A man named Otto – read the script of the remake of the Swedish blockbuster
A man named Otto is a directed comedy-drama Mark Forster (Dreamer, A boy with a kite), in which he plays the title role Tom Hanks. The story takes place in Pittsburgh and tells about a man who gave up being happy and kind to others because of mourning his wife who died of cancer. He would love to join his beloved in the afterlife. However, when he meets new neighbors, he undergoes a transformation. Fate shows him that he can be loved again.
This is the second film adaptation of Fredrik Backman’s best-selling novel A man named Ove. The first film was a Swedish production from 2015, directed by Hannes Holm. The title was nominated for an Oscar in two categories – for the best foreign language film and for the best make-up and haircuts.
David Magee wrote the screenplay based on Holm’s novel and film. In an interview with Deadline, Hanks praised the developers’ approach to this remake.
All we had to do was make sure [film] it was written and directed properly. So none of this would have happened if Dave Magee and Marc Forster hadn’t come along and said, “We think we know why we want to make this movie. Do you agree?” And thank God they agreed.
If you want to read Magee’s entire adapted screenplay (in English), you’ll find it at this link.
The cast includes Tom Hanks, Mariana Treviño, Rachel Keller, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Cameron Britton and Mike Birbiglia.
A man named Otto – premieres in Polish cinemas on January 27, 2023.
