles, and his shocking decision to retire at just 26 years old. Based on Hjärtslag, published by Norstedts last month, the story delves into Borg’s life beyond the court, from childhood and tennis stardom to the years of financial collapse, media scrutiny, and personal reinvention.
Jonas Åkerlund, Writer/Director, says: “Everyone knows Björn Borg for his legendary moments on the court, for his fierce, unparalleled power as an athlete and icon. With his book, we finally dipped a toe into his enigmatic mind. But with this project, we’re canon-balling into the deep end.”
Mattias Olsson, Head of Creative at Mastiff Sweden, and Elin Kvist, Chief Executive Officer, Jarowskij/Yellow Bird say: “We are incredibly proud to have been entrusted with this unique story, about one of the greatest sports heroes of all time, Björn Borg. There’s only one person who can tell it, and that’s the cultural force of Jonas Åkerlund. This is going to be a memorable biopic that must be seen.”
Mastiff Sweden is behind ambitious formats like the recently announced TV4 culinary showdown 100 Knives, co-developed with Banijay Americas label Bunim/Murray Productions, as well as a long-running local version of Survivor, and Love is Blind Sweden, serving as the production partner for multiple Netflix adaptations. Meanwhile, high-end scripted production company Jarowskij/Yellow Bird has delivered successful productions like Diary of a Ditched Girl, A Nearly Normal Family, Millennium, The Restaurant, and the major upcoming reinterpretation of iconic detective Wallander.
Banijay Entertainment is the number one scripted studio in Europe, home to over 60 labels, producing more than 110 titles annually. Its global portfolio includes House of Guinness, Half Man, The Law According to Lidea Poet, Motor Valley, Montmartre, Carême, The Anatomy of a Moment and the Culpa trilogy. The Nordic slate includes Fallen, My Brother, Billionaire’s Island, Still Breathing, Supporting Actor and Murder in Hanko.
This project also reflects Banijay Entertainment’s growing expansion in sport storytelling, following the launch of Banijay Sports, and underscores its commitment to delivering a bold, cross-genre offering to audiences worldwide.
